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accelerator
Orbit Accelerator
The Orbit Accelerator by Zukunft.Gründen is Germany’s climate deep tech accelerator that focuses on getting you your next strategic partner toward commercial traction.
Cohort 1 - Apply by 16 Oct
Batch start: Nov 16
Increase in Engagement
Deep-Tech
Built Environment & Energy Transition
15 Startups
Seed stage
Hybrid
Online/Berlin
PROMISE
We empower bold deep-tech climate startups in the seed stage on their way from market entry to multiple customers.
Increase in Engagement
WHY THIS PROGRAM
You bring the tech, we help you sell it.
The Orbit Accelerator helps climate deep-tech startups go from technically validated toward commercial traction over six months. How? Work differently than any other accelerator: We don’t just host workshops, we connect you to vetted decision makers from the climate industry you're actually selling into, as well as strategic partners who can help get the job done, such as grant providers and investors. Come with a working product, and leave one step closer to a structured pilot, a real commercial pipeline, and a sales engine that works. Six months, real traction, all alongside a partner that shares your mission of building what matters for people and planet.
TRACKS
Batch 1 has two focuses
Built Environment
Housing and infrastructure, circular construction, smart infrastructure, green manufacturing. Regulation and industrial capacity in East Germany make this the moment to build here.
Energy
Renewable generation, storage, grid technology, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization. Germany's Energiewende is creating immediate demand for pilots.
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Get founders into their next milestones with paying clients.
Increase in Engagement
We bridge the gap between technical validation and commercial traction making warm, vetted introductions to decision-makers who can sign, and co-building the sales assets and pilot structures that make deals happen
HOW TO APPLY
Application process
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Prepare project proposal
Increase in Engagement
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Submit
application
Increase in Engagement
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lInitial review by expert jury
Increase in Engagement
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Potential pitch invitation
Increase in Engagement
- Applications open: 14 Sept
- Applications close: 16 Oct
- Initial review: 16-20 Oct
- Startup Interviews: 26 -30 Oct
- Kick-off Online: 16-20 Nov
AT A GLANCE
PROGRAM DETAILS
Duration
6 months
4 + 2
Format
Online/Berlin
Kick-off week
16 - 20 Nov online
Coaching
1:1s with industry experts
Client Mixer
March 2027
Language
English and German
From pilot to commercial: a 6-month program for Climate Deeptech startups
- Orbit is a 6-month program in two phases: months 1–4 (Nov 2026–Feb 2027) focus on commercialization (pricing, go-to-market, and turning pilots into a repeatable offer). Months 5–6 (Mar–Apr 2027) focus on ecosystem integration through real conversations with corporates, investors, and customers, culminating in an in-person Orbit Deal Day in Berlin (March 2027).
WHAT YOU GET
The right support at the right time
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Warm introduction
Increase in Engagement
We introduce you to vetted decision-makers and partners that can really take you to the next step.
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Dedicated track coach
Faster Task Completion
With deep sector expertise supports you for six months: intake to pinpoint blockers, regular 1:1s on live deals, plus expert clinics.
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Peer learning
Core User Roles
A small cohort of founders at the same stage, working on the same kinds of problems. A network you'll use long after the program ends.
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Long-term relationship
Core User Roles
Whether for accessing funding or operational tools we have a welcome package with opportunities suited to you.
WHO WE LOOKING FOR
THE IDEAL FOUNDER
- ☐ Working in Built Environment & Infrastructure or Energy Transition
- ☐ Has a working product, not just a deck, something real that can be piloted
- ☐ Has first funding in place, and may be preparing their seed raise
- ☐ In active conversations with named buyers: first contact made, but not yet a paid commercial contract. An early pilot or LOI is a requirement
- ☐ Has real commercial ambition, not just a validated prototype
- ☐ Based in Germany, ideally East Germany (in-person activation focus)
WHO ENTERED THE ORBIT
Matthias Ballweg
Co-Founder, CIRCULAR REPUBLIC · Director, UnternehmerTUM- Author and Speaker.
Aneri Pradhan
Founding Partner, Klimatic Group · Climate Ecosystem Builder & TED and Keynote Speaker.
Oliver Lesche
Entrepreneur & Investor · Novaterra, Movilizer, Movilitas
ZuG WE BUILT WHAT MATTERS
ZuG WE BUILT WHAT MATTERS
ZuG WE BUILT WHAT MATTERS
ZuG WE BUILT WHAT MATTERS