By clicking 'Accept All Cookies,' you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and support our marketing efforts. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.
RejectAccept All CookiesPreferences

HPI Engine Incubator

The Launchpad for Digital Engineers

General InformationDescriptionKey LearningsBenefitsScheduleGoalsExaminationContact PersonsAdditional ServicesFAQLiteratureRegistration

Attention

HPI Engine Incubator

Apply Now!

Join our equity-free startup incubator designed for digital engineers and tech entrepreneurs. Over 12 intense weeks, you’ll receive hands-on mentorship, top-tier resources, and access to an inspiring community - all designed to help you transform your business idea into a venture capital-ready startup.

‍

Why join?

  1. Expert mentorship, workshops & investor access
  2. No program fees – 100% focused on your growth
  3. Free co-working space within Berlin Brandenburg area
  4. Opportunity to secure an initial investment.

This is your chance if you’re ready to build, validate, and scale your tech-driven startup.

‍

‍

Core Program

General Information

Term(s)

27.10.2025 – 30.01.2026

Time investment

Full-time programm

(We expect you do work from our co-working space at least 4 days a week. Input sessions (max. 5 hours per week) are mandatory to attend.

ECTS

Module type

Module selection at HPI

Grades

Enrollment deadline

Examination date

Teaching format

Teaching language

English

Registration requirements and link

Fee

Equity free, no costs

Team budget

2.000,- € (e.g. software licenses and necessary travel)

HPI Founder Scholarship

1.500,- € p.m. for 3 months, only for students (HPI and external), application necessary

Participants

Teams of 2–5 with a validated idea


At least one technical founder


Participants must be enrolled or recent graduates (up to 2 years since graduation) from a university degree (including PHD)

Maximum number of Participants

Room (Location)

Key dates

21.07.25 – 15.09.25

Application Period

21.07.25 – 30.09.25

Interview Process (Rolling Admission)

01.10.25

Announcement Participants

01.10.25 – 24.10.25

Informal Events (Virtual Kick-off, Co-Founder Matching, etc.)

27.10.25 – 30.10.25

Kick-off Week

26.11.25

Community Night

03.12.25

Challenger Day (Intermediate Presentation)

29.01.26

HPI Tomorrow Day (Final Presentation)

ongoing

Support and Founder Community Member

Learning and Teaching Methods

Twelve-week incubation process with a clear structure and enough space for creativity

‍

Details

Description

The HPI Engine Incubator is designed for tech-driven minds - students, PhD candidates, and researchers in computer science, engineering, and related fields - who are building a scalable digital venture.

Key learnings

Key learnings

Join a Legacy of Tech Excellence
‍

  • Build the Best: At HPI, mediocrity isn’t an option. You’ll design and launch products that set new standards.
  • Cutting-Edge Tools & Labs: Leverage HPI’s tech infrastructure to bring your vision to life.
  • Drive Innovation: Join a tradition of founders who deliver world-class technology to the world.

‍

‍Build a Scalable Product & Business
‍

  • Ideate: Learn how to validate ideas and design sustainable business models.
  • Go-to-Market Strategies: Master marketing, sales, and user acquisition techniques.‍
  • Investor Readiness: Develop your skills to pitch effectively and raise funds.

‍

Benefit from the HPI Ecosystem
‍

  • Access to Mentorship: Get guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts.
  • Funding Opportunities: Connect with investors and secure your first capital to grow your startup.‍
  • Collaborative Workspace: Work in a vibrant community designed for innovation and growth at our co-working and maker space.

‍

Benefits

■ 01

■ 02

■ 03

■ 04

■ 05

■ 06

■ 07

■ 08

■ 09

■ 10

■ 11

■ 12

Schedule
‍

Preliminary schedule. All lecture topics are subject to change.

‍

Week 1

Day 1

27.10.2025

Offsite Event
Kickoff & Team Building

Week 2

Day 2

03.11.2025

Problem, Solution & Hypothesis

Week 3

Day 3

10.11.2025

Identifying Market & Competition

Week 4

Day 4

17.11.2025

Sales & Growth

Week 5

Day 5

24.11.2025

Product Market Fit & VC Challenger Day

Week 6

Day 6

01.12.2025

Fundraising & Investment Terms

Week 7

Day 7

08.12.2025

Retro & Community Night

‍

Week 8

Day 8

15.12.2025

Finance-Workshop

Week 9

Day 9

05.01.2026

‍

Go-To-Market Strategy

‍

‍

Week 10

Day 10

12.01.2026

‍

Legal

‍

Week 11

Day 11

19.01.2026

‍

Product & Tech

Week 12

Day 12

26.01.2026

Demo Day (29.01.2026)

‍

Week 13

Day 13

Week 14

Day 14

Week 15

Day 15

Week 16

Day 16

Week 17

Day 17

Week 18

Day 18

Week 19

Day 19

Week 20

Day 20

Week 1

Day 1

Week 2

Day 2

Week 3

Day 3

Week 4

Day 4

Week 5

Day 5

Week 6

Day 6

Week 7

Day 7

Week 8

Day 8

Week 9

Day 9

Week 10

Day 10

Week 11

Day 11

Week 12

Day 12

Week 13

Day 13

Week 14

Day 14

Week 15

Day 15

Week 16

Day 16

Week 17

Day 17

Week 18

Day 18

Week 19

Day 19

Week 20

Day 20

Key learnings

Our Goals

  • Founder Development
    to empower outstanding tech talents to become successful entrepreneurs
  • Purposeful Growth
    to ensure fast and sustainable scaling of breakthrough business models supported by a strong investment community
  • Tech Excellence
    to build the next big thing in Europe
Examination

Examination

Your Lecturers and Program Managers

You want to get more information?
Don't hesitate to contact us!

Robin Scharf

Program Manager

Email

Dina Mertens

Program Manager

Email
Services

Additional Services

FAQ

Frequently
asked questions

Requirements

We already have a scholarship or state funding, is that a problem?
What if we already incorporated the idea and have a registered company?
What happens if I don’t find a team as an individual before the Kick-off?
What means having a validated business idea?
Do I need a business idea before the incubation program starts?

Program Structure

Why is the incubation program without ECTS?
How does the team budget work?
How does the HPI Founder Scholarship work?
What means full-time commitment? Are input sessions during the program mandatory?
Do I have to be in Potsdam during the twelve-week program?

Data Rights

How do you handle confidentiality about information gained by me?
How do you deal with intellectual property?
Literature

Literature

Registration

Application

Apply via our application form

Apply Now!
Registration Requirements
Application Instruction
Selection Process
Note for external students

HPI Engine is the dynamic ecosystem empowering tech leaders and founders based on a unique approach: we are putting people in the middle. Like an engine that drives a machine, our ecosystem empowers the next generation of tech leaders and founders.

Let’s build together - write us

Location /


HPI Engine
Hasso Plattner Institut
‍
Campus II Building L
1st floor

August-Bebel-Str. 88
14482 Potsdam

TOP
About usCareerFocus AreasOur Ecosystem

Engine

Students & ScientistsFounders

Programs

Cula Technologies
Lana Labs
PlaytestCloud
PraxiPal
Signavio
voize

Startup Spotlights

HPI Engine CommunityHPI VenturesIgnite - Student Initiative

Join the Community

engine[at]hpi.deLinkedInHPI Engine slack community

Contact

Privacy PolicyImprint

Legal

© 2024, Hasso-Plattner-Institut

Site by FF–NE
Engine
Programs
Startup Spotlights
Join the Community
Contact
Legal

© 2024, Hasso-Plattner-Institut

Site by FF–NE