THE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Define your problem-solution fit
You have stumbled across a potential customer need but are not sure about whether it is a problem worth solving? You have gathered one or two potential co-founders but don’t know how to create a fast-growing startup?
Up2B Exploration is all about getting a clear picture about what we call problem-solution fit. We will support you in asking the right questions and finding potential customers. You will also learn a lot about best-practice in starting a company.
After getting a clear picture about your startup, your business model and growth strategy, you will get the chance to access our network of potential customers or pitch for funding on our Demo Day.
*The exact agenda for 2026 will follow.
YOUR BENEFITS
What Up2B Exploration offers you
Valuable feedback from experienced mentors
Maximum development in the shortest time
Learn about all relevant business areas
THE MODALITIES
2+2 weeks to get access to the B2B world
You should apply if...
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you are right at the start of a terrific idea that will make the world just a little bit better
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you are about to found your startup or have founded it in the past year
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your business is B2B-focused
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your startup will create change in the field of Industry Tech, Energy, Agriculture, Mobility, IT or SaaS
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your product is in a prototype, pilot or MVP stage
What to expect?
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a programm seperated in bootcamp for all and masterclass for selected startups
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selected workshops and inputs to sharpen your business know-how
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one-on-one coachings with mentors, corporates and B2B experts
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demo Day to pitch your startup in front of our industry network
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free participation with maximum outgrowth
Program period
Bootcamp: 09.03. - 20.03.2026
Masterclass: 13.04. - 23.04.2026
Bootcamp program will consist of about 5,5 full days of workshops, key notes and 1-on-1 sessions.
Masterclass will consist of 2 days, but mainly split into individual 1-on-1 sessions with experts and mentors.
Application deadline
The application deadline is on 10.02.2026 at 23:59.
Program location
The program takes place in a hybrid setting.
The sessions can take place on location in Heidelberg (Heidelberg Technology Park), Walldorf (innoWerft - Technology and Start-up Center) and Mannheim (MAFINEX Technology Center) or online via Zoom.
The exact place of participation will be announced.
Program costs
Since Up2B is funded by Startup BW and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism, the participation is free including food and beverages during the program on site. Please note though that we don’t cover any transport or accommodation costs.
Agenda
Bootcamp
_.03
Low key, getting to know each other, networking exchange with founders & BAs (Mannheim or Heidelberg)
_.03
Pitchtraining #1 (Mannheim or Heidelberg)
_.03
Pitchtraining #2 (Online 1or1)
_.03
Problem Solution Fit & Convince Stakeholders (Mannheim or Heidelberg)
_.03
LAW (Online 2h + 30min 1or1)
_.03
Pitchtraining Peer Review (Online)
_.03
Business Model Development (Online 4h)
_.03
Financialplan (Online 1h + 30min 1or1)
_.03
Demo Day (Mannheim or Heidelberg)
Masterclass
_.04
Venturing Law
(Online - individual time)
23.04
Demo Day & Startup Financing & Up2BBQ (Mannheim or Heidelberg)
More detailed information to follow
THE MENTORS
The mentors & experts you will meet
Tony Pleschinger
Innovation Consultant
Freelancer
Inga-Marit Nölle
Head of Finance & Investment
innoWerft
Maren Osterlitz
Head of Venture Funding
innoWerft
THE CORPORATES
The companies you will meet
IMPRESSIONS FROM PREVIOUS ITERATIONS
Get a feeling about the program
FAQ
Frequently asked about Up2B Exploration
TESTIMONIALS
What the participants say about Breakthrough
Get in touch!
Mathis is your contact person for Up2B Exploration. If you have questions about the program, please don't hesitate to contact him. For further information, please also check our FAQs.
