CF ACCELERATOR
12 weeks. 100% focus. Serious progress.
12 weeks. 100% focus. Serious progress.
Deadline: 16.08.2026
Welcome to Europe’s only B2B Startup Accelerator, where 100% of your peers build impact-driven innovation in AI, Cybersecurity and Robotics.
The CF Accelerator is a 12-week cost and equity-free, execution-focused program for early-stage impact driven Deep Tech startups that have developed an MVP and early signs of traction. It is designed to empower founders to build and grow their business without distractions.
Our program is set up with founders, for founders. Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs who have scaled startups – not theorists. Expect 1:1 mentorship, fast replies, and tactical help.
We offer a structured path to traction, guiding you through clear milestones with actionable weekly checklists. By week 12, you’ll be investor-ready, equipped with real industry feedback and a product that is ready to be shipped, to present your startup with confidence.
Apply now and become part of Heilbronn’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Target Group
Early-stage AI/Deep Tech B2B startups with working MVP. The team should be fully committed and comprise at least one tech and one business co-founder.
SETUP
The program offers an Entrepreneurship Track for refining business strategies, a Tech Track for leveraging AI models and scaling technical products and a Well-Being Track for sustainable self-management.
GOAL
The goal is to equip you with the methods, resources, mentorship, and strong community you need to refine your business model, move beyond your MVP, and master fundraising.
DURATION
Full-time, 12-week program in Heilbronn
Batch #9: 30.09.2026 - 18.12.2026

ADVANCED BUSINESS WORKSHOPS
Business knowledge is readily available online, and we understand that. That's why our experts tailor the content to suit the practical needs of our startup in the cohort. It's not the typical workshop setup, instead, picture a small, focused cohort guided by an industry expert, ensuring an intimate and hands-on learning experience. Business topics covered include achieving product-market fit, product development, customer discovery, marketing, fundraising, and sales for startups.

TECHNICAL FOUNDER FOCUS
Forget generic online courses - we provide 12 weeks of tactical, tech-specific execution. Our expert-led sessions focus solely on the issues that matter for early-stage AI and Deep Tech startups: from designing scalable product pipelines to structuring enterprise pilot deals. You will work in a tight cohort of equally committed tech founders - no theoretical case studies, just your startup's rapid progression from prototype to fundable venture.

WELLBEING FOR FOUNDERS WHO WANT TO LAST
Startups are a marathon, not a sprint, and YOU are your startup’s most important asset. That’s why our wellbeing track helps you build the internal clarity, resilience, and presence needed to lead for the long haul. Through a science-based, founder-centered retreat series, you’ll gain practical tools from psychology, neuroscience, and embodied practices, all tailored for the real emotional rollercoaster of startup life.

EYE-TO-EYE COACHING AND MENTORING
During the program you will have access to coaching and mentorship with invaluable guidance, personalized insights, and operational industry expertise. Fostering accelerated learning, skill development, and strategic decision-making, ultimately increasing your chances of successfully navigating the challenges of your development and effectively leveraging artificial intelligence. Check our Mentor pool

FUNDING STRUCTURED FOR FOUNDER SUCCESS
To help you get started, you have the chance to receive up to €25k* funded through our financial partners. This funding is distributed in different phases based on milestones - giving you the runway to focus completely on your startup without sacrificing equity. This transparent, founder-friendly approach ensures you're funded for real progress, not just participation. Something we are proud to share: Over 40% of our alumni secured follow-on investments ranging from six to seven figures after participating in AI Founders.

LIVE AND BUILD ALONGSIDE YOUR PEERS
Our free co-living space “Startup-WG” at Rosenberg Quartier creates an environment where founders fully immerse in their work while surrounded by peers tackling similar challenges. This is a purpose-built space where late-night problem-solving sessions and the occasional hangout accelerate your progress alongside others equally committed to their Deep Tech ventures. *Alternatively there is a possibility of receiving a Founder Scholarship.

Heilbronn: Europe’s underrated AI Hub
Our network isn’t just a number, it’s highly engaged and business-focused. From sharing insights to opening doors and exploring real opportunities, we have built this network to help you grow faster, make smarter decisions, and build meaningful connection, in the region and beyond.

Be the First Cohort to Get Accelerated in Gravity
Spanning eight levels and 7,000 square meters the venue as the name suggests; is set to become a center of gravity for innovation and entrepreneurship, where ideas take shape, partnerships form, and businesses move forward. Enjoy 24/7 access and top-tier amenities designed to spark creativity and productivity, all conveniently located in the city center. More than just a workspace, it’s your launchpad for growth.
Register for the next info session
If you have any questions or need more detailed information, join our upcoming Q&A online session to learn more about the application process, program structure, and the benefits.
1
APPLICATION DEADLINE
16.08.2026
2
PITCH INVITATION
24.08-26.08.2026
3
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTENCE
28.08.2026
4
PROGRAM START
30.09.2026
Kick Off & Offsite
Move-in to Heilbronn
- Welcome to Campus Founders & Ecosystem
- Introduction to Funding Opportunities & Resources
- Set 12-Weeks Milestones with Startup Managers
Customer and Business Readiness
- Better understand your customer & user research and techniques
- Product Development and GTM Strategies
- Business Plan and Pitch Deck Prompting
- Pitching for startups
- Well-Being Track Focus: Your Toolkit for More Focus, Calm & Clear Direction
Product Readiness
- Define Technical user requirements
- Validate and Test MVP in relevant environment
- Operational Demonstration of Product
- Well-Being Track Focus: Finances, Fundraising & Self-Worth as a Founder
Funding Readiness
- Deal Structuring & Legal
- Dynamics of Venture Capital & Business Angels
- Negotiating with investors
- Pitching Mastery: Story-Lining & Story-Telling
- Well-Being Track Focus: Creativity, Emotional Release & Presence
Entrepreneurship Track
Tech Track
Lorenc and Alessandro, Otello Ai
Founder friends to celebrate great times and go through hard times with, this is the most valuable asset Campus Founders Accelerator gave me. The disciplined work ethics coming naturally, because the right environment around you is grinding daily and you too. It was never so fun to be a full time founder, my startup grew in the last 3 months more than an entire year before, all because of the Programm.
Ani, Extra Academy
What I valued most in the program was the serendipity and the sense of community. Amazing founders that are ultra-focused on building a zebra (or unicorn) really helped raise the bar. This batch community was built through exchange nights, fellow founders, and amazing program managers.
Joao, Tilect
Participation in the program is free of charge. You just have to convince us of your motivation and commitment.
Many successful startups consist of at least two founders who can cover the technical and business fundamentals. However, if you have a special talent and are convinced that you have what it takes to build and run your own business, we are willing to make an exception for you. Get in touch with us, and we will try to find a solution for you.
What we expect from our founders is full commitment to the program and building their startup. If you are working full-time or in the midst of your studies, it will be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of the program. We require that at least one of your co-founders is fully dedicated to the business, ideally all of them.
You should be beyond the idea and prototype stage — with at least the first iteration of your product built. We’re looking for early-stage startups that have some initial traction and are now focused on validating, growing, and getting investor-ready.
As our curriculum is fast-paced and challenging, we expect you to focus solely on the Accelerator program full-time.
We will be selecting up to10 teams.
Our selection criteria revolve around the problem you are trying to solve, the innovativeness of your idea and your competition, the size of the market you are addressing, the scalability of the idea, and your business model.
Additionally, we will evaluate whether your team includes both a technical and a business co-founder and has the potential to build a successful business. Finally, we will assess whether you are a good fit for the program and the community.
Yes, absolutely! If you’re not selected for this batch, don’t worry. Keep refining your idea, stay determined, and feel free to apply again in the future batches. Persistence pays off! Best of luck!
The program calendar will be filled with various components ranging from workshops, sessions, pitch practice and opportunities to connect with your program peers. If you are spending the day at the Gravity, we also expect other community members to drop by throughout the day, giving you opportunity to expand your network. There will also be a ton of community events going on. In general, you’ll be working on your product each day, just like the other founders in the program.
We will be running a number of community events and Q&A sessions before the start of the batch. You may join us there to have your questions answered, so keep an eye on our upcoming events.
Alternatively, reach out to lisa@campusfounders.de for assistance.
The official language of the program is English. All workshops, meetups, and communications are conducted entirely in English. This also allows us to bring together a diverse community of founders, mentors, and experts from across the globe, creating a truly international and collaborative environment.
Yes! The program is flexible by design. While there are some mandatory events (kick-off week, weekly check-ins, milestone-setting, and Demo Day), most workshops and events are on demand. You decide what’s most relevant for your startup. We’re here to support, not overload your calendar.
Financial assistance is bound to program milestones. The first instalment will be paid after you successfully pass your first milestone review, and the final instalment will be paid at the end of the program following the second milestone review.
In order to successfully complete the program, you should take part in our workshops and exchange ideas with our experts. We will of course support you in reaching your milestones. If there are still challenges and you do not reach the milestones, the funding may not be paid out in full.
The financial assistance of EUR 25,000 offered is a founder-friendly loan provided by our financial partners with limited repayment obligation. The key terms include a milestone-related loan amount, a market-standard interest rate, and a maturity date of 30.06.2029. The loan does not need repayment if the project or business plan is abandoned if our financial partner participates in the next equity financing round, or if given the opportunity to participate but chooses not to. Please note that these terms are determined by our financial partners and are subject to their modifications. For additional clarifications, we recommend participating in our weekly Q&A or informational webinars.