Accelerate your business

The Heraeus Accelerator was launched in 2019. Our goal is to support up-and-coming companies in the fields of materials science, technology and digitalization in their growth phase. At the same time, we want to build long-term collaborations with the participating start-ups. In 2021, we will launch our third run.

We are constantly searching start-ups working on material solutions for the 21st century. Tomorrow's customers expect a well-coordinated offering that combines materials with value-added data and services.

The Accelerator program gives both, start-ups and Heraeus, the opportunity to explore strategic partnerships within a structured framework. After a thorough selection process, the most promising collaboration ideas are chosen and tested in joint projects.

Our 2021 program has started - apply now!

Focus on precious metals

Precious metals have become indispensable in everyday life because of their unique properties. Due to their corrosion resistance and good electrical and thermal conductivity, precious metals are used in a wide range of industries and products – from catalysts for the production of hydrogen to contact materials in the electronics and automotive industry.

Learn more about our searchfield for precious metals.

Focus on advanced packaging for the semiconductor industry

Today's electronic devices must deliver more functionality with higher processing power and greater speed. Module complexity is increasing while devices are getting smaller. With the trend towards miniaturization, the number of components in the system package is increasing while the package size is getting smaller. The race for dominance in 5G connectivity is also forcing the world's leading semiconductor companies to seek cutting-edge packaging technologies that will enable them to develop high-performance devices with higher reliability.

Learn more about our searchfields for advanced packaging.

Application phase

Ten start-ups will get the chance to present their vision to a Heraeus audience.

Pitch day

On the pitch day, the selected start-ups will be invited to a present their ideas to a jury and an Heraeus audience. They will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas with Heraeus representatives and receive individual feedback. Afterwards, the winners will be announced and invited to the acceleration phase.

The acceleration phase lasts three months and is divided into two parts: The first part involves a project together with a Heraeus business unit. This can be a feasibility study, a product improvement, a transfer of laboratory results to large-scale processes or the implementation of a completely new product idea. Heraeus experts will be on hand aiding the start-ups with technical expertise, resources, product and market know-how as well as access to international customers.

The project part begins with a joint kick-off to define a clear project goal with milestones and the preferred method of collaboration.

The second part of the acceleration phase consists of mentoring by experts from Heraeus and partners from leading consultancies who will support and guide you through any challenges your company may face, be they of a business or technical nature.

The teams, consisting of the start-ups and the specialist departments of Heraeus, will jointly present the results they have achieved during the three-month acceleration phase. The demo day ends with a closing ceremony to celebrate the success of the Heraeus Accelerator and, in particular, the start-ups who had the courage to join us and lead this project to success.

Learn more about the start-ups that participated in the last round of the Heraeus Accelerator:

In our modern application labs, experienced specialists and state-of-the-art machines are at your disposal for the development of your project. Our digitalization team will support you with expertise in artificial intelligence and IoT. They will also support and promote your digitization strategy.