{"id":1712,"date":"2026-03-12T14:32:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T14:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/accelerator-programm\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T16:10:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T16:10:54","slug":"accelerator-programm","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/accelerator-programm\/","title":{"rendered":"Accelerator Programm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center\" style=\"min-height:608px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6 size-large has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/accelerator_header.jpg)\"><\/div><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-background-color has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-da13d215 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-site-logo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/\" class=\"custom-logo-link\" rel=\"home\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"78\" height=\"78\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white.png\" class=\"custom-logo\" alt=\"HIGH-TECH.NRW\" srcset=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white.png 2098w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Logo_Q_HTNRW_white-2048x2048.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 78px) 100vw, 78px\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n<nav class=\"has-text-color has-base-color has-medium-font-size is-responsive items-justified-left no-wrap wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-f17cfe79 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button 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tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container has-text-color has-base-color has-medium-font-size is-responsive items-justified-left no-wrap wp-block-navigation\"><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-medium-font-size has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/accelerator-programm\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">ACCELERATOR<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"ACCELERATOR submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" style=\"background-color:#1c196b\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container has-background wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/accelerator-programm\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Accelerator Programm<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/start-ups\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Start-ups<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/mentoren\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Mentoren<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/about-us\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">About Us<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-medium-font-size has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/anmeldung-start-ups\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">PLATTFORM<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"PLATTFORM submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" style=\"background-color:#1c196b\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container has-background wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/batches\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Batches<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/network\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Network<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/event-anmeldung\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Demo Day<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/high-tech-nrw\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/high-tech-nrw\/<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:119px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-default\" style=\"font-size:clamp(1.301rem, 1.301rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 1.253), 2.1rem);\"><strong>Venture Acceleration<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Intensive 12-week accelerator program for early-stage high-tech startups with HIGH-TECH.NRW<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignfull is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2aa4c8e5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-large-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/anmeldung-start-ups\/\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Apply now!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0c83ca4b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" style=\"line-height:1.7\">We get it!<br>With our technological expertise and decades of experience, we can help you\u2014with solutions that are tailored, streamlined, and personalized.<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Introductions to experienced <strong>mentors, coaches, investors, and industry experts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Networking with selected <strong>industry partners, technology experts, and financial experts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Thematic <strong>workshops, training sessions, and learning modules<\/strong>\u2014on demand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You\u2019ll receive feedback from the organizers during regular <strong>review meetings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Peer-to-peer <strong>exchange of experiences<\/strong> with other startups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">On <strong>Demo Day<\/strong>, you\u2019ll pitch to an expert audience from the worlds of business, academia, and politics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You\u2019ll automatically become part of the HIGH-TECH.NRW <strong>alumni network<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:980px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6 size-large has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/accelerator_header.jpg)\"><\/div><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-background-color has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:85px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-831b2db5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b61a1d7d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:40px;border-top-left-radius:30px;border-top-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-left-radius:30px;border-bottom-right-radius:30px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3c438225ee990e4bd83f51f7b545f586\"><strong>What deep-tech ventures really need\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:64px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d6f8ae62 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:30px;border-top-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-left-radius:30px;border-bottom-right-radius:30px;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/icon_network_2_inv.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1905081207484716;width:148px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-cee097396013c879155235edee67defe\">Networking &amp; Contacts<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-439c6893053066ef82a01a447a9923d5 wp-block-paragraph\">Connect with select corporations, potential customers, collaboration partners, and influencers to discuss the applications and potential of your solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/icon_growth_inv.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1905092069757415;width:152px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-db0aca163982b5e8161ac88a6922397c\">Entrepreneurial Experience<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-07deef809ae2b429930f032c4f4384ea wp-block-paragraph\">Have in-depth discussions with experienced entrepreneurs, founders, and investors on topics such as business development, marketing, sales, and financing.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/icon_summit_inv.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105\" style=\"width:155px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-ccfebca924107cb5512f1d457537894e\">Visibility &amp; Positioning<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-780eb5d6ffaaef87cb49a6642f9b2d66 wp-block-paragraph\">Work with industry experts to clearly differentiate your business model and showcase your unique strengths compared to existing solutions through our channels.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:58px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);font-size:clamp(1.039rem, 1.039rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.88), 1.6rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">HIGH-TECH.NRW does not require your startup to pay a participation fee or give up equity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:1865px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6 size-large has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/accelerator_header.jpg)\"><\/div><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-background-color has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:0;padding-left:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">The program&#8217;s schedule\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-66c24175 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-443\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apply now!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Submit your application materials electronically. They must include at least one pitch deck or one pitch video. The application deadlines vary by batch: <strong>February 1 for the spring batch<\/strong> and <strong>August 1 for the fall batch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-66c24175 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-444\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Then pitch.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">After the deadline, the process continues right away: The best teams will be invited to entry pitches and interviews as soon as possible\u2014within two weeks at the latest. There, you\u2019ll present your business concept before the final participants are selected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-66c24175 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-445\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let&#8217;s get started together.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">At the start of the program\u2014during the first week of March (spring) or the first week of September (fall)\u2014you\u2019ll meet selected mentors and coaches at the onboarding and kick-off event and work together to set goals for your first steps in the accelerator.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-66c24175 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accelerate in 12 weeks.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">During the <strong>12-week program<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be connected with the people who can truly help your startup move forward. Your business concept, positioning, and investment readiness will be specifically strengthened by HIGH-TECH.NRW and a strong network of partners. Alongside these activities, you\u2019ll exchange ideas with the organizers and other startups during regular <strong>review meetings<\/strong> and gain first-hand, practical advice from business insiders in <strong>expert workshops<\/strong> on topics such as intellectual property, financing, and go-to-market strategies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-66c24175 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-447\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Stage is Yours.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">After 12 weeks, you\u2019ll present your polished pitch to a broad audience of industry experts, including investors, potential customers, and influencers. A jury will then select the three teams with the most compelling business concepts and the strongest momentum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:69px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);font-size:clamp(1.039rem, 1.039rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.88), 1.6rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">A total of 20,000 EUR in prize money for the top three startups in each batch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:771px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6 size-large has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/accelerator_header.jpg)\"><\/div><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-background-color has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d1c739d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:40px;border-top-left-radius:30px;border-top-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-left-radius:30px;border-bottom-right-radius:30px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c3278ea6a354e78cbe84f4b3bc2e5252\">We&#8217;re looking for you if\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-b6ea3432\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bee27421c40790a61b827f2d9a0f04f7\">You are the founder of a hardware-based startup in the high-tech and deep-tech sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9d3b407633177c68189dd5867d58861e\">You have founded your company in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) or plan to do so. Or perhaps you\u2019re considering moving to NRW?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6fab369ce66c0c3af3a68682c0228c4f\">You want to scale your business (internationally).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12e481257eb4723f77a5b7939de85205\">You\u2019re looking for connections with industry partners, pilot customers, or investors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6feccb35aa9f93f71bb2abe6165f6bf5\">You are actively involved in the fields of<strong> new materials, nanotechnology, microsystems, optical technologies, quantum technology, manufacturing and process engineering, energy and environmental technology, medical technology and healthcare, or defense and dual-use technologies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-b6ea3432\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3b8eca09 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/anmeldung-start-ups\/\">Your Application<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We get it!With our technological expertise and decades of experience, we can help you\u2014with solutions that are tailored, streamlined, and personalized. HIGH-TECH.NRW does not require your startup to pay a participation fee or give up equity! A total of 20,000 EUR in prize money for the top three startups in each batch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1712","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1712"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1728,"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1712\/revisions\/1728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerator.high-tech.nrw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}