hoopooh supports daycare teachers with speech-based AI that automates tasks, tracks development, and improves communication — with explainable AI in the works.
Building deep tech startups backed by global research leaders.
Build your deep tech startup inside Fraunhofer HHI
Germany has gone all-in on deep tech, and so have we. But most founder pathways aren’t built for the kind of tech it takes to win in AI, photonics, wireless, and sensing.
That’s why we’ve created a new model: combining startup expertise with the research power and infrastructure of Fraunhofer’s Heinrich Hertz Institute – one of Europe’s most respected institutes for applied science.
Meet our portfolio startups
Flybionic builds long-range drones the size of a pigeon for emergency response and monitoring, using cellular networks and BVLOS tech for real-time, safe insights.
Neptune is a gamified AI app that teaches kids instruments through gameplay — correcting posture and notes, with personalized lessons for home or schools.
Spin Digital creates advanced software for high-resolution video, supporting 8K and VR formats, enabling next-gen streaming, broadcasting, and media production.
iMouse uses AI and digital biomarkers for continuous, unbiased behavioural analysis in preclinical research — improving data quality and animal welfare.
QuSine builds ultra-low-noise RF and microwave signal generators using opto-electronics — powering high-precision systems in quantum, radar, and comms.
D3Companion is an AI tool for architects that generates and optimises residential layouts — with smart sketching, auto floor plans, simulations, and BIM.
Interested in joining one of our startups?
Join our talent network. Be the first to know about co-founding and job opportunities in our startups that could be a match.
A new path for deep tech founders 🚀
We work with technical founding teams (2+) who have:
✔️ A working MVP
✔️ Tech that aligns with Fraunhofer HHI’s research domains
✔️ Deep expertise in both tech and industry
✔️ No prior private investment
✔️ Full-time employee commitment
Not quite an accelerator or tech transfer. A model built for deep tech: serious technical support, IP access, and terms that work for founders, not just institutions.
What you get:
Full-time support
We hire your core team (up to 3 people) as full-time employees at Fraunhofer HHI, with salaries covered for one year and extendable to two.
Deep tech infrastructure
Work directly inside Fraunhofer HHI with access to labs, equipment, patents, computing clusters, and scientists. Get tech you can’t find anywhere else.
Founder-friendly terms
You own your company. We take no equity or board seats – just a small virtual share (~10%) at exit. Clean cap table, VC-friendly terms.
Berlin HQ
Your team gets a private, modern workspace in the heart of Berlin – next to Tiergarten and plugged into Europe’s most vibrant tech community.
A connected community
Join a network of founders, operators, engineers, investors, and researchers building serious deep tech. We’re here to connect you with the people who can actually help.
FAQs
Read all FAQs in detail here.
Do I need to be in Berlin?
Yes – one team member must be based full‑time in Berlin during the program. The rest of your team must be in Germany and able to attend demo days in Berlin four times a year.
Can I join if I have already raised funding?
Yes, as long as the funding is public or equity‑free (e.g. grants). Startups that have already raised private funding are not eligible (including convertible loans, SAFEs, etc).
Does my company have to be registered in Germany?
Yes, your company must be registered and based in Germany for the support period.
What is virtual equity, and how does it work?
Virtual equity (or virtual shares) means Fraunhofer HHI doesn’t take real shares in your company, we don’t appear on your cap table and have no voting rights. Instead, it’s a contractual agreement: if your company exits, IPOs, or pays dividends, Fraunhofer HHI receives ~10% (which is diluted in future financing rounds) of the proceeds. If not, we don’t take anything. You stay fully in control, and we only take a share if your startup succeeds.
Can I keep my IP, or does Fraunhofer HHI take it?
Your startup’s own IP remains fully yours. Upon entering the program, you will be granted a non-exclusive license to a piece of HHI’s technology. Any IP developed over the course of the program will also be licensed to you non-exclusively, forever. If your startup raises at least €1 million in external funding, this new IP you’ve developed is exclusively licensed to you. If that funding milestone isn’t reached, you are still granted a non-exclusive usage to this IP but Fraunhofer HHI also retains the rights to further license it. Any previous IP developed independently by your startup is not affected and stays under your ownership.
What financial support will I get, and how is it structured?
We provide funding in the form of paying paying for three full time salaries of your core team for 12 months. While we can’t provide direct investment, our financial support is worth up to €500,000 which includes salaries, office space, software, hardware, and all the benefits of a full-time employee of Fraunhofer HHI, i.e. holiday pay, sick days, travel and education budget.
Robots? Lasers? Teleportation? We’re not kidding.
Thanks to Fraunhofer HHI, we have a ton of cutting-edge tech in-house, we’re looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs to build startups using it:
AI & Machine Learning
From intelligent systems to computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics.
Video & Imaging Technologies
Compression, real-time streaming, AR/VR, immersive media, and biometric sensing.
Wireless & Network Technologies
5G, 6G, optical and wireless transmission, network optimization, and low-latency systems.
Photonics & Quantum Technologies
Laser systems, optical sensing, quantum communication, and photonic computing.
…other moonshot ideas 🔭
If you’re building something truly groundbreaking we’d still love to hear about it. But please ensure your project aligns with Fraunhofer HHI’s technologies.
We specifically love these industry verticals:
Energy, climate, healthcare, agriculture, education, urban tech, B2B services, and any sector ripe for disruption with these technologies.
Our portfolio, 2019-2023
Since 2011, our mission has been to bring passionate people together to help them build awesome businesses.
From 2019 to 2023 we supported 25 impact-focused businesses, and over 60 founders grow from an idea to launch through our Berlin Founders Fund. With the support of the non-equity funding and the daily advice from our network. They have raised over €100M to date.
Upcoming events
[Thursday] Oct 23rd, 5-8PM
Deep Tech Night
Where research meets startups, and ideas become innovation. 🎤 This October, Deep Tech Night and LEAP spotlight photonics & quantum technologies — with groundbreaking projects, forward-thinking founders, and an exciting keynote from a leading expert!
Get your tickets!
[Tuesday] November 4th, 9-11AM
Monthly Meet Up
Berlin's longest running tech & startup community event in Berlin is now permanently in Kreuzberg! Join founders, techies & innovators for a morning of fresh perspectives and great coffee at St. Oberholz, Kreuzberg!
Get tickets here! - coming soon
Last Thursday of every month
🎤 Apply to Pitch
Do you have a Deep Tech or AI startup? Pitch at one of our Deep Tech Nights in front of a live audience of hundreds of peers, experts and investors in the tech space, and hear from a jury of deep tech investors.
5 mins pitch / 5 min Q&A
Apply to Pitch
