RESPOND 2022 I REGENERATIVE ECONOMY

Our vision is a regenerative economy where companies not only stop causing harm but restore resources that were lost to society and the planet, while still being profitable.

Therefore, we work with entrepreneurs across the globe to promote and scale solutions to the most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time.

Applications for the RESPOND Accelerator 2022 – cohort #3 – open on January 17. We are inviting entrepreneurs from accross the globe to apply to the program – we are excited to hear from you, and look forward to learning more about you and your startup.

AREAS OF ACTION

The transformation towards a regenerative economy spans the entire chain of economic activities, from the extraction and use of resources to the production and consumption of goods and services. It also includes the restoration of degraded ecosystems and their adaptation to changing global conditions.

We are looking for innovations in the following three areas of action:

Our current "take-make-use-dispose" economy absorbs far more resources than Earth can provide.

That’s why, at RESPOND, we are keen to see innovative solutions that promote the responsible and equitable use of resources, ranging from circular economy approaches to the development and use of sustainable materials.

The production of goods is too energy- and transport intensive, yet we observe widespread overconsumption.

Consequently, at RESPOND, we want to see models that encourage fair and sustainable production and consumption patterns; whether that be by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, extending the lifecycle of products, creating local supply chains, or through other promising solutions.

Global warming and loss of biodiversity are already affecting many communities and natural habitats.

Therefore, at RESPOND, we are interested in innovative, tech-based approaches that support the adaptation and regeneration of ecosystems and communities. These can be, for example, early warning systems for changes in environmental conditions as well as solutions to cope with rising temperatures or rising sea levels.

Get in touch

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The RESPOND Accelerator is a 6-month startup accelerator program that systematically advances how entrepreneurs lead, grow and scale sustainable businesses. While our team is based in Munich, most of the accelerator operates online and we work with startups from accross the globe.

As a member of the RESPOND 2022 cohort, your journey will include the following elements:

COACHING & MENTORSHIP
- You’ll work with coaches to develop your business with a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership. Throughout the program, our mentors will challenge, advise, and guide you on critical business and leadership decisions.
RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
- As part of the RESPOND curriculum, you’ll take part in a multi-day leadership program to explore the concept of responsible leadership. We’ll explore what responsible leadership means for entrepreneurs, reflecting and peer-counseling on critical topics such as leadership dilemmas, personal transformation, and entrepreneurial wellbeing.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
- You’ll be part of a diverse global network of founders, investors, corporations, and thought leaders. You’ll also be introduced to the international BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network.
VISIBILITY
- Backed by strong brands, RESPOND will promote your startup at international conferences and through pro-active public relations, social media, and our network. You’ll have the opportunity to present your business to an international group of investors, industry representatives, and the press at the RESPOND Demo Night.
NO FEES & FULL COMMITMENT
- We are fully committed to developing your leadership and scaling your impact in line with the UN 2030 Agenda. RESPOND is an equity-free program and free of charge.

TIMELINE 2022

27.02

Applications Close

We will close applications on February 27, 2022 at 23.59 CET.

End of April

Anouncement: Cohort #3 participants

Shortly after a final selection meeting on April 28th, we will announce the final RESPOND Cohort #3 participants.

10.05

Kick-off

RESPOND 2022 kicks off in May, 2022. You’ll get all the details about the program, meet the RESPOND team and coaches, get to know fellow entrepreneurs, and discuss your expectations. Exact timing tbc.

31.05 - 03.06

Sprint #1

The first sprint will take place online and is about getting to know you and your startup. We’ll assess where you’re at and define targets for the next six months.

28.06 - 01.07

Sprint #2

The second sprint takes place online and takes some deep dives: you’ll get valuable insights into leadership, sustainability, and business – and connect with successful role models.

07.07 - 10.07

Responsible Leaders Days

For one of the core elements of the RESPOND journey, you’ll attend a four-day workshop offline in nature to explore the concept of Responsible Leadership. Excact timing tbc.

30.08 - 02.09

Sprint #3

Sprint three is also online. We’ll focus on successfully scaling your impact and business model as a leader, and connecting to investors to support your mission.

20.09 - 24.09

Sprint #4

The fourth and last sprint wil take place in Munich. It will host your final coaching sessions and get you prepared to pitch in front of a large global audience at the RESPOND Demo Night.

25-27.09

RESPONDAYS @ Bits & Pretzels

The RESPOND Demo Night is part of the RESPONDAYS, taking placing in Munich together with the Bits&Pretzels Founders Festival. You’ll have the opportunity to pitch your business to an international group of 250+ leading investors, industry representatives, thought leaders, and the press.

RESPOND VIDEOS

RESPOND 2021 Image Video

RESPONDAYS 2021 Highlights

RESPOND 2022 - Apply Now - 1

RESPOND 2022 - Apply Now - 2

SELECTION CRITERIA

For our 2022 cohort, we’re looking for ten entrepreneurs across the globe with startup solutions that match the following criteria:

SUSTAINABILITY
- We seek sustainable business models that systematically address three areas of areas: Future of Work, Sustainable Urbanization, and Responsible Economy.
INNOVATION
- We’re excited about cutting-edge technology and innovative business models that have the potential to scale up globally.
TRACTION
- We support international startups with a functional prototype in place, first paying customers and revenues.
LEADERSHIP
- We search for entrepreneurs ready to take responsibility, lead a team, and create a positive company culture.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the RESPOND 2022 cohort open on January 17 and close on February 27, 2022. After thoroughly evaluating all applications, finalists will be announced by end of April.

Please refer to the FAQs if you have questions about the program or your application – or get in touch with us directly via email or during one of our upcoming Q&A Sessions.

If you would like to take a look at the application form beforehand, you can download the full form below.

APPLY

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

Application Form

FAQs

Get in Touch

Get in touch

APPLY FOR
RESPOND

Our current "take-make-use-dispose" economy absorbs far more resources than Earth can provide.

The production of goods is too energy- and transport intensive, yet we observe widespread overconsumption.

Global warming and loss of biodiversity are already affecting many communities and natural habitats.

Get in touch

Thanks for your interest.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

TIMELINE 2022

RESPOND VIDEOS

SELECTION CRITERIA

APPLICATION PROCESS

Get in touch

Thanks for your interest!