New AI-based incubator "Impact Sprint Lab"

The new Impact Sprint Lab incubator is a program that specifically supports first-time founders with a history of migration in setting up start-ups. The four-month sprint combines AI tools, no-code technologies and entrepreneurial coaching and is available free of charge throughout Germany.

The program was initiated by the startup ecosystem around Valuedfriends AG, which is thus further expanding its activities in the area of early-stage support.

Focus on impact and inclusion

The Impact Sprint Lab is aimed in particular at founders who want to find entrepreneurial solutions to social challenges. The focus is on business ideas with social or ecological added value, for example in areas such as education, integration or sustainability.

One component is the orientation towards the sustainability goals of the United Nations. With the help of methods such as impact mapping and clearly defined KPIs, the social benefits are to be made measurable and controllable from the outset.

AI and no-code as accelerators

The program deliberately uses modern technologies to lower the barriers to entry. Instead of programming skills, the focus is on strategic thinking, market understanding and speed of implementation.

Participants use AI tools for:

• Market analysis and research
• Business model development
• Prototyping and testing

This is supplemented by no-code software, which can be used to create initial products, websites or apps without programming. This allows ideas to be tested under real conditions within a few weeks.

Structured path from idea to market

The Impact Sprint Lab is structured in three phases:

• Four-month sprint: development and validation of the business idea
• Demo Day: Presentation to investors and industry experts
• Post-program support: Three months of support for the next steps

The hybrid format combines online workshops with a retreat in Beeskow to facilitate intensive exchange and network building.

Focus on networking and coaching

An experienced team of coaches accompanies the participants through workshops, 1:1 sessions and Q&A formats. In addition to entrepreneurial skills, the focus is also on leadership and dealing with new technologies. The aim is not only to develop ideas, but also to empower founders to successfully implement their projects in the long term.

The program addresses a problem faced by many international founders: a lack of access to networks, resources and technological expertise. With a low-threshold, free offer, the Impact Sprint Lab aims to break down precisely these barriers and enable more diversity in the German start-up ecosystem. The first round of the program starts on 30 April and applications are now open.