Our program equips your climate tech startup with the knowledge needed to assess the suitability of your business model in the U.S.
Ready to Discover the U.S. Market?
The U.S. is the largest market for climate technology VC funding and a global leader in innovation and sustainability.
With a legal and regulatory framework strongly supporting innovation, the U.S. offers an opportunity-rich environment for climate tech startups ready to navigate and thrive in this highly competitive market.
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All-In-One: Maximizing Startup Success
About the Program
With an evolving political and regulatory landscape, navigating U.S. market entry is no longer straightforward. This program is designed to help you explore your path into and navigate the U.S. market - with clarity, insight, and connections.
You will gain hands-on insights into the U.S. ecosystem, participate in custom mentoring, and attend Trellis Impact 2025, the top U.S. climate and sustainability conference.
From virtual workshops to an immersion week across Texas and California, you'll leave the program with a strategic roadmap for U.S. expansion - whether you're ready to move now or later.


Sneak Preview
Get insights to cultural differences and understand the needs of the U.S. market and competitive landscape across different relevant regions and evolving political landscapes
Receive expert assessments and insights on aligning your technology and business model with market needs to refine your value proposition
Attend Trellis Impact 2025, including access to VERGE 25 and GreenFin 25
Identify your product-market fit and build your network of founders, investors, partners, and ecosystem builders
Program Dates
Duration & Location:
Program Dates: October 1–31, 2025
In-Person: Austin/Houston (Oct 22–24) & San Francisco (Oct 27–31)
Format:
Workshops, 1-1 Mentoring, Immersion Week
Application Deadline:
September 26, 2025
Cost:
€500 per Startup
Travel & accommodation costs are not included, but support via benefits partner network in the U.S. for discounted hotel stays & other services is available.
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What’s in It for Your Startup
Save Valuable Resources
Protect your business by avoiding costly mistakes, saving valuable resources, and succeeding quickly.
Access Our Network
Tap into a global network of potential partners, customers, investors, and other program participants.
Validate the Market
Assess your product-market fit and receive feedback on your business readiness to guide your market entry plans.
Customized Mentoring
Receive 1-on-1 mentoring from climate tech experts and sustainable industry leaders.
Follow Other Successful Startups
How to Get Started with Us
Follow these simple steps and begin your journey with German Accelerator.
Getting Started
Before the actual program starts, we will help you prepare for your new business journey. Together, we will work on identifying individual priorities, setting goals, and will give you an overview of what to expect.
It’s all About the Base
You will participate in a series of curated workshops tailored to equip you with the knowledge needed to enter the U.S. climate tech market. These sessions are hosted by our mentors, alumni, and team members.
Expert Support
Dive into the fundamentals of the U.S. market, and work on validating your business model for the market and industry.
Readiness Assessment
Receive a market readiness assessment from our experts, with advice on the right time to take the next steps towards your expansion plans.
What Previous Program Participants Say
You have the questions we have the answers
01
How Can I Apply to the Program?
To apply, simply follow the instructions in the application form. After submission, our team will review your application and get in touch with next steps.
02
Will German Accelerator take any equity?
We don’t take any equity from our startups and our programs are financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Our goal is to help you succeed. No hidden agendas, no strings attached.
03
Who Is Eligible to Join?
To qualify for any German Accelerator program, your company has to meet our selection criteria:
- Your company must be incorporated in Germany with one of the following legal forms: UG; AG; GmbH; GmbH & Co. KG. We also consider GbRs on a case-by-case basis
- Qualify as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based on the EU definition of a SME
- Be under the limit of the official EU De-minimis aid regulation
04
What Are the Program Costs?
The cost of taking part in the Market Discovery program have a small fee of €500 per startup, for up to 3 participants from the same company.
05
How Long Does the Program Last?
The Market Discovery program is a 5-7 week virtual program (depending on the location), with up to 1 week on-site in the respective country.
Do You Have Any Questions?
