TRIP – Thuringian Regional Innovation Program

The Thuringian Regional Innovation Program (TRIP) is Thuringia’s startup accelerator. Open to all industries, it is designed for aspiring founders who want to shape the future with innovative approaches, products, or technologies. Since 2019, TRIP has been accelerating startups, strengthening Thuringia’s innovation ecosystem, and laying the foundation for successful, future-oriented ventures.

In individual 1:1 coaching sessions, we take a close look at your business model, challenge existing processes, and lay the foundation for well-informed decision-making. Our hands-on workshops provide insights and tools for developing scalable business models and engaging successfully with investors, always combined with sparring at eye level.

Through targeted communication and networking activities, we increase your visibility and put your innovation in the spotlight. Through our TRIP community, you gain access to exchange, support, and valuable know-how from founders, experts, and partners. With TRIP, you become part of the innovation community, not only in Thuringia, but far beyond. You also gain access to events such as Hannover Messe, InnoMatch, and the Innovation Award Thuringia.

And: With our prototyping budget of up to 4,000 €, you can make your technology tangible and give your development the decisive boost.

In addition, TRIP offers ideal conditions for the Thuringian startup bonus “Gründungsprämie”, where you can secure funding of up to €42,000 per person. Through our community, you benefit from the know-how of TRIP alumni, direct exchange with Thuringian SMEs, and exclusive corporate insights from more than 130 globally active companies within the Wissensfabrik, a gateway to valuable expertise and practical experience.

Particularly scalable projects are selected for the TRIP Final Class after Decision Day. The focus here is on venture capital financing: We prepare you for investment, equip you with the right tools to convince investors in the long term, and open doors to relevant early-stage financiers. TRIP gives you access to investors such as bm|t, STIFT, and business angels via Business Angels Deutschland e.V., among others.

Take your chance and get on board!

TRIP is the accelerator for tech startups and people driving innovation.
We are looking for motivated, diverse teams: courageous, cooperative and willing to go the extra mile.

Our program is open to all industries and is aimed at all those who want to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and shape the future with innovative approaches, products or new technologies.

Have you already completed the idea phase and now want to get into product development? Is your business model forward-looking, your approach innovative and scalable? Then TRIP is the right place for you.

Whether you are a spin-off from a research institution, come from an existing company, or are building your first technology-oriented or knowledge-based startup as a student, graduate, or scientist: Your vision counts at TRIP.

Keep one key requirement in mind: you need to be planning to start a business in Thuringia or have already founded there and be ready to go full throttle.

Would you like to be automatically notified about the start of the application phase? Then leave your e-mail address here!