Organization · Accelerator
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an open innovation platform based in Stuttgart, Germany, connecting startups with corporate partners to pilot technology and facilitate production-ready implementations.
Overview
What STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play does
What STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an open innovation platform based in Stuttgart, Germany, connecting startups with corporate partners to pilot technology and facilitate production-ready implementations.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and program host and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Accelerator
- Founded
- Founded in 2016
- Approximate age
- About 10 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Program host · Event host
- Last reviewed
- May 1, 2026
What Accelerator means
An accelerator is a structured, short-term program designed to speed up a startup's progress toward product-market fit, traction, fundraising, or scale.
Open the glossary entryOfficial channels
Find STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play as a funder
Investment thesis
STARTUP AUTOBAHN's thesis is implementation-led open innovation, connecting startups with corporate partners to pilot technology and achieve production-ready implementations.
Focus narrative
STARTUP AUTOBAHN invests in early to growth-stage startups across sectors such as mobility, production, and enterprise solutions. The organization emphasizes collaboration with corporate partners to develop innovative solutions, utilizing a structured program that includes scouting, piloting, and showcasing projects through events like EXPO Day.
Value beyond capital
STARTUP AUTOBAHN provides startups with access to industry-leading corporate partners, facilitating pilot projects and production-ready implementations. The structured program allows startups to showcase their innovations and gain valuable insights from corporate mentors, enhancing their market readiness.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Accelerator · Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Series B · Growth Equity
- Regions
- Global · Europe
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
Portfolio context
Notable collaborations include: Ottopia x T-Systems: Development of a platform for remote vehicle control. ClimaCell x Porsche: Integration of real-time air quality data into the Porsche Roads app. Nexmachina x Mercedes-Benz AG: Digital transformation in manufacturing through IoT solutions. Biomyc x Mercedes-Benz: Development of sustainable materials for automotive production. Natural Fiber Welding x Motherson: Creation of plant-based leather alternatives for car interiors.
Capability profile
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play as a program host
Program thesis
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an open innovation platform that connects startups with industry-leading corporate partners to pilot their technology and facilitate production-ready implementations.
Focus narrative
STARTUP AUTOBAHN invests in startups across various sectors, including mobility, production, and enterprise solutions. The organization focuses on early to growth-stage startups and emphasizes collaboration with corporate partners to develop innovative solutions.
Value and support
The program offers startups access to corporate partners, mentorship, and opportunities to pilot their technologies in real-world scenarios, culminating in events like EXPO Day to showcase results.
Additional public guidance
Q: What is the application process? A: Startups can apply through the application page on our website. Q: What sectors do you focus on? A: We focus on mobility, production, and enterprise solutions among others.
Format and cadence
- Typical duration
- 100 weeks
- Cohorts per year
- 2
- Format
- Hybrid
Availability
- Application state
- Accepting
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Accelerator
- Regions
- Global · Europe
Alumni and track record
- Last recorded cohort
- July 2, 2026
Alumni context
Notable collaborations include Ottopia x T-Systems for remote vehicle control, ClimaCell x Porsche for real-time air quality data integration, and Biomyc x Mercedes-Benz for sustainable materials development.
Capability profile
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play as an event host
Event focus
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an open innovation platform that connects startups with corporate partners to pilot their technology and facilitate production-ready implementations. The organization invests in startups across various sectors, focusing on early to growth-stage startups and emphasizing collaboration to develop innovative solutions.
Format narrative
The program is structured into three phases: Scouting and Matchmaking, Piloting, and EXPO Day. EXPO Day is a showcase event held twice a year to present pilot projects and innovations to stakeholders.
Participant value
Attendees gain access to a network of corporate partners, insights into industry trends, and opportunities to pilot their technologies in real-world applications.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- demo-day and workshop
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Accepting
- Next recorded event
- July 2, 2026
- Next event location
- Stuttgart, Germany
Audience and fit
- Selection criteria
- application
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Growth Equity
- Audience
- Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
- Regions
- Global · Europe
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Key team members include Sascha Karimpour, Managing Director of Plug and Play Germany, and representatives from various corporate partners involved in mentoring and project facilitation.
Past editions
Notable collaborations include projects with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BASF, showcasing innovative solutions in mobility and sustainability at events like EXPO Day.
Common questions
What to know about STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play
Upseed classifies STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play under the Accelerator organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, program host, and event host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 1, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.