Silicon Allee is the startup department at Fraunhofer HHI. Our mission is to empower HHI researchers and entrepreneurs to transform cutting-edge research into successful startups through personalized support and network building. We help bring HHI’s deep tech innovations to market, guiding ventures from concept to scaling and strengthening Berlin’s role as a deep tech hub.

Startups apply to our Accelerator through CORE Topics. Selected by Silicon Allee in close collaboration with Fraunhofer HHI researchers, these breakthrough technologies are chosen for their commercial potential.

Each topic offers access to patents, technical assets, and direct collaboration with the scientists behind the research. Startups also receive compute resources, hands-on support, and up to 12 months of funding through full-time employment at Fraunhofer HHI. To join, startups should already have a small team, a validated concept, and a complete pitch deck.

New topics are announced on a rolling basis throughout the year and each one is limited to two startups. Once both spots are filled, the topic closes.

Current CORE Topics

Tuning the Mind of AI – Trustworthy, Transparent, Safe and Aligned AI

Work with patented methods that make AI systems more explainable, auditable, and robust. Built for founders navigating safety, regulation, or model integrity in applied AI.

Building the Spatial Future ­­– Compressing Gaussian Splats - 3DGS

Apply advanced depth sensing and spatial imaging from HHI’s computer vision labs to build compact, photorealistic 3D tools for AR, robotics, and industrial environments

Find out more and apply.

The Venture Building initiative helps commercialize high-potential research at HHI. This initiative is for HHI group leads and researchers who may not have the resources or desire to develop the startup themselves. Our dedicated team of experts in market, product, and technology identifies promising projects, validates their market potential, and develops a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). If successful, the project transitions into the Accelerator for further funding, scaling, and growth.

Contact Julius Werling for more info.

The Incubation program is designed for researchers and aspiring founders at HHI looking to turn an idea or research project into a startup and become founders themselves. We support team formation, MVP development, and business model validation to lay the foundation for a successful business. The goal is to prepare startups for the Accelerator, where they can receive funding, mentorship, and resources to scale their business.

Contact Alyssa Kirst for more info.

We’re a dynamic team with diverse perspectives from over 10 different countries. Based in Berlin since 2011, we've become an integral part of the city’s tech ecosystem. Our mission is to nurture startups and create a thriving environment for founders, experts, and investors. Since joining Fraunhofer HHI, we’ve been focused on supporting early-stage deep tech and AI startups to scale and succeed.
 
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