Whether you have done research on AI and are considering turning your findings into a product, or you have an idea to develop a startup with AI as its core business, the Bridge to Market Program supports you quickly and unbureaucratically in evaluating if founding a company is the right path for you. The program focuses primarily on product and market validations as well as evaluating the technical feasibility of scientific AI models and data. In addition, other reviews, such as legal validations in terms of data protection, are also conceivable.
Interested teams of up to three members from the four participating institutions (TU Berlin, HU Berlin, FU Berlin, Charité - Berlin University of Medicine) as well as from other universities, on condition of residing in Berlin during the program and being accepted by one of our four partner incubators.
Up to three potential founders are supported over a period of 6 months. The sum of the possible funding is calculated from 10,000 EUR for material resources and scholarships for the founders. The amount of the respective scholarships depends on experience and educational level and can be of up to 3,000 EUR per month and founder. The funding is based on the EXIST founder scholarship. For detailed information contact us.
During the project, the project team will be supported by the teams of the startup centers of the four participating universities in reviewing the existing ideas, approaches and results for their product and market viability.
If the evaluation of the business idea is positive, further support by the teams of the incubators is possible, including the application for further funding such as EXIST start-up grant.
Applications can be submitted at any time. If you are interested, please apply via the following link.
There is a two-stage application process. First, experienced reviewers check whether the project described in the application form appears promising in terms of a startup and whether AI is sufficiently important for the business model. If the project outline is convincing, the applying team is invited to pitch to present the project in a second step. An independent jury decides on the acceptance into the program. Between the two evaluation rounds, additional consultation at one of our four incubators may be required.
Bridge-to-Market (B2M) is a six-months pre-incubation funding program that focuses primarily on product and market validation and on evaluating the technical feasibility of AI models and data.
The Pre-Incubator program Bridge-to-Market aims to develop the entrepreneurial and technical skills of teams who simply have an idea to start an artificial intelligence company. No specific business plan/model or MVP is required to apply for Bridge-to-Market. During the six-month pre-incubation phase, you will also receive financial support to develop your project.
The incubator programs are offered by our four incubation centers at TU Berlin, FU Berlin, HU Berlin and Charité. To be eligible to access them, you should meet their application requirements and apply for public funding such as EXIST or BSS through one of the incubation centers. Usually, teams applying for an incubator program have a clear idea of their business model and how they want to develop their product. The aim of such an incubation program is to incorporate the startup after the end of the program.
K.I.E.Z. also offers the opportunity to apply to the K.I.E.Z. Accelerator program twice a year. The program takes six months and supports young AI companies during the scaling of their business. The Accelerator offers a variety of services to startups. The offer is divided into two main categories from which startups can choose specific offers: Growth Hacks and Growth Foundation. At the end of the Accelerator program, there is a demo day where venture capitalists and other partners can watch the startups' pitches.
Yes.
No, this is not necessary. However, preference will be given to projects where there is a clear transfer from research to the market.
This funding program addresses anyone with (or close to) an academic degree who has an idea to develop an artificial intelligence-related product or business. However, being a pre-incubation program, Bridge-to-Market is ideal for those who wish to further develop their idea in terms of market and/or technology validation (e.g. possible Bridge-to-Market activities include conducting market research, identifying the initial target group, obtaining proof of concept).
No, you can apply to Bridge-to-Market throughout the year.
Six months.
No, this is not foreseen.
Yes, participation in the program is at least part-time and attendance to a minimum number of workshops is mandatory.
Yes.
Unfortunately, not.
Participants will receive administrative and financial support from K.I.E.Z. as well as the use of facilities and office space by one of the incubation centers. The possible funding amount is calculated from material resources of up to 10,000 euros plus the additional scholarships for the founders. The amount of the respective scholarships depends on experience and educational level:
In addition, comparable to EXIST, child bonus supplements of up to 150 EUR per month and child are granted.
The scholarship is not an employment contract, therefore income tax, social security contributions, etc. must be deducted from the scholarship. This must be done by the founders. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor as early as possible.
Yes. However, it is recommended to apply in the last semester of your degree program, also with regard to the mandatory participation in Bridge-to-Market (at least 50 % attendance required).
This can be accepted in exceptional cases. It would be advisable to have at least one university graduate in the team.
Yes, this is possible on a part-time basis under specific conditions and upon discussion with the K.I.E.Z. team.
No, this is not possible.
Up to three people can be funded by the program.
Bridge-to-Market can also fund one-person projects
Yes, this is possible. Whilst a maximum of three team members are supported by Bridge-to-Market financially, this does not limit the number of founders.
The official language is German, hence it is useful to have an intermediate knowledge of German, but most of the program can also be conducted in English language.
This pre-funding program aims to help with the validation of ideas in terms of market and technology. If the evaluation of the business idea is positive, further support by the teams of the incubators is possible. This encompasses help with the application for further funding such as EXIST startup grant.
No, Bridge-to-Market is for very early-stage projects only, which are well before registration of a business.