For Start-ups

incube8 for start-ups

Young companies need access to customers and markets - on the one hand to sell their products and on the other hand to get valuable feedback from the market during the development phase. incube8 offers you the opportunity to get together with established companies in the same industry and develop digital innovations together in a protected space. Thanks to its close proximity to the Koelnmesse exhibition centre, innovative product ideas can be tested directly on the relevant users and further developed on the basis of immediate customer feedback.

We are right for each other, if...

your company is no more than five years old,
you have developed an innovative product or business model,
you're looking to scale your business model,
you have already developed an existing MVP,
you have at least one year of experience in the start-up scene.

Our Program

incube8 is a campus for early stage start-ups. Within different programs you will be supported in the development of new products and new business models. The problems of established companies are matched with your product idea. In workshops or similar formats, the companies work together with Koelnmesse's Campus Team, which offers support while carrying out the innovation project. In the selection process your product idea is evaluated together with the client and a contractual cooperation is agreed upon. For the duration of the collaboration, incube8's resources are available to all participants in the form of offices, co-working, internet, etc. directly at the exhibition grounds.

The programs each relate to one of Koelnmesse's fields of competence: Interior, Food, Digital Media & Entertainment and Digital Services.

During this time, you will work closely with the Campus team and the established company to ensure the best possible development of product and business ideas.

The innovations can be tested directly at Koelnmesse events. The experience and knowledge gained through the direct market testing at said events will support the further development of the ideas. The products and business ideas will then be presented at a special event to the industry’s decision-makers.

Your Benefits

State-of-the-art Working Environment

Use of our premises during the project period: lockable offices, flexible open working spaces, event space, meeting rooms, etc.

Knowledge Sharing

Support from Koelnmesse mentors and external companies in the further development of your business ideas
Increased competence through knowledge exchange with Koelnmesse companies and mentors

Networking

Strategic Matchmaking with companies, investors and business angels by using the existing Koelnmesse network
Building long-term partnerships
Getting closeup and personal with companies that are otherwise difficult to grasp

Direct Market Access

Use of the campus as a demonstration area for innovative products
Innovative product ideas can be tested and further developed directly close to the market due to the trade fair environment

Services

incube8 offers:

Inclusion in Koelnmesse's start-up database
Meet & Match for the selection of the corporate partner
Mentoring by experienced project managers of the Koelnmesse and presentation to possible external partners and investors
Use of incube8 premises during the project period
Possibility of testing the product or business model at Koelnmesse's industry-specific events
Presentation of the innovation at a Koelnmesse event

Apply now!

Fill in the form and receive more information about our current programs!

To the Application Form