Support is provided for founding interested parties at universities and non-university research institutions (Funding Phase I) as well as non-listed small technology-oriented companies, whose registration in the commercial register dates back no more than five years (Funding Phase II).

Individual research projects and, in exceptional cases, joint projects that aim to quickly transfer research results in communication technologies into application are supported. The focus is on the research, development, and evaluation of demonstrators involving specific application scenarios.

Funding can be requested for two phases:
• Funding Phase 1 is applied for by a university/non-university research institution and serves to validate research results.
12 months
Up to 800,000 EUR

• Funding Phase 2 is applied for by the already founded company and serves to research application areas and develop demonstrators, thus enabling a timely transfer into application.
Up to 24 months
Up to 800,000 EUR
Eligible expenses include, for example, research and development, construction of demonstrators, external communication, patenting, rent, equipment, consumables, etc.
Expenses for management activities within the company are not eligible.

No, starting a company during the funding phases is not intended. You can found your company after Funding Phase 1. Optionally, the founding can also occur during an optional EXIST Research Transfer programm following Funding Phase 1. With the start of Funding Phase 2, the founding must be completed.

The xG-Incubator conducts a selection process and assists with the application.

Please first present your project idea in a two-page document and send it by email to the xG-Incubator. Internal and external experts from the various fields will screen your project. Promising projects will be invited to pitch their idea to an expert jury. If you could convince us, you will be asked to submit an application via the "easy-Online" electronic application system. The application includes a 10-page project outline (including work planning) and a review by the xG-Incubator. Formal funding applications follow after a positive evaluation of the sketches by the project management organization/the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Further details can be found here: StartUpConnect.

We are looking forward to your email.

Your application to the xG-Incubator should be concise, spanning 2, max. 3 pages, and should address the following key points:

• Project/Startup Name and Mission Statement:
Briefly describe what your startup aims to achieve in the field of telecommunications, focusing on future telecomunication (e.g. 5G and 6G) technologies.

• Team:
Provide details, including the names and roles and qualifications of key team members. You may also identify missing expertise. We can help with finding team members.

• Company information:
If already legally founded, provide details (e.g. founding date, location, number of employees, details on ownership and managing directors)

• Problem Statement:
Identify and explain the specific problem that your startup/business idea/technology aims to address.

• Proposed Solution:
Outline your innovative solution or technology and how it leverages 5G/6G capabilities to solve the identified problem.

• Unique Value Proposition:
Highlight what makes your solution stand out from existing technologies and competitors.

• Technical Description:
Provide a short technical overview of your technology, product or service, including any unique features.

• Development Stage:
Specify the current stage of your technology/product development.

• Intellectual Property:
Describe any patents if existing and/or planned.

• Target Market:
Define the specific market or customer segments you are targeting. If known, name possible customers. Try also to estimate the market volume and share you can address with your product.

• Competitive Analysis:
List direct and indirect competitors, highlighting your competitive advantages.

• Revenue Streams:
Explain how your startup will make money, detailing the primary revenue models (e.g., subscription, sales, licensing).

• Partnerships (if known):
List any strategic partnerships that enhance your business proposition or market reach.

• Short-Term Goals:
Outline your objectives for the next 12 months, including technical and business development.

• Financial Needs:
Specify the amount of funding you are seeking and how it will be used to achieve your goals.

• Which offers of the xG-incubator do you plan to use?
E.g. office space, lab infrarstructur, Coaching, etc.

You may write your two-page summary in either English or German, based on your preference.