Benefits
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The Incubator for Digital Engineers
Attention
Why join?
This is your chance if you’re ready to build, validate, and scale your tech-driven startup.
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
Join a Legacy of Tech Excellence
Build a Scalable Product & Business
Benefit from the HPI Ecosystem
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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
Marketing & Sales
Week 5
Day 5
24.11.2025
Product Market Fit & Community Night
Week 6
Day 6
01.12.2025
VC Challenger Day
Week 7
Day 7
08.12.2025
Retro & Product Roadmap
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
Tax & Legal
Week 11
Day 11
19.01.2026
Fundraising & Investment Terms
Week 12
Day 12
26.01.2026
Demo Day
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
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Week 9
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Week 10
Day 10
Week 11
Day 11
Week 12
Day 12
Week 13
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Week 16
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Week 17
Day 17
Week 18
Day 18
Week 19
Day 19
Week 20
Day 20
Unique funding opportunity
HPI Venture Builder - The Incubator for Digital Engineers offers participants through the HPI Ventures and further investors the unique opportunity to obtain initial funding in an uncomplicated manner during the pre-seed phase to reach essential milestones on the way to further funding rounds.
Strong brand
HPI is one of the leading institutes for IT in Germany. We have a strong brand and are trusted by many tech entrepreneurs. We have gained credibility over the years, and our existing network of experts makes us a "Go-to Partner" for developing new startups and enables further collaborations with companies, universities, and venture capitalists.
Tech Excellence
HPI Engine is the go-to place for tech excellence, bringing together 450+ visionary founders in its ecosystem who shape the future of technology. With over $1 billion in venture capital raised, we provide a proven track record of innovation, growth, and impact.
Requirements
Program Structure
Data Rights
Apply via our application form
