Welcome to Zukunft.Gründen – our National Lead for Germany
WHAT WE DO: OUR COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION
At Zukunft.Gründen (https://zukunftgruenden.io/), we believe the traditional startup model is no longer sufficient for addressing the complex challenges of our time.
Our mission is to support real-world innovations that empower both founders and communities while creating scalable solutions for a sustainable future. This year, we are proud to align with the Climate Launchpad (CLP) theme: The Wellbeing Economy. This thematic approach moves beyond traditional GDP-focused growth to prioritize people, planet, and societal impact at the center of entrepreneurship.
To achieve this, we work alongside a dynamic team and network of expert partners, academics, and coaches who actively support founders in developing and scaling meaningful innovations.
What makes our program unique is that you won’t only receive support to perfect your pitch and compete successfully in Climate Launchpad. As one of the first venture studios focused on sustainability and impact-driven innovation, we take a venture-building approach. This means we work closely with founders beyond the competition to support their next growth stage and connect them with the right partners, networks, and opportunities.
In addition to the official Climate-KIC boot camp, we offer extended support through our ecosystem:
We collaborate closely with SMEs from the Stuttgart region and are a partner of EIT Manufacturing, enabling us to help startups connect with potential pilot customers and industry partners across Germany and beyond.
As a Gründernetzwerk, we support early-stage teams that are still in the idea phase. Eligible teams can receive guidance in applying for programs such as EXIST-Gründungsstipendium or access investment opportunities through our network.
WORK WITH US: ROADMAP
We are excited to be the official German partner for Climate Launchpad 2026, and our goal is to create the most empowering and hands-on experience possible for participating founders.
Application Phase Mar 9 – Apr 30 You can find the full eligibility criteria and thematic areas here: https://climatelaunchpad.org/competition/
Apply to the World’s Largest Green Business Ideas Competition. This year, we have streamlined our focus into four core impact categories to simplify and strengthen how we frame climate impact:
- Mitigation
- Adaptation & Resilience
- Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
- Nature-based Solutions & Biodiversity
Summary of eligibility: The program is open to teams:
- Not yet incorporated or incorporated for less than 2 years
- With less than €200k in funding
- Working on climate innovations in areas such as: Adaptation & Resilience, Blue Economy, Circular Economy, Urban Solutions, Clean Energy, Food Systems, and Sustainable Mobility.
Here is what you can expect when you join the World’s Largest Green Business Ideas Competition with us:
Date TBC* – Online Kick-off Before the official kick-off, we will host introductory cohort sessions. These sessions help us get to know you better and understand your needs beyond pitching and competition success.
June – Global Boot Camp & Expert Coaching Participants will join an intensive 3.5-day virtual boot camp hosted by Climate-KIC, designed as a rapid business school for climate startups. After the boot camp, teams will receive weekly coaching sessions with our Venture Studio experts, focusing on:
- Pitch development
- Business model refinement
- Building a strategic roadmap for the next stage of your venture
July 16 – Nationals Competition Pitch live in front of a curated jury of investors and partners at the Zukunft.Gründen HQ in Nürtingen. The top three teams will advance to the next stage and receive intensive personalised coaching in preparation for the Regional Competition.
August (Date TBC) – Regionals Competition The top three German teams from the National Competition will participate in the online Regional Finals, competing for a place in the Global Grand Final. Teams selected for the Grand Final will continue to receive intensive coaching and support from our team.
October 14 – Global Grand Final Finalists will pitch at the Climate Launchpad Global Grand Final in Singapore. We hope to see at least one German team on the global stage—and if you make it there, we will continue supporting you throughout the journey.
GROW WITHIN OUR ECOSYSTEM 🚀
Even after the Climate Launchpad journey ends, you remain an important part of our community. We continue supporting founders through:
- Our exclusive alumni network
- Venture Studio programs
- Upcoming incubation and accelerator opportunities
Whether you are looking for your next funding round, pilot partners, or academic expertise, our ecosystem is designed to help your venture grow and remain future-proof.
Let’s shape the future together.
„Das Programm ‚Nachhaltig wirken – Förderung gemeinwohlorientierter Unternehmen‘ mit seinen Projekten wird durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie und die Europäische Union über den Europäischen Sozialfonds Plus (ESF Plus) gefördert.“ // “The program ‘Sustainable Impact – Promoting Social Enterprises’ and its projects are funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus).”
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This program is supported by “Nachhaltig wirken – Förderung gemeinwohlorientierter Unternehmen.”
“Das Programm ‚Nachhaltig wirken – Förderung gemeinwohlorientierter Unternehmen‘ mit seinen Projekten wird durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie und die Europäische Union über den Europäischen Sozialfonds Plus (ESF Plus) gefördert.”
(English reference version) “The program ‘Sustainable Impact – Promoting Social Enterprises’ and its projects are funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus).”