The object of the contract is the conception, development and implementation of a business accelerator program for start-ups from the high-tech and deep-tech sector in North Rhine-Westphalia. The program is intended to address high-tech and deep-tech start-ups in key technology fields that are of great strategic importance for the innovation and business location of North Rhine-Westphalia. Target groups are high-tech and deep-tech spin-offs from the higher education sector as well as start-ups from the private sector with a hardware-based business concept, primarily from the following areas

- new materials,

- nanotechnology,

- microsystem technology,

- nano and microelectronics,

- optical technologies,

- quantum technology,

- manufacturing & process engineering,

- energy & environmental technology,

- Medical technology & healthcare.

1. Conception of the “accelerator program”

The concept must include the following services:

a) Development of a suitable name and an appealing word-image brand:

A suitable name must be found for the program and an appealing word-image brand has to be developed. The suggestions for the name and the word-image brand should generate both a high level of attention and a high recognition value, both nationally and internationally.

b) Design of the accelerator program

The accelerator program should be understood as a program for start-ups from the high-tech and deep-tech sector in North Rhine-Westphalia. The start-ups are either already founded in NRW or are about to be founded.

The client assumes a cohort-based program. Two cohorts of around 8-10 start-ups are to start each year. The program duration per cohort should be around 3-4 months. The program must formulate a clear and transparent performance promise.

The program should include the four building blocks mentorship, seminars/workshops, demo day and organization of networking formats. The client attaches particular importance to the mentorship component.

b1) Mentorship: Mentors should individually support start-ups in validating, optimizing and commercializing their business concepts. If possible, the contractor should already have a network of first-class mentors; any gaps in his network must be closed by the time the program starts.

b2) Seminars/Workshops: Within the framework of the program, program participants are to be offered thematic workshops/trainings/expert presentations as required, at least 3 per cohort.

b3) Demo Day: At the end of the program run, a demo day is to be organized and hosted per cohort, on which the start-ups pitch in front of a specialist audience of investors and representatives from business and science.

b4) Organization of networking formats: Establishment of a start-up network for hardware-based high-tech and deep-tech start-ups to exchange ideas between founders and interested parties.

In addition, the following services are expected from the contractor:

-Development and provision of a systematic written overview of the start-up landscape in the area of hardware-based high-tech/deep-tech start-ups in NRW.

-Working towards close cooperation and intensive cooperation with as many relevant NRW universities as possible.

-Participant acquisition and selection process: The contractor's task is to design, implement and supervise the application process from the tender phase to the preparation of applications and the selection process.

-attraction/activation of investors.

-Integration of the start-up ecosystem in NRW: The program is intended to contribute to the expansion of the NRW-wide innovation ecosystem to accelerate knowledge and technology transfer.

-Events: In addition to the final Demo Day (see above), one kick-off event and one event per cohort must be held around the halfway point of a program run (of a cohort). The events should have a clear focus on drawing interim balance sheets and in particular promote the possibility of constructive exchange between program participants.

-Establishment and operation of a branch office: The accelerator program is to have a centrally located office in North Rhine-Westphalia. In this office, on-site appointments with program participants should be able to take place as part of mentoring, seminars and workshops. The contractor's employees working under this program should be given a job in this office. It should also be possible to hold smaller events in the office.

c) Setting up an Internet platform

To ensure visibility, an Internet platform (homepage) must be set up and filled with promotional content from the program and kept up to date.

d) Media concept/program application

The contractor is also responsible for promoting the program (identifying and addressing relevant stakeholders such as universities, networks, companies in various ways).

2. Implementation of the concept

Design and implementation of the program according to the concept to be developed with the elements a) to d) described above.

The following services are to be performed:

- Development and implementation of the program with the outlined program components and the other service components,

- implementation of the establishment of an Internet platform,

- implementation of the media concept/program application,

- budget control, control and billing,

- monitoring the effectiveness of the program by means of a key figure system to be developed in consultation with the client and a continuous planning, budgeting and reporting process,

-Continuous coordination with the client.