Market Discovery Lab Germany 2026
FAQs
Eligibility & Participation
Researchers, scientists, engineers and research-driven innovators working on promising technologies, scientific breakthroughs or novel solutions. Applications should be submitted by teams of at least two people.
Yes. Participation in the program is free of charge. Travel and accommodation support may be available if required. Please contact the program team for further information.
No. The program is designed for very early-stage teams exploring the application and market potential of their technology.
Yes. The program is designed to help teams explore different pathways from research to impact. Entrepreneurship is one possible outcome, but participants may also identify opportunities for technology transfer, industry collaboration, licensing or further research development.
No. Curiosity, openness and willingness to learn are more important than prior startup experience. The program is designed for researchers and innovators who want to explore new opportunities, engage with potential users and discover where their technology can create impact.
The program is conducted in English.Workshops, coaching sessions and program materials will be delivered in English to enable participation from international experts, mentors and innovation practitioners.
Technology Requirements
The program is open to all deep-tech and science-based technologies and research fields. There are no predefined thematic priorities.
No. A patent or protected intellectual property is not required. The program focuses on exploring applications, users and market opportunities for promising technologies and research results.
No. The focus of the program is market discovery, stakeholder learning and evidence-based exploration — not business plan writing.
Program Overview
You have already created something valuable through your research. The next step is understanding where that value creates impact in the real world.
Through intensive market discovery, you will explore:
- who benefits from your technology
- which applications and markets are most promising
- which pathways—from technology transfer to entrepreneurship—are worth pursuing further
Beyond market insights, the program helps you strengthen skills in communication, stakeholder engagement, decision-making under uncertainty and innovation leadership. The goal is to accelerate the journey from scientific excellence to validated market opportunities and real-world impact.
Participants should expect:
- approx. 10–15h/week commitment
- active participation throughout the full program
- preparation and execution of stakeholder interviews
Teams will typically conduct 70–100 stakeholder and customer interviews throughout the program.
The program combines:
- three intensive on-site sprint workshops
- remote coaching & reflection sessions
- independent interview phases
Outcomes & Opportunities
The program helps teams build a strong foundation for:
- future product development
- industry collaboration
- technology transfer
- venture creation and entrepreneurship
- follow-on funding and accelerator opportunities
Participants leave the program with a clearer understanding of where their technology creates value and which pathways are worth pursuing further.