PROGRAM

The RESPOND accelerator program is looking for founders and startups who have the energy, creativity and innovation to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time and achieve systemic change.

As a member of the RESPOND cohort, you'll be matched with personal mentors, receive 5-months of hands-on coaching, and have access to our diverse, international network.

During the 5-month program, you'll attend four sprint phases of three to four days in Munich, Germany, and be invited to join partner events, conferences, and field trips in different locations across Europe.

You will have the opportunity to pitch your business to an international group of 250+ investors, industry representatives, and the press, at our RESPOND Demo Night.

Are you ready to respond?

Positive Impact
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
  - Does your mission advocate for equal rights and opportunities in employment or education, aim for safer and healthier working conditions, make financial services more accessible, or promote inclusive, resource-efficient and sustainable economic growth?
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  - Does your mission promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, advance innovation, or offer resilient infrastructure solutions?
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
  - Does your mission aim to make cities and communities more inclusive, safe and resilient by promoting sustainable transport systems, enhancing air quality, improving waste management or making public spaces more attractive?
Profit & Purpose
Technology
Traction

Coaching & Mentorship
- You will have access to our mentors and attend workshops around the topics of business development, technology, positive impact, and leadership – based on learning targets developed with your mentor. In addition, we will pull industry experts, investors, successful founders and thought leaders from our network to partner with you over the course of the program.
International Network
- RESPOND provides you with access to a global network of entrepreneurs, investors and corporates. We will also connect you with the BMW Foundation´s Responsible Leaders Network and facilitate introductions.
Responsible Leadership
- As part of the RESPOND curriculum, you will take part in our multi-day leadership program to explore the concept of responsible leadership. We will explore what responsible leadership means for founders and entrepreneurs, reflecting and peer-counseling around critical topics such as leadership dilemmas, personal growth journeys and wellbeing.
Broad Visibility
- Backed by strong brands and media partners, RESPOND promotes your startup through its press and social media channels. In addition, we invite you to attend and pitch at a number of international conferences and industry gatherings.
Workspace & Prototyping
- We offer co-working spaces in the heart of Munich and provide access to UnternehmerTUM´s high-tech workshop Makerspace for prototyping.
No Equity & No Fees
- RESPOND does not take any up-front equity nor charges any program fees. While we do not offer any funding to startups, you will have the opportunity to present your venture to relevant VCs, business angels and institutional investors throughout the program to secure your follow-on investement. In addition, the BMW Foundation has launched a call for applications to contribute to a publication that seeks to develop a deeper understanding of how innovative technologies may address global social and environmental challenges. Experts contributing to the study can receive a financial compensation. Learn more here.

June

2020

Program Kick-Off

We will kick-off RESPOND virtually, launching the first Sprint!

22-25

June

2020

Sprint #1

The first sprint of RESPOND will take place virtually due to the Covid-19 restrictions. We look forward to a sprint full of insights around business, impact and leadership.

June

2020

Kick-off Event

A virtual session to get our founders together with the team, mentors, coaches and the RESPOND community

21-24

July

2020

Sprint #2

The second sprint of RESPOND will take place in Munich, Germany on July 21-24, if possible given the Covid-19 restrictions.

21-23

September

2020

Sprint #3

The third sprint of RESPOND will take place in Munich, Germany on September 21-23.

24-27

September

2020

Responsible Leadership Days

We invite the RESPOND startups to a three-day getaway in the Bavarian Alps to explore what Responsible Leadership means to them.

12-13

October

2020

Sprint #4

The fourth sprint of RESPOND will take place in Munich, Germany on October 12-13.

October

2020

Demo Night & Program End

You will be able to present your final pitch at the RESPOND Demo Night on October 13 to a crowd of investors, decision makers and the press. This will also be the end of the program.

Startups