KielRegion.Accelerates – six start-ups from the region are taking part

The latest intake of the KielRegion.Accelerates start-up programme has got off to a successful start. The programme will be celebrated in June 2026 as part of the Waterkant Festival.

Following an intensive application process in December 2025, six innovative teams were selected. They are now benefiting from professional mentoring provided by experts from a range of industries. The aim of the programme is to provide targeted support to the start-ups during their growth phase and to facilitate their access to relevant networks.

The following start-ups are participating in the current round:

• anymize – Develops a data protection firewall that automatically anonymises personal data before it reaches AI models such as ChatGPT.
• conformally – Offers ultra-thin, PFAS-free functional coatings using innovative CVD technology for microelectronics, medical technology and the semiconductor industry.
• curly.do – Introduces a novel system to the hairdressing industry that creates waves virtually indistinguishable from natural curls.
• edaira – An AI-based ‘marking co-pilot’ that saves teachers significant time on marking whilst creating an evidence-based educational data infrastructure.
• Kopexa – Europe’s first automated GRC platform for SMEs and enterprises, translating standards such as ISO 27001, NIS2 and DORA into operational security.
• mySpirulina – Makes it possible to grow fresh, nutrient-rich spirulina at home – with the first spirulina farm for the windowsill.

All teams have already achieved initial market validation and now wish to scale up their business models in a targeted manner.

Following the kick-off, the ‘Health Check’ will begin next week: five experts will work with the teams to analyse their current challenges and define specific goals for the coming months. Based on this, bespoke development plans will be drawn up for each start-up.

Throughout the programme, there will be regular workshops, sessions and meet-ups on topics such as organisational development, leadership, sales and investor readiness. The start-ups will also gain access to a broad regional and national network of established companies, investors and other relevant stakeholders. Where necessary, targeted contacts with (venture) capital providers will be established and the teams prepared for meetings with investors.

KielRegion.Accelerates has been providing targeted support to start-ups in the region since early 2025 and is a joint project involving key players in the regional start-up ecosystem:

• Kiel Innovation and Technology Centre (KITZ)
• KielRegion GmbH
• opencampus.sh
• Plön District Economic Development Agency
• Rendsburg-Eckernförde District Economic Development Agency

The Kiel Economic Development Agency (KiWi) is the initiator and is responsible for the strategic direction, planning, implementation and communication.