Accelerator – Vertical Accelerator

TGZ Halle: Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Halle GmbH

Startup Elevator – Scaling Science. Empowering Startups.

The Startup Elevator program was initiated by TGZ Halle to specifically support technology-driven startups in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, and the bioeconomy in Saxony-Anhalt. It addresses the need for targeted startup support by providing access to coaching, infrastructure, and a strong network from idea to market readiness. Located at the innovation-driven Weinberg Campus, the program fosters close collaboration between research institutions and startups. It is publicly funded by the state of Saxony-Anhalt and the European Union. The goal is to boost regional innovation, attract entrepreneurial talent, and translate research into economic success.

The Startup Elevator is the go-to accelerator for research-based startups in life sciences and bioeconomy in Germany — with no equity, nor fees.  Our sector-specific programs are designed to meet the unique needs of scientific founders, helping you transform your research into a successful company.

You can choose between 2 programs depending on your development stage: the Business Accelerator (9 months) or the Investment Bootcamp (12 weeks).

You get in-depth training in 8 key elements every founder needs — but most scientists never learn. We work with a market driven approach, ensuring your technology fits perfectly to your customers. In addition to that you can individualize your program and choose from a variety of optional modules, like team building or international markets. Scientific work doesn’t always follow a fixed schedule — that’s why the Startup Elevator supports you for up to 9 months, offering you the space and time to develop your startup at your own pace. With just 1–2 workshops per month, you stay productive in the lab while gaining entrepreneurial skills efficiently. On top you’ll benefit from extra sessions with industry experts and mentors. To help you stay focused, motivated and organized we also offer weekly Check In’s with your personal coach.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at coachings. We offer an infrastructure package to help you focus on what matters:

  • Free co-working spaces
  • Conference rooms for investor meetings
  • Maker spaces for prototyping
  • in-house Café & event space
  • Laboratories with startup-friendly rents

Your visibility will grow further through the access to international events. Want to grow your network purposefully? Our programs offer tailored industry matchmaking, connecting you with the right partners — from local SMEs to global corporates. Whether you’re aiming to collaborate with leading researchers from the Weinberg Campus, meet your first pilot customer or engage with investors and decision-makers from business and science – we’ll open the right doors.

We connect startups with the infrastructure, expertise, and network they need – we’re here to lift you up.

To the website

Intake: Batch

Duration: 9 months

Format: Hybrid

Operated by: technology park

Further hubs: Halle

Time spent

Access to

Primarily provides

Coaching

Network

Business Services

Equity-free grant

Also provides

Lab Space

Co-Working

Investor Network

Events

About the startup

team

seed

mid-stage

scaleup

pre-seed

early-stage

growth

Founded: Yes

Location requirement: same state

Financial Support: Zuschüsse/ Equity financing/

Innovation strategy: pull external

After graduation: larger network/ better Product/ more Customers/ Investment-Readiness/ Entrepreneurial Skillset/ Prototype or MVP

Keywords

Startup Elevator , Life Science, Bioeconomy ,Digital Innovation, Saxony-Anhalt, Weinberg-Campus, TGZ

Technology

The Startup Elevator is the leading accelerator program for Life Science, Bioeconomy and Digital Innovation startups in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Use cases

startups developing innovative solutions in life sciences, biotechnology, and the bioeconomy. We are looking for technologies that can be applied to real-world use cases such as sustainable agriculture, biobased materials, medical diagnostics, drug development, industrial biotechnology, and environmental solutions. Our mission is to accelerate science-based innovation that addresses global challenges and creates measurable impact.

TEAM

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