THE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Expand to one of Europe’s economically strongest areas
Although entering a new market is exciting and it opens new possibilities, it is also a challenge. But expanding internationally is important and we are helping you to take this difficult step. The Up2B Market Discovery program was created especially for international startups that are planning to expand to the German market.
You are looking into expanding to the German market?
Then this 4 week + 4 days program is for you!
Our program is divided into two parts – Bootcamp & Masterclass:
Bootcamp:
During 4 weeks we guide you through four digital workshops (17.7, 23.7, 25.7, 7.8, 2 hours) with the aim to find out if expanding to the German market is the right next step for you. You will get an overall overview of the market and region, focusing on your internationalization strategy and sales operations. At the end of the four weeks you will have your potential customers identified and know how to reach out to them.
Masterclass:
The masterclass will allow you to spent 4 days in Heidelberg and Mannheim to get a good look at the region, so you can decide if it fits your plans for international expansion.
Located in the Rhein-Neckar region in southwest Germany, both cities are a hotspot for international corporates and offer a huge potential for startups with a B2B and industry-tech focus. International companies like SAP, BASF, Daimler and Bosch are all located in this area. In addition to that, the region is famous for it’s highly innovative „Mittelstand“ (German for SME’s) and is considered one of the main drivers of Europe’s largest economy.
We will welcome you in one of our startups centers and accompany you for the four days filled with input sessions from expert coaches and a corporate speed dating. And after all the work is done, get a good sip of tasty German beer with us. We will show you around so you can get to know the region, our culture and lifestyle. Decide for yourself – but we strongly believe this is a great place to live and to do business.
YOUR BENEFITS
What Up2B Market Discovery offers you
Meet potential clients
Join coaching & workshops with B2B experts
Get access to the German market
THE MODALITIES
One week Accelerator program to get access to the German B2B market
You should apply if...
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You are an international startup that already succeeded abroad and you are planning to expand to the German market
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Your startup is operation in the field of IT, digitalization, Industry 4.0, deep-tech
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Your business is B2B-focused
What to expect?
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Introduction to the German market, lifestyle and culture
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Workshops to sharpen your know-how about the German market and business etiquette
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Coaching with experts on legal topics (e.g. forms of incorporation, taxes, employment laws)
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Exploration of potential office spaces in one of our startup centers
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Corporate speed dating to get your first pilot projects and customers in Germany
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Free participation
Program period
Bootcamp: 4 weeks, 2 hours per week
from 21 July - 4 August 2025
Masterclass: 6 - 10 October 2025
Application deadline
The application deadline is on June 29th 2025
Program location
The bootcamp will take place online, the masterclass takes place on site. The first two days will take place in Mannheim (MAFINEX Technologiezentrum, Julius-Hatry-Str. 1, 68163 Mannheim), the third and fourth day (September 28th and 29th) will take place in Heidelberg (BDC, Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Ring 5, 69124 Heidelberg).
Program costs
Since Up2B is funded by Startup BW and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism, the participation is free including food and beverages during the program on site. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
THE MENTORS
The mentors & experts you will meet
Mirko Twardy
Founder
Das Fördercafé
Anna Hüttl
Manager Startup ecosystem
NEXT MANNHEIM
Sven Birkner
Consultant Startups and SMEs
VR Bank Rhein-Neckar eG
MARKET DISCOVERY IMPRESSIONS
Get a feeling about the program
FAQ
Frequently asked about Up2B Market Discovery
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Who can apply?Startups with a with a B2B focus from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) , chemistry, energy, ...
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When is the application deadline?The deadline for applications is the 1st of June 2025.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?No, this program is for startups that are seeking a pre-seed or seed investment. If you haven't founded already "Up2B Exploration" is the right program for you.
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We only have a business idea and want to apply for the Fundraising?The focus of Fundraising is to support startups that want to scale and to get funded. For very early-stage startups we offer our program Up2B Exploration. If your startup is too early-stage for Fundraising, we will inform you.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Any other requirementsWe ask you to agree on a support agrrement that governs the mutual relationship between Up2B Accelerator and your companmy. Please finde this agreement attached
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus.
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When do you decide, if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?No. You need to be present as a team because we will have several coaching points that will strengthen and develop the startup team.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Which startups get into the masterclass?The bootcamp will end with a pitch competition. The best 8 Startups gain acces to the masterclass.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until October 16th, 2022 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?Yes, you can. We also consider startups with only one founder for the Product Booster program.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
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What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
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Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus. Furthermore, you have to fulfill the following criteria: your startup is less than 5 years old you want to take the next step from startup to scale up you have more than 10 employees your startup has 1-2 years of revenue and customer growth
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until January 23rd, 2022 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
-
Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?International (non-german) startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus. You should have already succeeded abroad and are planning to expand to the German market.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until 29 June 2025 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 2 months before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
-
Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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Who can apply?Startups from the fields of IT, digitalisation, industry 4.0, high-tech, big data or Internet of Things (IoT) with a B2B focus and the goal to improve their sales structures and processes.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until 2 February 2025 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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When do you decide if our team can participate in the program?We will select the attending startups about 3-4 weeks before the program starts. All startups will be notified via E-mail, if they have been selected or not. We might also contact you for an additional interview. At this point, you’ll still have the possibility to either accept or cancel your participation. Once you’ve accepted your participation, cancellation isn’t possible anymore.
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We have not founded the company yet. Can we also apply?Yes, we consider startups no matter if they have already founded a company or not. Nonetheless, the Sales Bootcamp makes more sense for startups that have already achieved product-market fit or have an MVP which is ready to be sold. If you are an early-stage startup our Breakthrough program might be better suited for you.
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I am the only founder in the company. Can I apply?Yes, you can. But in our selection of the participants we will prefer startups that have already achieved product-market fit or have an MVP which is ready to be sold.
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Is it necessary to be present at every program day for the whole team?At least one of you has to be present during the whole program period. No show is an exclusion criteria.
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Do we have to pay for the participation or give shares of our company?No, the program is free of charge or equity. The program is funded by Baden-Württemberg’s Startup BW campaign. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
-
What is the program language?English. All workshops, presentations and your pitches as well as your application have to be in English, since we expect also international participants. Some of our experts and mentors as well as investors are international, too.
-
Can I participate in several programs?Yes, of course! We are convinced of our programs and so are our alumni. That’s why we allow participation in several Up2B programs. Often we receive a lot of applications for one program, so we cannot guarantee you a safe participation in all programs.
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When is the application deadline?You can apply until January 21st, 2024 at 23:59. Unfortunately, we cannot accept further applications after this deadline.
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How do I add a new question & answer?To add a new FAQ follow these steps: 1. Click “Manage FAQs” button 2. From your site’s dashboard you can add, edit and manage all your questions and answers 3. Each question and answer should be added to a category 4. Save and publish.
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Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?Yes. To add media follow these steps: 1. Enter the app’s Settings 2. Click on the “Manage FAQs” button 3. Select the question you would like to add media to 4. When editing your answer click on the camera, video, or GIF icon 5. Add media from your library.
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How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.
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What is an FAQ section?An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?” It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.
TESTIMONIALS
What the participants say about Market Discovery
"The Up2B Market Discovery program is a fantastic starting point for a B2B Start-up to research Germany as a market and learn what it takes to execute. The program provides a much-needed holistic understanding of Germany in terms of the culture, the relevant market segments, the legal requirements & taxation procedures, connections to influential corporate customer, developing scalable processes, and investments."
Kaushik K Badrinath
Business Development Manager at CynLR
Get in touch!
Anna is your contact person for Up2B Market Discovery. If you have questions about the program, please don't hesitate to contact her. For further information, please also chceck our FAQs.
