arise

market

discovery

Accelerator

Accelerate your market entry in THE LÄND!

We are looking for deep-tech start-ups ready to scale up in Germany!

Entering a new market is challenging, but finding the right entry point makes all the difference.

Baden-Württemberg is an economic powerhouse and home to global hidden champions. We don’t just teach you about the market—we actively connect you with the people who buy from you.

  • Online Bootcamp (2 weeks)

    Prepare your entry into the German market remotely. Master the specific B2B sales cycles, prepare your sales materials, and ensure you meet all legal and regulatory requirements.

  • On-site masterclasses (1.5 days)

    Practise your market entry. Step straight into pre-arranged one-to-one matchmaking sessions with SME decision-makers and market experts, an exclusive visit to a traditional SME (Mittelstand) in the Black Forest, and investor networking.

Who is the Market Discovery Accelerator aimed at?

We are looking for ambitious, high-potential deep-tech start-ups from across the European Union and other German states who are ready to scale up their presence in Germany.

Start-up stage:
Pre-Seed to Seed stage. You should have a validated MVP or a strong proof of concept ready for deployment.

Your goal:
You want to set up secure pilot projects and build long-lasting strategic partnerships in south-west Germany.
You are looking for real customers, not just theoretical advice.

Target Sectors

  • Industry

    smartXautomation

    Our industry and corporate network for innovation in mechanical engineering, robotics, automation and AI.

    More information
  • Health

    smartXhealth

    Driving health tech innovation across a trinational network of clinics, care facilities and insurers.

    More information
  • smartXregion

    smartXregion

    Shaping the future of energy, infrastructure and mobility through our local government network.

    More information

Schedule

Online Session 1: The SmartX Ecosystems

26 November 2026

  • Introduction to the Baden-Württemberg market (THE LÄND) – is it the right next step for you?

  • What German SME customers expect and how to build trust

  • Take a deep dive into your specific target networks (smartXautomation, smartXhealth, smartXregion)

Online

Online Session 2: Targeting your market

26.11.2026

  • Understanding the specific sales cycles in German SMEs, hospitals and local authorities.

  • Defining your Ideal Customer Profile and Buyer Personas for the German market.

  • Market Positioning: Define exactly where and how your solution can scale within our ecosystem

Online

Online Session 4: Sales Strategy & Pitch

27 November 2026

  • Creating effective German sales materials to build trust and achieve success.

  • Pitching and outreach strategies for German industry and public sector clients.

  • Personalised pitch feedback from Arise coaches to prepare you for the on-site mentors.

Online

Online Session 3: Legal & Compliance

27.11.2026

  • Incorporation and setting up a branch in Germany (e.g., GmbH, taxes)

  • Regulatory requirements for market entry (e.g., GDPR for Smart City, MDR for Health)

  • Navigating and accessing regional state funding (e.g., Start-up BW PreSeed)

Online

ONSITE Masterclass 1: Regional SME Visit

03.12.2026

  • Exclusive on-site visit to a regional, traditional SME (Mittelstand) in the Black Forest area.

  • Experience the operational realities and innovation needs of German industry at first hand.

  • Direct exchange and networking with local technical and business decision-makers.

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ONSITE Masterclass 2: Mentoring & Matchmaking

26.11.2026

  • Take part in pre-arranged one-to-one sessions with our top-tier Arise mentors.

  • Mentors act as direct gatekeepers to assess the feasibility of pilot projects.

  • Focus purely on business development and establishing actual partnerships.

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Your experts

  • Dr Jochen Haller

    Senior Advisor & Start-up Scout at BadenCampus

    Expertise: fundraising strategy, investor network, financial planning

  • Uziel Zontag

    Senior Consultant at smartXautomation,
    , BadenCampus

    Expertise: Smart Automation & AI, Digital Strategy, Corporate Venturing

  • Dr Raphael Klesen

    Lawyer & Partner

    Friedrich Graf von Westphalen

    Expertise: Corporate finance, start-up financing, ESOP/VSOP

  • Malaika Lauk

    Senior Consultant, Health, Lauk Ventures GmbH & BadenCampus

    Expertise: Go-to-market strategies, regulatory requirements, clinical trials

  • Fabiola Hartung-Linz

    Business Development Manager, MedTech

    SEQLY & M&M Software

    Expertise: Regulatory requirements, valuation and milestone planning

  • Sebastian Piringer

    Senior Consultant, Smart Region BadenCampus

Key benefits for you

  • Extensive industry network

    A comprehensive industry network through strong, collaborative partnerships with SMEs across and beyond the region.

  • Strong healthcare ecosystem

    Driving a strong healthcare ecosystem through close collaboration with clinics, health insurers and industry partners.

  • Access to over 40 local authorities

    Strong links to local authorities and innovation leaders in the public sector.

  • Mentors as Door-Openers

    Mentors as Door-Openers

    Our mentors don’t just give advice; they evaluate your MVP for direct implementation in their own clinics, cities or companies.

  • Maximum Impact, Minimum Travel

    Maximum Impact, Minimum Travel

    Designed for busy international founders. Complete the strategic preparation remotely and travel for just 1.5 days for high-impact matchmaking.

  • Venture Capital and Funding

    Venture Capital & Funding

    Direct access to BadenCampus Invest, business angels and regional government grants.

>>> Apply now

>>> Apply now

 

Your Accelerator Experts

We help you take your idea to the next level and look forward to hearing from you.

Get in touch with Stefan.