The Founder Institute, the world's largest startup accelerator, is now accepting applications for the Germany Fall 2026 Semester.
If you could benefit from expert training and advice to launch a technology startup in Berlin, click here to apply today.
Those who apply by the Early Admissions Deadline (Sep 15, 2026) will have their application fees waived (typically $50) and are eligible for Founder Institute Fellowships.
In the Founder Institute's four-month, part-time program, promising startup entrepreneurs “learn by doing” and launch a company through structured training courses and expert feedback from a large network of business mentors. Plus, you are not required to quit you day job to participate, so you can begin building a business around your ideas without putting your livelihood at risk.
In order to celebrate the launch, the Berlin Founder Institute will host a “Pre-Curriculum” of free startup events for the general public:
Germany Events:
- Startup Funding in Germany: 2027 Market Outlook & Fundraising Insights: 6:00pm, Oct 08, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/402807
- Founder Meet & Greet: Berlin Startup Networking Cohort Start Edition: 7:00pm, Oct 14, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/404580
- [Restricted] Germany Fall 2026 VIP Launch Mixer : 7:00pm, Oct 21, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/391841
- Founder Meet & Greet: Berlin Startup Networking cozy Edition: 7:00pm, Nov 12, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/404911
- Founder Meet & Greet: Berlin In-Person Startup Networking Red Hats Edition: 7:00pm, Dec 03, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/404548
Global or Regional Events:
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 6:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/395271
- From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 6:00pm, Nov 03, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/405879
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 6:00pm, Dec 01, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/395340
Leading the Founder Institute’s efforts in Berlin are Didier Vermeiren, founder of SmartCheckups; and Sascha Karstaedt, founder and CMO of Carving Dreams.
In only 17 years of operation, over 9,000 graduate companies across 200 cities have used the Founder Institute to validate their idea, develop their plans, refine their product, build an advisory board, prepare for seed funding, and more.
