Turn Curiosity into Concepts
Future Founder is the perfect testing ground for students and young professionals interested in entrepreneurship, offering an inside look at how startups are built: from first ideas to real ventures.
The Essentials
Everything you need to know about the format, schedule, and commitment.
Have a Startup idea already? Great! Apply and start building while we help you assemble your dream-team! No Startup idea yet? Even better! Apply and bring your curiosity into an existing idea as an equal co-founder!
If you are building a Deep Tech idea and already have a prototype developed and/or have begun validating this in your target market, please consider applying for our incubation/acceleration programs instead. We look forward to your application!
Fostering Future Founders
There is a missing entry point for students and young professionals who want to explore science- and technology-based entrepreneurship without immediate startup pressure.
Deep Tech ideas require structured exploration and validation before acceleration or investment becomes meaningful.
Future Founder provides this early-stage pathway by turning curiosity and research into first, tangible proof of impact.
Program Journey
A structured program that guides participants from early ideas to prototypes and venture storytelling.
Building the Foundations
From Concept to Prototype
Pitch & Connect
Launch-Ready
Final destination: Founder status. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to launch your business and take your first official steps as an entrepreneur.
Program Schedule
From workshops to key events, the schedule shows the program’s progression from start to finish.
“I stopped defending ideas and started testing them. That changed everything about how I approach entrepreneurship.”
"As a medical doctor, the startup world felt distant to me. But the Future Founder program provided the structure, mentorship, and network to develop an idea, find the right co-founder, and turn it into a real startup. The hands-on approach, along with support from investors and experts, made all the difference. I left the program with initial funding from EXIST Women, a strong network, and a clear path forward—plus, I made amazing new friends along the way."
"Six months ago, I was in the audience, watching others pitch and wondering how I could ever get there. I had an idea but no clear direction or confidence. Future Founder helped me turn uncertainty into clarity, build a strong network, and gain the confidence to take my idea to the next level. Pitching on stage and winning the Jury Award was a moment I'll never forget. If you're ready to stop wondering and start building, scroll back up and join — your journey begins here!"
“Build a startup in three months with people you don’t know, around an idea you didn’t have—it sounds like a fairy tale. Yet that’s exactly what I experienced thanks to weekly sessions, constant support, and a community always willing to help, even beyond the programme.”
“The biggest breakthrough for me in the Future Founder program was the lecture on Problem Validation. As an engineer, I naturally jump into building solutions and often fall in love with them too early, but this session flipped my mindset and reminded me that real innovation starts with deeply understanding the problem. It was a powerful aha moment that reshaped how I approach product building.”
Selection & Access
Future Founder is open to students and young professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. Participation is based on an open call, followed by a short selection process designed to build strong, diverse teams.
Applicants may apply with an idea or without one. Both paths are intentional and equally valid within the program.
Take the Next Step
Shape the future of Deep Tech with us. Start today.
