Yes, we require that you have an idea to apply for one of our key topic areas. We select forward-thinking founders who propose products or create meaningful innovations that solve real-world problems. Your idea doesn’t need to be perfect or validated yet—that’s why our EiR program was built—but we do want to see that you’ve carefully considered the possibilities of your idea. We care more about the potentialpotential of the business case and your desire to make an impact as a possible candidate.

We run three cohorts per year. While each cohort focuses on different topics, they all relate to the overarching theme of the Machine Economy and its associated technologies—the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The starting date for each cohort begins in February, June, and October, respectively. The final interview process takes place one month before the start of each new cohort so that you’re notified (if selected) two weeks before the start of the program.

Yes but you should have a basic understanding of how to use technology in innovative and transformative ways. If you don’t come from a technical background but have strong beliefs from working in industry, we’d welcome an application from you. Some of our most successful companies have been built by co-founders with a combination of technical and domain expertise but again, we care more about your passion and ambition.

Yes, you can still apply if you’ve received a very small investment or have been awarded a grant. However, depending on the arrangement, it does sometimes prevent us from being able to invest in your company and from offering you a place in the EiR program. We tend to deal with these situations on a case-by-case basis.

That’s great news! We’re happy to welcome two founders because this means that we can split the responsibilities from the very beginning with one founder focusing on product and the other on the sales and go-to-market side of things. But don't worry if you haven't found anyone yet. Our team spends hundreds of hours screening individuals to give you the best shot at finding the right co-founder with the right entrepreneurial spirit and domain expertise in your area of focus.

In the case you are not selected, it doesn’t mean that your entrepreneurial journey is over. You can always apply again for one of our next cohorts. Perhaps the information that you sent through wasn’t enough or the market opportunity of your case was too small. Either way, it’s a good opportunity to rethink your idea. In any case your profile will be added (if you’d like) to our co-founder pool and you will be notified if a new opportunity opens up.

Next Big Thing is based in Berlin and the people that we select relocate to join us from all over the world. There’s no obligation for you to stay in Berlin for the full duration of the EiR program (plus we’re in the middle of a pandemic) but you will need to be in Berlin for the incubation phase, when you raise your seed capital, and when it’s time grow your startup. Our entrepreneurs benefit the most when working in our offices with direct access to our expertise, knowledge and network which has a resounding influence on the success rate of the project.

If you don’t have the right to work in Germany, we are able to connect offer holders with immigration specialists who can support in your relocation and provide you with the visa options based on your personal circumstances. In general, we prefer candidates that already have the right to work and/or run a company in Germany.

Even if your idea doesn’t fit into the general mould of our suggested topics, if you think you have a great idea with significant potential that’s underpinned by advanced technologies — please apply via this link.