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🚨 HEADS UP, BERLIN RESEARCHERS & DEEP-TECH INNOVATORS! 🚨
If you are a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher at HU, FU, TU Berlin, or Charité and you are sitting on some cutting-edge, application-oriented research—pay close attention! It’s time to get your science out of the lab and into the real world. If you want to turn your deep-tech invention into a spin-off, this is your perfect launchpad. Check out this massive opportunity:
🇩🇪 Forum Junge Spitzenforschung 2026
🏆 Name of the Competition: Forum Junge Spitzenforschung 2026 (Forum for Young Top Research)
🎯 Aim: To bridge the gap between outstanding academic research and industrial application, supporting researchers in transforming cutting-edge scientific discoveries and deep-tech inventions into successful commercial ventures and spin-offs.
📍 Organizer: Stiftung Industrieforschung in cooperation with Humboldt-Innovation (Science & Startups Berlin).
☝️ Focus (Core Tracks): Dedicated to applied sciences and deep tech. While specific annual themes vary, core focus areas consistently include:
Deep Tech & AI: Machine learning, advanced computing, data analytics, and software solutions.
Advanced Materials & Engineering: Sensor technology, hardware innovation, and novel manufacturing processes.
Sustainability & Life Sciences: Green tech, resource efficiency, medtech, and biotech applications.
💸 Prize Fund & Support:
Non-Dilutive Cash Prizes: A total prize pool of €30,000 in equity-free prize money (with up to €10,000 for first place) to fund further prototyping and business development.
Professional Pitch Coaching: Specialized pitch training designed to help scientists translate highly complex research into compelling, investor-ready business cases.
Industry & Investor Access: Exclusive networking opportunities with industry experts, SMEs, tech investors, and the vibrant Berlin university startup ecosystem.
✅ Who can apply?
Target Group: Young researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and early-career professors. The competition primarily targets talents from Berlin's leading academic institutions (HU, FU, TU, and Charité) and allied research institutes.
Readiness: Innovative, application-oriented research projects with high commercial potential (pre-spin-off phase or early-stage spin-offs).
Cost: 100% free (zero application or participation fees).
📅 Deadlines (2026 Cycle):
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Live Pitch Finals: Late November / Early December 2026 (Berlin, Germany)
💡 My Comment: If you are an early-career researcher in Berlin sitting on breakthrough technology, this competition is an incredible launchpad. Not only do you get a shot at up to €10k in pure non-dilutive funding, but the specialized coaching helps you bridge the hardest gap: translating academic science into a language that industry leaders and investors understand. A must-apply for academic founders aiming to spin out their tech! 🇩🇪🧬🚀
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I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next time! :)
Best,
Bartosz and Hannah
About The Bootstrap Insider
The Bootstrap Insider is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.