Media Lift

We are looking for innovative solutions, business models and technologies that will drive the content industry forward. The thematic focus of our accelerator 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.

You should already have a prototype or an MVP (minimum viable product), a minimally functional product with core features that enables initial user feedback and, if applicable, generates initial revenue. Goal: An MVP must be available at the end of the Media Lift program. 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.

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 management before submitting your application.

Ideally, you are in the start-up phase, i.e., you have already developed an initial prototype or MVP, but are not yet ready for market—because that is exactly where we want to take you together. If you are already in an accelerator program, Media Lift is probably not the right fit for you.

You should either be in the start-up phase or have already established your business. If the official launch is not planned until Media Lift, that is acceptable. The location of your company headquarters is also irrelevant at this stage, as long as you are present 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 will evaluate all applications that meet the requirements according to the criteria of development potential (team/idea) and industry relevance, and select the most promising business ideas from all applications. These can be presented in person in a digital prepitch on the morning of April 23, 2026. The jury will then decide which five teams will be the lucky participants in 2026, and you will be notified as soon as possible.

We plan the six-month program on a biweekly basis, which means that the program usually takes place from Tuesday to Thursday, with no appointments the following week. There are only a few workshops, because our focus is on networking with the industry and helping you find your product market fit. You are expected to participate in 90% of the workshops. The exact program will be sent out after the prepitch once you have been accepted. A preliminary program can be found here (subject to change).

Yes and no – your company or place of residence does not have to be in Hamburg. However, parts of the accelerator program will take place in Hamburg. We are planning the kick-off for the program start on May 26–27, 2026, on site. We will then meet in Hamburg for certain workshops to improve collaboration between the batch teams. As a rule of thumb, we will meet twice in Hamburg per phase. At least one person from your team should be present at these meetings.

Yes, you will receive up to €12,000 in funding per start-up. The accelerator consists of two phases, in each of which you will receive €6,000. Our jury will decide whether you reach the next phase based on your development progress, which you will present at the mid-term review. You will also have a coaching budget of €1,000 at your disposal.

No. Your ideas belong to you!

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.