CyberLab Accelerator - more than just a Startup Accelerator
We want to prepare you in the best possible way for market entry, match you with the relevant contacts and make your startup fly.
What you need to know
ATTENTION: Please note that most of the workshops are held in German. At least one team member should be able to understand and speak German at B1 / B2 level to benefit best from the program.
Our model is an online program with 2 face-to-face sessions in Karlsruhe and one batch per quarter.
After starting in the Accelerator, we will accompany you continuously over the next few years as you build up your startup and company
Target group
Solo founders and teams with a focus on IT, AI, IT security, smart production from Baden-Württemberg (or who want to relocate their business to Baden-Württemberg or have pilot projects with companies based here).
Costs
Free of charge thanks to funding from Start-up BW. Participation is covered by the EU's General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) ("Allgemeine Gruppenfreistellungsverordnung - AGVO")
Dates Q1 2026
03.02. Assessment Day
24.02. (in presence in Karlsruhe), 26.02., 27.02., 03.03., 04.03.
Dates of the Setup phase
24.03. Selection Day for specialization (in presence in Karlsruhe)
followed by further dates in the specialization phase
(the central phase of the specialization starts in April 2026, followed by further exciting offers in the CyberForum and CyberLab)
Duration
4 batches start per year
Next Start
Application deadline: 14.01.2026
Time investment
Setup phase approx. 6-8h per appointment for a good start into our program, followed by further individual appointments in the specialization distributed on individual days in the coming weeks
Why you should choose the CyberLab
+240 Mentors
We match you with mentors who immediately understand your business idea because they are familiar with the topic.
Lifelong learning
With us, you don't just go through an accelerator - you also have access to the right knowledge, the right contacts and much more at any time afterwards, depending on your needs.
Individual program
We give you what your startup needs right now and for as long as you need it.
Network for your specialization
As part of the CyberForum, we are integrated into many networks and organizations. Whether it's the de:hub for applied artificial intelligence, the AI Alliance, the Karlsruhe IT Security Initiative (KA-IT-Si), etc. - we can connect you.
The CyberLab Programm
After you have been accepted, we will provide you with all the relevant information and tools you need for your start-up in the IT sector during the Setup Phase.
Following the Selection Day for specialization, you will receive access to further offers that match your growth phase, such as in-depth modules, contacts with investors and mentors, networking events, CEO & CTO circles, workshops, keynote speeches and much more.
Our Accelerator has an ongoing character. As a CyberLab alumni, you will continue to benefit from our knowledge, our large startup community and our network.
FAQ
Do you have any questions? Here you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers!
Application & Participation
Solo founders and teams from the fields of IT, AI, IT security, or smart production—ideally from Baden-Württemberg or with a pilot project in Baden-Württemberg. The startup does not need to be established to participate in the program, but it must have been founded no more than five years ago (according to the commercial register).
We carefully review every application we receive. You will usually receive initial feedback shortly after the application deadline. If we like what we see at first glance, we will invite you to an online assessment interview so we can get to know you better.
No – the program is free of charge for all teams from Baden-Württemberg (and, under certain conditions, also outside Baden-Württemberg) thanks to funding from Startup-BW.
Describe your startup or your founding idea concisely and clearly. We need to understand what problem you are solving and for whom. Information about your proof of concept and market will also help us. The more specific, the better. Show us what your team is capable of. Keep your pitch deck concise and make sure it has a clear and understandable structure. We want to get a first impression to assess whether you are a good fit for our accelerator program.
The workshop language is predominantly German – one team member should have at least B1/B2 level.
A current pitch deck and, if available, the startup logo. In the application form , you will provide us with information about the participants, your business idea, the business model, and the target group of your startup, among other things.
Network & Community
Among other things, we can connect you with our member companies and other startup networks and initiatives from Startup-BW. We are, among others, part of the de:hubs KI and the KI-Allianz. Connections to investors and business angels are also possible. In addition, you will regularly receive information about exciting events or competitions.
As part of CyberForum e.V., CyberLab is embedded in a strong network of founders, mentors, companies, and experts. Membership in CyberForum offers many advantages, including long-term mentoring, discounts on events, visibility, and much more.
Program & Schedule
The program has a hybrid structure: online sessions plus two face-to-face sessions in Karlsruhe.
Around 240 mentors with practical experience provide individual support – from IT security to AI. Our mentors are experienced founders, CEOs, or experts in specific subject areas. Each startup in the program is put in touch with several mentors and has the opportunity to receive long-term support.
As an alumnus, you will benefit in the long term: access to the CyberForum, networking, events, mentoring, workplaces, marketing, job exchange, and much more. When your startup is ready to take off, has successfully mastered the first steps, and is classified as “ready” by us, we will support you with valuable contacts to investors and business angels.
Infrastructure & Financing
Through the CyberForum, you have access to Startup BW Pre-Seed and other funding opportunities
We only invest our time to help you get ahead! We are not invested in our startups & do not take any shares..
(Kopie 24)
Yes—discounted coworking spaces and smart production areas are available through CyberForum.
Benefit from our partners
With the CyberForum membership you benefit from exclusive in-depth modules, the opportunity for Startup BW Pre-Seed investment, discounted workspaces and regular mentoring after the accelerator. You will find out all the details about membership during the assessment before the start of the programme.
You also benefit from exclusive discounts within our partner programmes (e.g. AWS, Google and Sparkasse):
Benefit from membership in CyberForum
With CyberForum membership, you will continue to benefit from discounted workspaces, regular mentoring, a wide range of events, support from our marketing and talent & career departments, free listings on our job board, and much more even after participating in the Accelerator program. You can find out all the details about membership in the Accelerator.
Voices on our Accelerator Programme
"Exciting and very helpful programme, superb network and friendly people!"
"The development opportunities are endless and the team is always willing to help and support every step of the way. I highly recommend the Cyberlab accelerator programme and I am grateful to have had the chance to participate. It is an absolute must have for any startup!"
"Very professional team that provides very concrete support in various phases of your startup. Good contacts to the regional economy; but also top networked supra-regionally (especially in the IT environment)."
"Super nice and helpful team, great network and great organsation of the events. I can only recommend it!"
sponsored by:
Contact:
