MotionLab.Berlin

⭐️With around 250k university students, it's no wonder that Berlin has been named The City of Talents.⭐️ But how can we empower these talents to create startups and tech companies? By providing opportunities like the Tech Talent Program, we aim to help talents bring their ideas to life through real-world experience. Last night we closed batch 7 of this program with a celebratory Graduation Day. Thank you to everyone who joined us. ❤️ To the students from Batch 7: We wish you all the best on your journey ahead and we are glad to see many of you have already found industry and research partners for your master thesis and received job offers! While this may be goodbye for now, we hope to see you around the hub, at events, and staying connected through the MotionLab.Berlin ecosystem. 🙏 We would also like to say a special thank you to our keynote speakers: 🎤 Florian Tiller (Co-Founder & CEO, Ucaneo) – who spoke of his experience and journey founding Ucaneo. He touched on the importance of working within your passion and how starting fun traditions within your startup can bring your team closer together. 🎤 Lori Baldwin (Co-Founder of Atmosphere Creative Agency) – who explored the positive impact of aesthetic, live, tactile experiences on innovation and creativity. She emphasized the importance of preserving human connection away from a screen and says, "The act of innovation requires you to think outside the box. It needs makerspaces like this, full of people who accept the challenge of forging your own path." 💡Why do we run the Tech Talent Program? Businesses face real challenges—innovation pressure, skill gaps, and talent shortages—while top STEM students are eager for hands-on experience. Our Tech Talent Program bridges this gap, connecting brilliant young minds with startups and industry leaders. 🔹How does it work? 1️⃣ We co-design an innovation challenge with startups and corporates, based on real-world tech problems. 2️⃣ We source top students from 20+ leading universities to tackle it. 3️⃣ Companies gain fresh perspectives, cost-effective solutions, and a direct pipeline to future hires. 🔹The result? A win-win for both students and businesses, fuelling innovation, accelerating hiring, and strengthening Berlin’s deep tech ecosystem. We are so grateful to be in a position to connect startups, corporates, and young talent to shape the future of technology together. A huge congratulations to all the students—your hard work and creativity blew us away! Thank you to Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Digital Hub Initiative, and RCKT - A Dentsu Creative Company for making this program possible. #MotionLabBerlin #TechTalentProgram #DeepTech #Innovation #FutureofTech #DeepTech #Hardtech #Climatetech #Berlin #EventBerlin #Student Photography copyright Janosch Weiss

🚀 Looking for an office space for your startup in Berlin? We’ve got you covered! MotionLab.Berlin offers private office spaces designed for startups and innovators who need a productive, inspiring environment—without the hassle of office management. 🔹 The perks? - No deposit and flexible terms - Private office within a vibrant community environment - Meeting rooms, mail services, and kitchen included - Access to our startup and deep tech ecosystem, mentoring, and events - Makerspace and machine access for prototyping 🌟 Available now in Alt-Treptow: - 1 x 3-desk office space - 1 x 5-desk office space - 1 x 8-desk office space If you’re looking for a space to focus, grow, and connect with Berlin’s deep tech and innovation ecosystem, this is the place for you! 📩 Interested? Email us at info@motionlab.berlin or reach out to Melinda Varga. Learn more about our office spaces here: https://lnkd.in/eQxQncjx #coworking #berlin #MotionLabBerlin #officerental #startup #innovation #hardtech #workspace #deeptech #hardtech

⚙️ Hardtech Essentials Bootcamp has wrapped up... 🤓 ...and more masterclasses are coming very soon! Last week, we tackled the core challenges of building a hardware startup—fundraising, financial planning, legal setup, and team dynamics. With insights from experts and entrepreneurs in our ecosystem, participants gained practical strategies to structure their businesses and manage risks effectively. Missed it? No worries—we asked some of our speakers to share two key pieces of advice for early-stage hardware founders based on their masterclass topics. Here’s what they had to say: ⚙️ Financial Modeling for Startups 🎤 Georg Meuser, Co-Founder & Business Consultant at nxt milestone 🔹 Understand the financial implications of your business model and the nature of your offering. This will help you plan effectively. 🔹 Take the time to develop a solid financial strategy! It’s the foundation that keeps your business running smoothly and sustainably. ⚙️ Startup Legal Essentials in Germany 🎤 Dana Alpar, LL.M., Venture Capital & M&A Lawyer at Osborne Clarke Germany 🔹 Start with the right legal structure. Incorporate your company in a legal form that fits your needs and minimizes risks. 🔹 Always keep the exit in mind. Setting up a holding structure early can help you save on taxes and make your company future-ready. ⚙️ Fundraising Strategies for Startups 🎤 Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder & CEO at Bearcover, and Lead Mentor at the Hardtech Innovation Accelerator 🔹 For a deep tech company, the right financing strategy is the one that maximizes the chances of success. This means combining revenue from customers, grants, non-dilutive funding, and equity financing to reach your goal. At an early stage, relying on just one source is rarely an option. 🔹 Even if your product is complex to build, securing real revenue from clients for the first proof-of-concept is essential. It’s the only way to move forward. 👏 A big thank you to our expert speakers for leading the sessions, to Marianna Egressy, our Head of Accelerator and Ecosystem, for putting the program together, and to everyone who joined us last week. 🚨 Stay tuned for the next bootcamp in late March—program details and tickets coming soon! The Hardware Essentials Bootcamp is part of the Hardtech Innovation Accelerator, our flagship program for early-stage climate tech hardware startups. It’s supported by funds from the European Union (European Social Fund) and the State of Berlin. Daniel Shor, Pooja Channaveerappa #startup #DeepTech #ClimateTech #hardware #knowledge #masterclass

🚀 Join us next week to celebrate the future of tech 🚀 Over the past several months, students from Berlin-Brandenburg Universities have been actively participating in the MotionLab.Berlin Tech Talent Program, tackling real-world challenges in climate tech, robotics, biodiversity, and semiconductor manufacturing. Join us at the Tech Talent Graduation Day next week to see their groundbreaking work firsthand, hear from our exciting keynote speakers, and enjoy a night of networking and connection. Who should attend this event? 💡 Tech enthusiasts and professionals – Stay ahead of emerging trends in Berlin’s deep tech scene. 🤝 Startups and corporates – Meet the next wave of talent ready to drive innovation in your industry. 🎓 Professors and researchers – Explore collaboration opportunities between academia and industry. 🚀 Investors and ecosystem builders – Discover the ideas and people shaping the future. What to Expect: 🔍 Live project demos – See firsthand how students tackled challenges in climate tech, robotics, and more. 🤖 Innovative startups – Get insights from the companies who took part in the program: Blue Skies Minerals GmbH, SPAIA, VoltVogel, and NanoMatter. 🎤 Networking and industry connections – Connect with key players driving deep tech innovation in Berlin. 🎉 Celebration of talent – Support the next generation of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. 📢 And, of course, hear from our incredible keynote speakers: 1️⃣ Florian Tiller - From Idea to Germany’s Largest Direct Air Capture Facility: Former McKinsey consultant, now Co-Founder and CEO of Ucaneo, a climate tech startup that raised €6.75M in 2024 to build Germany’s largest Direct Air Capture plant. 2️⃣ Lori Baldwin - The Art and Science of Liveness: Award-winning Performance Artist, Creative Director, and Strategist. Co-founder of Atmosphere - building the future of work and culture. Event details: 📅 Date: February 25, 2025 🕔 Time: 17:30 – 21:00 📍 Location: MotionLab.Berlin, Bouchéstr. 12, Hall 20, 12435 Berlin Secure your spot now ➡️ https://lnkd.in/edcDBwz7 We can't wait to celebrate with you! See you there. #DeepTech #TechInnovation #FutureOfTech #EmergingTech #ClimateTech #Robotics #Semiconductors #BiodiversityTech #startup #innovation #hardtech #Berlin #event #university

🚀 Calling all Deep Tech pioneers: Applications for the Deep Tech Award 2025 are now open! 🚀 If you're building the future of AI, robotics, Web3, photonics & quantum tech, or sustainable impact, this is your chance to shine. As Berlin’s Deep Tech Hub, MotionLab.Berlin is proudly sponsoring the awards, and each winner will receive a 1-year ecosystem membership with us! 💡 Why apply? The Deep Tech Award isn’t just about recognition—it’s about real opportunities. Winners receive: ✅ €10,000 prize per category ✅ 1 year Ecosystem Membership with MotionLab.Berlin ✅ Exclusive access to a powerful alumni network ✅ A curated media package for your next pitch or trade fair ✅ High visibility in Berlin’s innovation landscape and beyond ✅ Opportunities to join international delegation trips ✅ Support from leading industry partners René Giese, our Head of Corporate Partnerships, on the impact of this award: 🗣️ "Through the Deep Tech Award, we not only celebrate technological excellence but also provide the momentum and visibility these teams need to attract investment, talent, and partnerships. This is exactly the kind of collaborative, market-driven approach we need to transform Berlin into a global hub for deep-tech innovation." With support from the Berlin Senate, the Deep Tech Award is spotlighting cutting-edge technologies and strengthening Berlin’s position as a European leader in Deep Tech. ⌛️Applications close on 10 April 2025, so if you are ready to take your startup to the next level, apply now! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/efRmTaTr #DeepTechAward #Innovation #BerlinTech #AI #Robotics #Web3 #QuantumTech #SustainableTech #DeepTechHub Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe Photo copyright Eventfotografen.Berlin

👋 Say hello to Niklas Mürau, our new Business Development Associate! 🔹 Niklas first joined MotionLab.Berlin as an intern last summer, helping our team grow our ecosystem by connecting SMEs and corporates with startups—linking resources and experience with bold ideas and disruptive technology. 🔹 What started as a temporary role quickly evolved into something more—Niklas naturally stepped into his current position and now juggles his work with his university studies, keeping him as busy as ever! 🪩 At MotionLab.Berlin, you’ll often find Niklas in the bus, one of his favorite spots, because of its unique character. He loves the diversity of the community and values how people here truly care about the why behind their work. 🔍 Driven by curiosity, Niklas is always eager to learn—whether it’s exploring different industries, diving into psychology, politics, and history, or imagining what the future might hold. His love for discovery also fuels his passion for travel, with a special appreciation for the vastness of the ocean and the hidden gems he’s found along the way. 🔮 Looking ahead, Niklas is excited for the unexpected challenges and opportunities that come with his role. One thing he knows for sure—he’s ready to make a positive impact and help our ecosystem thrive. 🤝 If you want to learn more about our ecosystem and how it can support your ideas, Niklas is the person you want to talk to! #Berlin #startup #DeepTech #ClimateTech #ecosystem #MotionLabBerlin

💚 A day full of fun and doing good for the planet—count us in! 🌏 🪲 As the SPAIA team nears the finish line of their tech challenge, they’re inviting you to be part of something exciting. Join their hands-on build workshop, where you’ll assemble, test, and share feedback on the very first batch of their DIY open-source insect monitors. More details (and a secret friend code!) in the post below. 🎤 And if you’d like to see SPAIA and three other Tech Talent teams showcase their final projects, don’t miss the Tech Talent Graduation Day on February 25th. We’ve put together a great program, featuring Florian Tiller (Co-Founder and CEO at Ucaneo) and Lori Baldwin (Award-winning Performance Artist, Creative Director and Strategist) on stage! #DeepTech #ClimateTech #hardware #TechTalent #TechForNature #Berlin Tom Cox, Collette Wasielewski, Silko Barth, Abhishek N., VoltVogel NanoMatter, Blue Skies Minerals GmbH

🎉 The MotionLab.Berlin Databank is live! 🥳 And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with our community? 🌟 A delicious brunch, an interactive workshop, a table tennis tournament, a custom merch station, and professional headshots—our launch event had it all. But more importantly, it was about bringing our members together to explore a digital tool designed to make their journeys smoother. ⚙️ Building a deep-tech hardware startup takes more than just an idea. It requires the right tools, expert knowledge, and a strong network. And in an industry where things take time, finding the right people at the right moment can make all the difference. 🚀 That’s exactly why we created the Databank—a digital platform that connects our community with the resources, experts, and opportunities they need to move faster. 💬 Phil Göttsching, Co-Founder of Yamakoe and part of the Databank user testing group, put it best: “The Databank will be a centralized place to connect with the community and partners, share expertise, and find the resources you need—something that was previously scattered across various Slack channels. Now it has a proper home, making things feel less overwhelming. Collaboration will become easier and help everyone move a little faster.” 🤝 What sets the Databank apart is its collaborative nature. It’s not just a directory—it’s a shared space where members can create profiles, highlight their expertise, and contribute valuable resources, from knowledge guides to expert articles. And of course, the platform is also used by startups, investors, and companies looking for expertise. A tool built by the community, for the community. And this is just the beginning. ➡️ Want to see how the Databank helps deep tech innovators move faster and smarter? Check out the full story on our blog—link in the comments! 📸 Photo credits: Geraldine Nirschl #DeepTech #HardTech #hardware #innovation #ecosystem #community #Databank #DigitalPlatform #collaboration

🤔 When is the right time to pivot your startup? 🗣️ Our upcoming Fireside Chat will feature an entrepreneur who has navigated this critical decision successfully. 👋 Meet Sam Tuke, a serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience leading tech companies, NGOs, and cooperatives. Sam founded his first company at 17 and later took his startup through Y Combinator, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges of early-stage growth. In this session, Sam will share his journey and delve into: 🔹 Recognizing the signs that it's time to pivot your business. 🔹 The impact of mission changes on your team. 🔹 Balancing the needs of early customers with product development. 🔹 Maintaining founder engagement and well-being during challenging times. 🔹 Strategies for solo sales teams aiming to enter the enterprise market. The conversation will be moderated by the one and only Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder and CEO of Bearcover, and Lead Mentor in MotionLab.Berlin's Hardtech Innovation Accelerator Program. 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 20th February 2025, 17:30–20:00 📍 Location: MotionLab.Berlin, Alt-Treptow Campus Event Space 🎟️ Get your ticket for the Fireside Chat here: https://lnkd.in/e4Bzsy5U 🍕 P.S. Did we mention there will be drinks and pizza afterwards to keep the conversation going? The Fireside Chat is part of the Hardtech Essentials Bootcamp which will be running next week - a series of carefully curated workshops designed by our community, for the community. Join the bootcamp to gain practical insights into essential startup topics, including: 🔹 Team Dynamics – How to build and lead an effective startup team 🔹 Fundraising Strategies – Proven ways to secure funding and scale 🔹 Financial Modeling – Planning for sustainable and strategic growth 🔹 Legal Essentials – Navigating startup regulations in Germany 🔹 Hardware Development with Notion – Streamlining your product journey 🎟️Check out the full event series here and RSVP to attend: https://lnkd.in/eGCeW7ec #innovation #hardtech #workshop #masterclass #MotionLabBerlin #Berlin #event #startup #deeptech

☠️ How to cross “The Valley of Death” ☠️ — the gap between research and market entry where many deep tech innovations stall? And it’s not just about technology; it’s about funding, partnerships, and timing. And while we all recognize these challenges, awareness alone won’t change the status quo—we need action. 🚀 Last week, we took a step in that direction by bringing together over 50 Berlin #DeepTech startups for a direct exchange with SPRIND - Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen. 🗝️ The key theme? How we can collectively bridge the funding gap for high-risk, high-impact technologies. SPRIND’s approach is a game-changer: they invest between €100K and €100M in radical projects—and have already backed over 170 ventures. As our own Tayla Sheldrake highlighted in her keynote, this is the kind of support deep and hardtech founders in Germany need to scale. For startups, it was a unique chance to connect with those shaping deep tech funding and gain real insights into taking their innovations to market. 🤝 A big thank you to Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe, Deep Tech Berlin, and SPRIND - Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen for making this exchange possible and ensuring that promising deep tech startups in Germany can engage in dialogue at eye level. We’re glad to have strong partners like SPRIND in our network—because together we have the power to help founders cross “the Valley of Death”. 📬 Deep tech startup looking for funding? Send your pitch deck to SPRIND! 📸 Photo credits: Janosch Weiss Christian Freier Nomad Atomics, Alexander Hammer Dunia, Sergei Altynbaev Ailoys, Daniel Schwaag Made of Air, Janis Münch Sphaira, Nicolas Jalby Orbisens®, Florian Tiller Ucaneo, Daniel Flynn Bearcover, Silko Barth Blue Skies Minerals GmbH, Tom Cox SPAIA, Uwe Peter Lite&Fog, Tinental, CIYANO, Red Arrow technologies Sebastian Askar, Robin Hempel, Katarzyna Grajner, Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, Christian Bogatu, Lorenz Höppl, Leon Heimberg, Tim Schneider, Dr. Michael Wehrheim