World-class experts supporting our startups
AI-driven product development and data-driven transformation
IoT Security, Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity
AI integration for medium-sized enterprises
App Development & DevOps
Strategic AI Integration & Business Process Automation
MLOps Engineering & Conversational AI
SEO, Performance Marketing and E-Commerce Scaling
Generative AI & Fullstack AI Development
AI Integration & Prompt Engineering
Storytelling & generative Video-KI, value-based films
Computer Vision & AI Image Processing
The EiR Program's goal is to ensure continuous knowledge transfer by embedding experienced AI experts directly into startup support, strengthening the regional ecosystem while contributing to Europe catching up in the global AI competition.
Exclusively AI experts who provide deep expertise in generative AI, data strategies, AI architectures, and AI-driven business models.
Complementary experts covering general business and startup-related topics, such as fundraising, marketing, sales, HR, or legal aspects.
This distinction ensures that startups receive both technological depth and broad entrepreneurial support.
Individual guidance for startups over several months, focusing on technical implementation, data strategy, and AI-driven scaling.
Delivery of hands-on workshops, lectures, and masterclasses on topics such as generative AI, AI strategy, data ethics, or AI-based business models.
Presence at public accelerator events (Demo Day, MidTerm Company Day, AI Gatherings) and contribution to new formats.
Opening doors to industry, academia, investors, and international partners.
Visibility as thought leaders of the Cologne and European AI ecosystem in media, interviews, and publications.
EiRs are expected to actively engage both onsite and digitally:
Actively share expertise, best practices, and experience.
Be present at key events and actively participate in exchange formats with startups.
Personal interaction with startups during each batch to ensure effective knowledge transfer.
Visibility in the online ecosystem of the accelerator.
Since no monetary compensation is offered, EiRs benefit from reputational, ideational, and infrastructural incentives:
Positioning as a leading voice in the regional and European AI ecosystem
Publication opportunities (case studies, whitepapers, interviews, media presence)
Direct access to startups, investors, industry and academic partners
Contributing to Europe's goal of achieving technological sovereignty in AI
Practical insights from diverse AI use cases in the accelerator
Full coworker rights: coworking space access, discounted meeting rooms, 24/7 building access
Free access to all accelerator masterclasses and the digital community "KI Campus"
Three years, six batches of six months each
Minimum of one batch (6 months). Ideally, experts remain engaged across all six batches for continuity.
Long-term support for individual startups in AI topics
Keynote or workshop contributions within the accelerator
Facilitation of expert panels, think tanks, or roundtables
Masterclasses and AMA sessions per batch
EiRs actively contribute to strengthening the European AI ecosystem:
Their expertise flows into real startup projects that prove Europe can deliver competitive AI innovation.
Successful EiR contributions serve as blueprints for other hubs in Europe.
EiRs benefit from connections with networks such as KI.NRW, KI Bundesverband, Transatlantic AI eXchange, and AI Village.
The Expert-in-Residence Program is a flagship initiative of the STARTPLATZ AI Accelerator. It offers a platform where experts share their knowledge, startups benefit directly, and the overall ecosystem grows stronger.
By combining local anchoring, international networking, and European mission-building, it becomes a powerful building block for the future of Cologne, NRW, and Europe.
Benefit from the expertise of our Experts-in-Residence and take your AI startup to the next level.
Apply NowBecome part of our program and help shape the future of the European AI landscape.
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