The 4C Accelerator is aimed at founders with innovative product ideas in the medical technology sector. Startups in the fields of medical devices, software as a medical device, and in-vitro diagnostics can apply for the free qualification program until Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The accelerator's goal is to support young entrepreneurs. Medtech-To prepare teams specifically for the special requirements of the healthcare industry.
Since 2021, the 4C Accelerator has been supporting founders on their path to a commercially successful and regulatory-compliant business model. Medtech startups face high barriers to market entry, as regulatory requirements, certifications, and clinical evidence must be considered early on. This is precisely where the program comes in: It imparts practical knowledge in the four key areas of commercialization, certification, clinical studies, and copyright – the so-called 4Cs – and systematically integrates them into the business model.
This is how the 4C Accelerator is constructed.
The program is divided into two consecutive parts. In Part 1, the founders participate in 15 interactive online workshops conducted by the Foundation for Medical Innovations. During these workshops, the teams intensively train in the "4C Business Modelling" method and deepen their understanding of regulatory requirements.
Part 2 follows: six months of individual 4C coaching by the Medical Innovations Incubator. The coaches support the startups in the concrete implementation of their milestones and in the further development of their business model. In addition, participants benefit from access to the 4C community and exclusive events.
Who can apply?
National and international startup teams and innovators with pre-competitive business ideas in the fields of medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, and digital health are eligible to apply. The workshops will be held online and in English. Teams not based in Baden-Württemberg must demonstrate a regional connection by the end of the program, for example, through collaborations with local partners.
The application period for Batch 11 runs until February 10, 2026. The kickoff workshops will take place on April 1 and 2, 2026, and the online workshops will be held on Fridays from April 10 to July 17, 2026. Thanks to funding from Startup BW, the B. Braun Foundation, and the Hector Foundation, participation is free for founders.
All information and the opportunity to apply can be found here.
