RESPOND (BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt) – Accelerator Program
Global accelerator program by the BMW Foundation providing free support to early-stage deep/clean-tech startups over six months, focusing on validation and scaling, including two in-person events in Germany/Europe.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for entrepreneurs with innovative ecological, economic, and social solutions through a six-month accelerator program that accompanies them from idea validation to preparation for scaling.
Eligible expenses
- Participation fees
- Travel expenses for in-person events
Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Early-stage startup in the deep/clean-tech sector
- Focus on ecological, economic, or social impact
- Availability for two in-person events in Germany/Europe
Documents required for application
- Online application form
- Pitch deck
- Resumes of the founding team
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of Innovation
- Scaling Potential
- Impact Focus
- Leadership and Team Competence
Description
The RESPOND Accelerator Program of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt targets early-stage deep and clean tech startups aiming for ecological, economic, or social impact. Over a period of six months, founders receive comprehensive support from idea validation through to scaling preparation. The program is free of charge and does not take equity stakes, being fully funded through a 100% grant. Participants benefit from four intensive online sprints with expert coaching in the areas of business model, leadership, and impact strategy. Additionally, two in-person events are offered in Germany and Europe, with travel and participation fees fully covered. The curriculum fosters exchange within an international network of investors, industry leaders, and alumni, providing participants with visibility on global platforms such as conferences and professional publications.
The program is continuously open for applications and allows flexible submission via an online form. Selection criteria include innovation content, scaling potential, as well as leadership and team competence. Application documents include a pitch deck and the resumes of the founding team. Active availability for the two in-person events and a focus on profound technological solutions with demonstrable impact are prerequisites. Through close collaboration with UnternehmerTUM as the operational partner, startups gain access to additional resources from the TechFounders community. The accelerator’s goal is to accelerate impact-oriented business models and to integrate participants long-term into a global community of Responsible Leaders.
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