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Find current due dates and answers to your questions here.

Application FAQs

• Step 1: After sending us your application, our jury will review and evaluate all applications until September 30, 2023.

• Step 2: If your idea and team moves to the next round, you will be invited for interviews with our business and technology experts and the program team in October 2023.

• Step 3: If you are successful, we will inform you in November 2023.
Welcome to the Startup Harbour program!

FAQs

Who can apply?

• Location: There is no requirement with regard to the location of your startup. You can apply from every place in the world.

• Incorporation: We are an accelerator for early-stage startups. Nonetheless, in order to facilitate collaboration with Bosch during the program, it is required that your company is already incorporated.

• Team: Our program puts great emphasis on teamwork and the people behind the idea. We look for great, balanced teams who have the full range of skills and roles necessary to build a successful venture. Single founders cannot join the program.

How do I apply?

Our application form is closed.

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How does the application process work?

• Step 1: After sending us your application, our jury will review and evaluate all applications until September 30, 2023.

• Step 2: If your idea and team moves to the next round, you will be invited for interviews with our business and technology experts and the program team in October 2023.

• Step 3: If you are successful, we will inform you in November 2023. -> Welcome to the Startup Harbour program!

How mature does my solution have to be?

Your solution must be an innovative, technology focused and/or science-based one with a fit to the Bosch Focus Topics and a clear benefit for your target group. You should know your target market and groups as well as potential competitors and have at least some traction in the market and first pilot customers.

Where does the program take place?

All program elements and meetings take place online, only the Demo Day will be on-site. (You will receive more information once your participation in the program is confirmed).

Startups applying from Germany, Bulgaria and Serbia can get in contact with the local program management to meet them personally at their office locations.

What does the accelerator program offer?

The acceleration program runs for 5 months from December 2023 to April 2024. You will take part in mandatory workshops with your peers and trainers (such as Kick-off meeting, Teambuilding, Business Model Innovation Training, Pitch Training) and in the final Demo Day in April 2024.

The Harbour Team offers monthly milestone meetings to agree and align on clear goals for your participation in the accelerator.

Moreover, we moderate the matchmaking and the collaboration with the Business Units starting with a workshop on expectations and roles, and regular meetings throughout the program.

How does a collaboration with Bosch look like?

The form of collaboration is defined individually between the Business Unit and the startup. It can range from a co-learning journey giving the startup the chance to receive mentoring, coaching and feedback on their business model or their technology to a co-innovation journey including a PoC with Bosch.

Please also see the search field descriptions for further information on what the Bosch Business Units can offer the startups.

Do we receive any funding from Bosch?

Bosch does not offer any financial support throughout the program duration.

We focus on the matchmaking and the collaboration – supporting you in validating your prototype and in developing your business by bringing you in contact with our Bosch experts as well as our network of mentors and coaches.

Does my idea belong to Bosch afterwards or does Bosch take shares in my startup?

Bosch has no desire to “steal” ideas from you or use them purely for its own advantage. Bosch also does not take any share in your startup.

The acceleration program is designed to put you in contact with the people you need to take your idea to the next level.

It remains entirely up to you how closely you want to work with Bosch.