On 7 September 2017, Munich Re and ERGO visited the start-up accelerator Climate-KIC in Berlin. Members of staff from both companies helped select three start-ups for the accelerator. These had responded to a separate call for applications.

The start-ups are participating in Climate-KIC’s “regular” accelerator programme. In addition to financial support, as a programme add-on they receive mentoring from Munich Re and ERGO staff members and access to the know-how of selected experts from both companies.

How the pitch day worked

The EUREF-Campus on the site of a former gasworks in Berlin offers a creative environment where the last ten years have seen the emergence of a lively innovation landscape in which start-ups cooperate with established companies. Ten start-ups had successfully applied to present themselves at the pitch day held there on 7 September 2017. The jury, made up of staff members from Munich Re, ERGO and Climate-KIC, took the time to get to know all the young entrepreneurs. Interacting in person, the jury was gradually able to form an impression of which companies were the best fit for the programme – on the basis of their motivation, ideas or entrepreneurial spirit. Ultimately, three start-ups were chosen: Refurbed, twingz and NÜWIEL.

Climate-KIC’s start-up accelerator

The EU climate initiative Climate-KIC includes Europe’s biggest accelerator for cleantech start-ups. It focuses on business ideas that have positive effects on climate change. Over 18 months, the start-ups are fostered in a three-stage programme. The support they receive spans from the germ of their idea, through business development to financing. Expert coaching and mentoring, and initial financing for technical developments round out the programme, providing excellent conditions in which the entrepreneurs can grow their business models and find clients and partners. Munich Re and ERGO look forward to their exciting cooperations with Climate-KIC – and especially with Refurbed, twingz and NÜWIEL.