Powering Tomorrow. Your Questions Answered.

• What do you do?

  We support AgTech, Bioeconomy and Circular Economy founders in scaling their businesses through funding, coaching, and access to our network of corporates, mentors and investors. We run two programs based on your startup's maturity and focus: the Acceleration Program for early- and later-stage AgTech/Bioeconomy/Circular Economy startups, and the Incubation Program (Cross-Industry Innovation Lab) for early-stage, sustainability-driven tech startups across all industries. Both are free of cost and equity-free.

• What makes you unique?

  We're the only hub in Germany with a dedicated focus on AgTech, Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, based in Hannover, right at the heart of one of Europe's most important agricultural and food-industry regions. Through the SpinLab Group, we also connect founders to a wider innovation ecosystem across Leipzig (SpinLab), Dresden (ExciteLab) and beyond.

GETTING STARTED

• How can I apply for the program?

  For the Acceleration Program, we announce upcoming application windows on our social media channels; check there for current deadlines. For the Incubation Program (CIIL), applications are open year-round via F6S; we review on a rolling basis and reach out when there's a strong match, with no batch deadlines.

• How does RootCamp choose which teams to accept?

  After your application, we may invite you to a video call to get to know you and your startup better. The strongest applicants are asked to pitch live in front of a jury. We then run a brief due diligence before making a final decision together with our strategic partners.

• How much does the program cost?

  Both programs are 100% free and equity-free.

• Do startups get any money from RootCamp?

  Funding depends on the program. In the Incubation Program (CIIL), eligible startups can receive non-dilutive NBank grants of up to €300,000 if they're based in, or willing to establish in, Lower Saxony (criteria: younger than 5 years, TRL 4+, de-minimis eligible for at least €50,000). The Acceleration Program does not include a monetary grant; its value lies in coaching, network access, and, for later-stage startups, pilot project matching with corporate partners.

• Is the program only open to startups from Lower Saxony?

  No. Both programs welcome startups from across Germany and internationally. Startups based in, or willing to establish a presence in, Lower Saxony may additionally be eligible for the NBank grant funding under CIIL.

• Can I apply as a solo founder?

  We generally look for teams of 2–3 people with complementary skills, since team dynamics matter a lot for success in the program. That said, we also encourage determined solo founders with a strong idea to apply.

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Inside Rootcamp

• Where in Hannover is RootCamp?

  RootCamp is based at Herrenstrasse 12, 30159 Hannover, in the city center, just a 5-minute walk from the main train station.

• I'm not based in Hannover, how does this work?

  There's no ongoing presence requirement. Startups typically join in person at the start of the program, and the rest of the collaboration runs online.

• Where will we stay while we're there?

  The RootCamp team can support you in finding accommodation that suits your needs, such as a hotel or Airbnb.

• What about the technical infrastructure in your offices?

  RootCamp's office in Hannover offers fiber-optic internet, meeting rooms for calls and workshops, and an event space that can also be rented externally.

SUPPORT & INVESTMENT

• Are you focused only on AgTech and agriculture?

  Our Acceleration Program is dedicated to AgTech, Bioeconomy and Circular Economy. Our Incubation Program (CIIL) is broader and industry-agnostic; while AgTech and Bioeconomy remain our founding strength, we also welcome Energy & Sustainability, Industrial Tech & Logistics, HealthTech, and other tech-driven verticals, as long as the solution is sustainability- or climate-relevant.

• Is there a way to benefit as an established company?

  Yes. Corporates can run pilot projects directly with our startups; you get a designated project manager on the corporate side to support the collaboration, plus access to trend scouting and venture clienting through RootCamp.

• I´m an investor: how can I invest in your startups?

  We connect investors with our startups through our network on an individual basis, and RootCamp startups are also presented at the SpinLab Group's Investors' Day.

   

  
  
  

• Are you trustworthy? What happens to my intellectual property?

  Absolutely. We receive a lot of applications and treat all data as confidential. For practical reasons we can't sign NDAs before your application, but we're committed to treating your information confidentially.

   

   

• I really like your program. How can I support it?

  We're grateful for support as a mentor, sponsor, investor, technology partner, or simply someone who spreads the word. Feel free to contact us at info@root.camp.