STARTPLATZ AI Accelerator NRW
For startups of all industries
Scale your startup with the power of AI.
4 months. 10 startups. One mission: We integrate AI into your growth strategy.
STARTPLATZ Track Record - Startup & AI Experience
Is the AI Accelerator NRW right for you?
4 months of AI integration for growth startups on their way to scale-up. One of 6 NRW-funded hubs with the largest startup community in NRW.
We're looking for startups for our AI Accelerator that:
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Already have first customers and have validated their business model
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Have developed a scalable product and want to grow
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Want to use AI as a growth lever in their business
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Are ready to scale with a team of 2-10 people
Still in the idea phase?
Our Open Accelerator is the perfect entry point for early-stage startups with flexible programs.
Startups from Batch 1
These innovative startups were selected for the first cohort of the AI Accelerator NRW
The Program: 3 Phases to Scale-up
Our proven 4-month program guides growth startups through a structured path to scaling with AI integration as the focus.
Foundation
- Technology Readiness Check-up
- KPI Definition & Growth Unlock Workshop
- Mentor Madness - Find your ideal mentors
- Kick-off event with startup community
Implementation
- Specialized Workshops on growth topics
- Micro-residency with international AI experts
- Hands-on AI integration into your processes
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Fundraising &
Pitch Training
Scale
- VC office hours with top investors
- Demo Day preparation & pitch perfection
- International expansion support
- Demo Day - Present your growth
Workshop Program
Specialized workshops tailored to your team's needs (subject to change).
AI & Technology
- • AI Bootcamp & Prompting
- • AI-First Mindset
- • AI Agents & Automations
- • Technology Readiness Check
- • Security Essentials
Growth & Marketing
- • AI-Powered Growth Strategies
- • AI Marketing Stack 2025
- • B2B Sales Engine with AI
- • Pricing & Packaging
- • International Expansion
Finance & Pitch
- • Financial Planning & Models
- • Fundraising Masterclass
- • Term Sheets & Cap Table
- • Pitch Training & Demo Day
- • Leadership & Culture
Direct access to AI expertise through our accelerator program
Top AI experts from around the world
At targeted points in the program
Local AI specialists on-site
4 months of continuous support
Unser Netzwerk
Starke Partner für deinen Erfolg - Zugang zu Investoren, Corporates und internationalen Märkten
Corporate Partner
Investor Network
Tech Partner
International
Alumni Success Stories
Our alumni have proven: With the right support, extraordinary successes emerge.
Cognigy
Conversational AI
Ingestro
B2B Enterprise SaaS
Prematch
Sport-Tech
RIIICO
Manufacturing SaaS
Dermanostic
Digital Health
Lumoview
Computer Vision
Application Process
Three simple steps to your place in the AI Accelerator
Online Application
Pitch Deck (max. 12 slides)
Deadline: September 28, 2025
Selection Process
Selection interviews at STARTPLATZ Cologne
Mid-September
Start of 1st Batch
Meet & Greet on October 27th
with program team
Kickoff on October 29th at STARTPLATZ Cologne
Partnership Models
Various ways to become part of the STARTPLATZ AI ecosystem and profit from innovation.
Looking for a personalized partnership?
Do you have special requirements or ideas for cooperation? We're happy to develop customized partnership models.
Book consultationDo you still have questions about our AI Accelerator?
Don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is happy to assist you:
FAQ - AI Accelerator NRW
None at all, we don't take any shares in your startup.
No, but you should be ready to spend 4 months in Cologne. The program requires your presence on-site.
No, that's exactly what we're here for. The important thing is to be willing to learn and integrate AI into your business.
The program is free of charge. You even get free coworking access at STARTPLATZ.
An average of 2-5 hours per week.
Growth startups with MVP, initial customers, and teams of 2-10 people. You are ready for the next scaling phase and see AI as a growth lever.
We focus on the "pre-scale-up phase" - startups that already function but haven't scaled yet. Perfect as preparation for scale-up programs.
You remain part of our alumni network with access to events and mentors, and you are optimally prepared for scale-up programs or further funding rounds.