Media Lift

We are looking for innovative solutions, business models and technologies that will drive the content industry forward. The thematic focus of our incubator is on #MediaTech developments:

AdTech, Creative AI, Generative AI, Content Creation, Audience, Media Platforms, Audio, Digital Journalism, Digital Publishing, Digital Payment, Data & Analytics, Data Driven Publishing, E-Commerce for Media Companies, Metaverse, Blockchain, VR, AR, XR, FilmTech.

Teams that have developed a first digital prototype on one of the above topics and are in the pre-seed or early stage are welcome to apply. We are also looking for universal technologies that can be used or adapted for our industry, as well as innovative new products or services that have the potential to revolutionise the industry.

For example: We are looking for start-ups that know how to utilise existing Large Language Models (e.g. with RAG workflows) to develop a new product for the content industry.

Your team should consist of at least two, but no more than five members. It does not matter whether you are still studying, employees of media and digital companies or serial founders. However, we do not support format developments, agency start-ups or solo entrepreneurs. It is not necessary for you to be from Hamburg, but there will be some face-to-face meetings where, ideally, your entire team can be present. #commitment

In our application form, we ask for the most important information about your business idea and your team. In addition, please submit a pitch deck to present your solution in detail. You can find helpful templates for your business idea on NeueMedien.org. We recommend that you have a consultation with our program manager Bruno before submitting your application.

Ideally, you are still in the pre-foundation phase, i.e. you have already developed a solution approach and an initial prototype, but are not yet ready for the market - because that is exactly where we want to take you together. If you have already completed an accelerator program, the incubator is probably no longer right for you.

No, you can apply even before the company is officially founded. The aim would be for you to set up the company in the first phase of the incubator with our support. If you have already officially founded and registered the company, this is not a reason for exclusion. The location of the company does not matter at first, as long as you ensure your presence in Hamburg during the attendance phases.

Your core team should consist of at least two and no more than five people with complementary expertise. We naturally support diverse start-up teams and are particularly happy to welcome female entrepreneurs.

Our expert jury evaluates all applications that meet the requirements according to the criteria of development potential (team/idea) and industry relevance and selects the most promising business ideas from all applications. These can present themselves in person in a digital prepitch on February 28, 2025 in the morning. The jury will then decide which five teams will be among this year's lucky participants and you will be informed as soon as possible.

We plan the four-month program in a two-week rhythm, i.e. workshops usually take place from Tuesday to Thursday in one week and there are no dates in the following week. It is best to keep a whole day free for the workshops. You are expected to take part in 75% of the workshops. The exact program will be sent out with the confirmation after the prepitch.

Yes and no - you do not have to be based in Hamburg. However, parts of the incubator program will take place in Hamburg. We are planning the kick-off at the start of the program on site. Afterwards, we will meet for certain workshops in Hamburg to improve cooperation between the batch teams. As a rule of thumb, we will meet twice per phase in Hamburg. At least one of you should be present at these meetings.

Yes, you will receive up to 15,000 euros in funding per team. The incubator consists of three phases - you will receive 5,000 euros per phase. Our jury will decide whether you reach the next phase based on your development progress, which you present at the milestone pitches.

No. Your ideas belong to you! After the incubator, you can freely found your project or transfer it back to your company.

That is possible. However, as the financial support is de minimis aid, you must ensure that the funds received as part of such support programs do not exceed the total amount of EUR 300,000 within three years from the date of the first de minimis aid. Nevertheless, you should carefully consider whether two parallel grants are sensible and feasible for you, which is why we ask you about this in the application form. This is not an exclusion criterion.