From idea to success: how prototype.club supports startups at every stage

prototype.club supports start-ups at every stage – from ideation to market success. With innovation competitions, partner networks and targeted mentoring, we help to validate ideas, develop products and scale them successfully on the market.

1. Ideation

Initial ideas and visions emerge in this phase. Founders develop concepts and formulate how their solution solves a problem.

Support

Network of startup supporters

(startup centers, university partnerships, mentoring)

Innowerft: Workshops and coaching for viable business models.
Gründerplattform: Guidelines and tools for developing ideas.
Universities (e.g. Mannheim, Kaiserslautern): Access to innovative research ideas and start-up initiatives.

Idea development

based on needs that we uncover and publish at companies.

2. Validation

In this phase, hypotheses are tested, initial market analyses are carried out and customer feedback is collected.

Support

Innovation competitions, hackathons & design sprints

Examples: BCX, Smart Farming Hackathon, Eltefaton
Partners such as: APCOA, Daimler Truck, Bosch, DLG, Siemens Energy & more

3. Product Development

Development of a first marketable product; focus on technology and scalability.

Support

Design thinking sprints and development workshops

Red Bull Basement: Intensive prototype development.
Cheftreff: Networking with mentors and technical experts.

Technical expertise

VDMA Startup-Machine: Access to industry partners and technical advice.

4. Launch

The product is launched on the market for the first time; the focus is on marketing and PR.

Support

Joint marketing campaigns and success stories

Market access through partner networks

APCOA Urban Hubs: Platform for first market applications.
Hannover Impuls

5. Growth & Scaling

The company is growing, scaling processes and expanding the team.

Support

Networking with investors and business partners

Stage for presentations at top trade fairs

IAA Mobility: Focus on mobility innovations.
IAA Transportation: Solutions for the transportation sector.
E-world energy & water: Focus on energy and water management.
HANNOVER MESSE: Industrial technologies.
Agritechnica: Agricultural technologies.
EuroTier: Animal husbandry and production.
Anuga FoodTec: FoodTech solutions.

6. Market Success

The company is establishing itself on the market, growing strategically and retaining customers in the long term.

Support

Long-term partnerships with industry players like

VDMA, VDA, DLG & more

Targeted PR & partner programs to increase brand visibility

Example partner: BOTfriends

Presence at trade fairs for visibility and scaling

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