Dortmund: Your Gateway to the German Market
Empowering international scale-ups to grow, connect and succeed in Germany!
Programme
DOACCELERATE. is a yearly programme, organised by the City of Dortmund’s Economic Development Agency, that offers international scale-ups from different industries an easy entryway into the German market. The hybrid approach includes on-site visits, networking opportunities and virtual training. Everything so that you are ready to expand your business!
Target Audience
The 2026 edition of DOACCELERATE. focuses on international scale-ups in the intralogistics sector. Dortmund is a high-technology location and offers a strong network in the logistics sector. If your company provides an innovative solution for challenges around warehouse management or material flow and you are seeking to expand internationally, you will benefit immensely from our customised go-to-market approach.
Duration
You can submit your application until 28 February 2026. If you are selected by our jury, you will be invited to kick off the programme in Dortmund from 14-15 April 2026. After your return, the programme will continue with several online workshops, including individual coaching sessions, and conclude on July 13, 2026.
Format
We know you have a busy schedule. However, meeting in person is important and should not be underestimated. That is why the initial 2 days take place in Dortmund where you are going to experience the regional logistics network firsthand. Through workshops, networking events and a trade fair, you will be off to a good start before we jump into a phase of 1:1 online sessions.
Key Benefits
You gain access to valuable networks, an industry-specific test camp, practical workshops, expert mentoring and deep insights into the German logistics market, laying a solid foundation for a well thought out expansion and sustainable growth.
Outcome
By the end of the programme, all participating scale-ups will be well equipped with the right tools, knowledge and connections needed to make an educated decision about your expansion to the German market. And if you decide to establish your business in Dortmund, our journey will continue with additional assistance. DOACCELERATE. so that You can accelerate!
Insights & Inspiration
Find out more about the DOACCELERATE. 2026 edition, the Dortmund ecosystem and read up on the latest intralogistics trends in our blog posts.
DOACCELERATE.: Your Gateway to the German Market
You are an international scale-up looking to successfully enter the German market? Your company operates in the field of logistics,…
Innovative Logistics in Dortmund: Three Success Stories from Our Ecosystem
Dortmund has long been recognised as one of Germany’s leading logistics hubs – a place where tradition meets technology, and…
TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS: Shaping the Future of Logistics in Dortmund
Dortmund has firmly established itself as a hub for intralogistics innovation, and at the heart of this development is the…
Recap on 2025 edition
The first DOaccelerate. batch kicked off in May 2025 with a dynamic two-day on-site workshop in Dortmund. The agenda focused…
TechnologieZentrumDortmund (TZDO): A Leading Innovation Hub
Dortmund has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a thriving innovation hub, making it an excellent launchpad for international startups…
Robotics & Automation in Dortmund: Innovation and Research
Dortmund as a Hub for Robotics & Automation Research Dortmund is a hotspot for robotics and automation research, where universities,…
Industry Focus
Are you the right fit for this year’s programme? Some examples…
AI, IoT & Digital Twins – Data-Driven Intralogistics
Is your company developing intelligent, connected solutions for logistics? Let’s shape the future of data-driven material flows together.
From AI-powered optimisation to real-time analytics and digital twins – Dortmund’s ecosystem connects you with researchers, start-ups and industry leaders driving the next generation of cognitive intralogistics.
AMR & AGV – Autonomy in Motion
Autonomous Mobile Robots and Automated Guided Vehicles are redefining efficiency and flexibility in modern warehouses.
If your company designs or integrates autonomous transport systems, Dortmund offers the ideal environment to test, scale and collaborate within a vibrant robotics network.
RaaS & Retrofit – New Business Models for Robotics
Robotics-as-a-Service and retrofit concepts are transforming how automation enters logistics.
Does your company enable flexible, scalable deployment of robotics? Join Dortmund’s innovation community and accelerate your market entry in Europe’s logistics heartland.
Adaptive Intralogistics – Flexibility Meets Intelligence
Intralogistics is becoming modular, scalable and adaptive.
If your solutions enable dynamic, reconfigurable processes – from software orchestration to modular robotics – you’ll find the perfect partners within Dortmund’s ecosystem to bring your technology to market faster.
Topics Covered
For Your Success in Germany
Market Analysis
& Legal Advice
Gain a clear understanding of the German market landscape and the legal frameworks essential for doing business. Experts help you navigate regulations and validate your market entry strategy.
Infrastructure
& Networks
Access Dortmund’s robust infrastructure and connect with industry leaders, investors, and partners. Build the networks you need to establish your business successfully.
Sales
& Marketing
Learn how to position your product effectively, implement tailored marketing strategies, and understand the needs of German customers to drive sales and growth.
Talent Acquisition
& Financing
Find the right talent to scale your team and explore financing options that fuel your growth. Benefit from guidance on securing investors and optimising funding strategies.
Scaling
& Growth
Develop a solid growth plan and receive hands-on support to scale your operations sustainably. Learn best practices to expand and make a lasting impact in Germany’s intralogistics ecosystem.
Product Localisation
& Validation
Adapt your product to meet the specific needs of the German market. Receive feedback from industry experts and potential customers to ensure your solution aligns with market demands and expectations.
Partners & Industry Experts
Maria Beck
Digital Hub Logistics
Hub Manager
Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Mättig
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
Innovation Scout & Project Manager
Dominik Stute
Chamber of Industry and Commerce - Dortmund
Head of Unit Innovation | Industry | International Networks
Andrea Schubert
Economic Development Agency Dortmund
Team Lead Startup and Investor Support
Thilo Jörgl
impact media projects GmbH / TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS
Managing Partner
Peter Abelmann
LOG-IT Club e.V. | Logistik.NRW Kompetenznetz
Managing Director
Florian Schnitzler
NRW.Global Business GmbH - Trade & Investment Agency
Head of Startup Unit & Israel
Dr. Christoph Gehlen
TechnologieZentrum Dortmund
Head of ZfP Dortmund (Center for Production Technologies)
Cornelia Schwizer
Zenit GmbH
Internationalisation/Technology Transfer
Why Dortmund?
Your Gateway To Innovation
Dortmund is a leading hub for logistics, industrial tech and Industry 4.0, offering start-ups and scale-ups a thriving ecosystem with access to research institutions, technology hubs, and key industry players. Its central location in Europe connects you to investors, partners, and markets across the region.
With modern coworking spaces, incubators, and high-tech centres, Dortmund provides everything start-ups need to scale successfully. Beyond business, the city offers affordable living, excellent transport links, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal place to live and work. But see for yourself:
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Eligibility
Criteria
To participate in our DOACCELERATE. programme, the jury will select companies based on the following criteria:
Industry Alignment
Your company offers an innovative, knowledge-based solution to optimise intra-logistic processes, material flow or warehouse management.
Product Readiness
Your company’s product or service already has a solid customer base in your home market, it can be applied in Germany and has scaling potential in the German market.
Company Stage
Your company was founded within the last 10 years, and you are ready to expand your established business plan into another market.
Team Commitment
You are prepared to actively participate in all programme components, including the mandatory on-site kick-off days in Dortmund.
English Proficiency
You can communicate effectively in English which will be the primary language of the programme.
International Ambition
You have a clear objective of expanding internationally and you are keen on entering the German market after a first analysis has taken place.