German Accelerator
Fully funded, free of charge, no equity; expert guidance, partnerships and network for market entry. Provided by German Accelerator (funded by BMWE).
Key facts
- Amount
- Fully funded, free of charge, no equity; expert guidance, partnerships and network for market entry
- Duration
- about 2 weeks (Kickstart) to 3-6 months (Market Access)
- Type
- Accelerator
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Unclear
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Yes
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- EN
- Location
- Company incorporated in Germany (UG, GmbH, AG, GmbH & Co. KG; GbR case by case)
Who can apply
- German start-ups planning expansion abroad (US, Asia, LatAm, Europe, Africa)
- SME under EU definition, within de minimis aid limit
- Programmes: Kickstart, Market Discovery, Market Access, plus market/sector tracks
- Start with the online eligibility check
What usually blocks applicants
- No product/traction
- No international expansion plan
- Not incorporated in Germany
Deadline and timing
Rolling: apply via the eligibility form at any time; no fixed deadlines published.
Frequently asked
How much does German Accelerator pay?
Fully funded, free of charge, no equity; expert guidance, partnerships and network for market entry
Who can apply for German Accelerator?
German start-ups planning expansion abroad (US, Asia, LatAm, Europe, Africa) SME under EU definition, within de minimis aid limit Programmes: Kickstart, Market Discovery, Market Access, plus market/sector tracks Start with the online eligibility check
When is the German Accelerator deadline?
Rolling: apply via the eligibility form at any time; no fixed deadlines published.
Where do I apply for German Accelerator?
On the official page: https://www.germanaccelerator.com/. Applications are accepted in EN.
Do I have to pay back German Accelerator or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for German Accelerator?
The official sources do not state this clearly; confirm with the provider.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
- Founder Coaching via AVGS voucherReasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers