Audi Denkwerkstatt

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Audi Denkwerkstatt

Apply now

let's build together

Audi Denkwerkstatt is the digital innovation spearhead of the AUDI AG. Recognized and awarded for running one of the most successful Intrapreneurship programs in Germany, (joint study by Infront Consulting and the magazine Capital, 2019 and 2020), we are launching together with our collaboration partner Techstars a new Entrepreneurship program for ambitious founders: The Founder Innovation Lab.

Our mission: Developing sustainable solutions for the human need of mobility in a digitized world.

The Founder Innnovation Lab is razor-focused on realizing this mission together with you: We support your ambitions all the way towards building a successful venture in the field of mobility. You receive full support to unleash your potential and turn into the founder you always dreamed to be.

From day one, you gain profound venture building expertise, as well as opportunities to connect with a powerful partner network of mentors, founders and investors.

But most importantly: Even if you already founded a startup or are still on the journey to find a perfect co-founder, you have the opportunity to become part of a community of exceptional people driven by the same passions and ambitions.

Come build with us!

Application start for pre-accelerator program August 1

Apply now

Application start for accelerator program, September 26, 2022

join us

At Audi Denkwerkstatt, our daily doing and the way we approach challenges is shaped by our strong belief in customer centricity. Together with you, we aim to build digital ventures that address the most pressing needs and questions of users in the context of mobility.

The program of the Founder Innovation Lab is designed to help entrepreneurs build and grow businesses to deliver digital solutions in the following areas.

Audi-Denkwerkstatt-In-and-out-experience-v3

the in-car & out-of-car experience

People spent a lot of time in cars due to daily commutes or extended travel. This kind of time is a deeply valuable part of life, with many opportunities for meaningful activities inside and outside the car.

How might we improve precious in-car & out-of-car time with digital solutions to create meaningful experiences?

the charging experience

One of the keys to increase adoption & satisfaction rates for e-mobility is a well-designed charging experience and energy services that can reduce the effort and value the time of electric vehicle users.

How might we improve the charging experience for electric vehicle users before, during and after the charging process with innovative digital solutions?

the health experience

Mobility is a central part of life. There is a lot of untapped potential within mobility to help users taking care of their physical & mental well-being.

How might we help our costumers to increase their mental & physical well-being in the car and on the go?

the community experience

Humans are social beings. It is part of a fulfilling existence to connect with like-minded people who have the same interests and share the same lifestyle. That’s the spice of life!

How might we add value to a supportive Audi community, that enriches our customers’ lifestyles and connects them with like-minded people and offers meaningful content?

the wild card

(services beyond mobility)

Living life to the fullest extends beyond mobility. The opportunities for making life easier and for creating daily joy are abundant. Sky is the limit! No idea is crazy enough!

How might we make the life of our existing & potential new customers easier and enable them to make the best of their time & space with unexpected, exciting & utterly unique digital experiences?

there are two programs, that build on each other

pre-accelerator program

Application: You apply on the website of our partner Techstars (application start August 1, 2022) as an individual founder and are invited to demonstrate your expertise, entrepreneurial potential and passion for the mobility sector. Assertiveness, creativity and team spirit are also required.
Matching: You are connected with like-minded others to set-up your ideal team of founders.
Building: During these first 3 months, we support together with Techstars from scratch in a guided and collaborative ideation process.
Pitch: Your time to shine! You are invited to present your business model in front of a top-class jury. If you succeed in convincing the jury, you will continue your journey and join the accelerator program for another 3 months. In total, you should plan for an intense 6-month program.

accelerator program

Application: You apply on the website of our partner Techstars (application start September 26, 2022). You either have a business idea and a team or you already founded a startup that strongly fits our focus topics and are now eager for the next evolutionary step of your venture.
Matching: Your team of 2-4 people has a strong founder mentality and brings with it a well-rounded entrepreneurial skill set (e.g. business and IT).
Accelerating: During an intense 3-month process, you will have access to tailor-made mentoring for product-market-fit to support your team in taking your venture to the next level and refine your financial business model.

benefits of the founder innovation lab

We support you together with Techstars with A-to-Z guidance from our inhouse venture building experts and experienced partners.
We provide an efficient and scalable innovation framework to grow your venture.
We give access to a vast network of mentors, investors, experts and potential co-founders, as well as start-ups that already took off.
We exhaust the innovation potential at the interface between Audi and the startup ecosystem.

Application start for pre-accelerator program August 1

Apply now

Application start for accelerator program, September 26, 2022

joining forces with the best

techstars

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now Techstars is on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, Techstars does this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 3,000 companies with a combined market cap of more than $140B.

+50 Accelerator Programs in 18 Countries
+3,100 Companies
+7,000 founders
+6,000 mentors
+$140B Total Market Cap

Audi-Denkwerktstatt-Team factory-7205457

factory berlin

Good ideas need space to grow: Factory Berlin is the leading collaboration and networking hub for founders and creatives in Berlin. Factory Berlin is a platform for ongoing collaboration, exchange, inspiration, and learning, connecting people who want to re-imagine the world. This ecosystem offers the perfect environment to truly make an impact. You and the other members of your cohort get access to the Factory Berlin’s physical spaces, educational and social events and an empowering network.

5,000+ members
70+ nationalities
400+ events per year
+150 startups
20 corporates

keeping up on current topics with our core team

Find us at the @Factory Berlin Mitte

A new era of #AudiDenkwerkstatt starts in a new home. Yesterday our team had the opportunity to inaugurate the #AudiDenkwerkstatt new location...

Ready for the future?

The #AudiDenkwerkstatt, our multiple award-winning Innovation Unit, opens its doors to external founders and early-stage startups. In collaboration with the internationally renowned startup accelerator Techstars, Audi Denkwerkstatt is launching a new program...

Shaping a sustainable future

Shaping a sustainable future is our most pressing mutual responsibility. Therefore it was a real pleasure to experience the newest trends in smart mobility and beyond at GREENTECH FESTIVAL in Berlin this week. As founding partner, AUDI AG supports this wonderful occasion to exchange on technological innovations and to get inspired by memorable speakers...

the people of audi denkwerkstatt

tim miksche

head of audi denkwerkstatt

“Keep aiming high and beyond”

When I joined AUDI AG in 1998, I was inspired by the dynamism and positive forward-moving spirit. In the almost 20 years I have been working for the brand, I had the opportunity to work on many exciting topics: whether setting up new sales structures for the Asia-Pacific region, overseeing marketing activities in Hollywood (for example, on the film project I, Robot) or digitizing business processes in design. Now, I drive innovation at Audi Denkwerkstatt by building digital ventures together with brilliant founders.

regina von katte

pr & communications

“you can move the world with stories”

This attitude has always fascinated me and runs through my life like a red thread. Behind every idea are stories that have their own dramaturgy. Capturing these narratives and carrying them forward is what drives me - whether as a journalist, traveler, friend or press spokesperson. Especially in times of change, communication in all its facets plays a special role for me. At Audi Denkwerkstatt, we aim to write the script of the future.

malte schönfeld

venture development

“don’t be afraid of challenges, tackle them”

I am a creative thought leader with over 5 years of experience in building new digital tech ventures in the startup ecosystem. I strongly believe in the power of co-creation and networking and have a passion for enabling high performance teams in an agile and fast environment. The Audi Denkwerkstatt team grew from co-workers, to friends, to family. Together we create ideas, build networks and pave new paths.

gisela kolodziej

operations

“positive thinking is the key to success”

I am an organizational talent and love working with people all over the world. For me, the focus is always on people. I truly believe in the power of connecting, communications, and cross-business collaboration. At Audi Denkwerkstatt, we all share these beliefs, which makes it the perfect place for personal development and growth. My mission as operations manager is to support the team, spread a positive spirit, and continue to drive change.

ningan tang

strategy & research

“if you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one”

I was always keen to understand how things work - this led me to study engineering with a focus on automotive technology in fast-growing China, where I grew up. After having worked in the supplier industry between China and Europe, I started my Audi journey in the research and development department of Audi China in 2019. My passion for innovation management and my knowledge of Asian entrepreneurship are now unfolding at Audi Denkwerkstatt. In this ecosystem I found the freedom that enables me to dream big, imagine and create innovations with other creative minds.

stephan beutler

venture development

"step out of your comfort zone to find growth”

In my career, I have had the opportunity to gain deep insights into the different phases of technical development – from strategy, to ideation, pre-development, and series development. Most recently, I lived and worked in China for three years, where I learned how important it is to understand customer needs for a successful product. What I love about working at Audi Denkwerkstatt is that I get to share my passion for discovering new technologies and growing beyond myself with others. As a former intrapreneur I know the struggles of starting a business, but being passionate strengthened, encouraged, and guided me through tough times.

our history

Born in 2016, Audi Denkwerkstatt started as an innovation hub exploring trends in urban mobility and developing agile work methods. Since then, the Audi Denkwerkstatt has evolved into an award-winning intrapreneur program with over 120 intrapreneurs who have successfully completed our unique 6-months ideation process. During our transformation journey, we have constantly embraced change and fostered a culture of courage and curiosity. Today, we are ready to take the next step: Building on almost 6 years of expertise in successful venture building, we want to leverage our impact by opening up to external founders.

Application start for pre-accelerator program August 1

Apply now

Application start for accelerator program, September 26, 2022

Winner of “Best Innovation Lab in Germany” (joint study by Infront Consulting and the magazine Capital, 2019 and 2020)

120+

Intrapreneurs

300+

Cross-industry contacts

frequently asked questions

You have general questions, questions about the application or the program details?

Get answers now!

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