DB Mindbox’s 100-day program aims to give startups the opportunity to develop solutions to real challenges in Deutsche Bahn The program's focus regularly shifts to new challenges. The current round is seeking innovative approaches from the areas of operations and maintenance.
Specifically, there are three areas. For example, solutions are being sought that can improve working conditions in DB Netze's decentralized service facilities. The company has a wide range of options in mind, from lighting concepts for workstations to mobile service infrastructure and temporary charging solutions. A second tender involves IT tools for managing day-to-day operations in long-distance transport and network management. And the third area revolves entirely around the maintenance of concrete sleepers. These are currently visually inspected for cracks individually by employees, which requires a lot of time and personnel.
Financial grant & prospect of cooperation
Startups selected for the program receive various types of funding. They can look forward to a €25,000 grant and access to the DB co-working space in Berlin. They also receive support from a network of selected coaching and mentoring experts. They also benefit from the opportunity to test their solution under real-world conditions alongside Deutsche Bahn experts. Last but not least, the program also offers the opportunity for a long-term collaboration with DB.
DB Mindbox: DB startup hub
DB Mindbox is DB's startup hub in Berlin. Startups and DB employees collaborate here on innovations for the core rail business. According to DB, more than 3,500 startups from more than 50 countries have applied for DB Mindbox's funding programs to date. More than 190 startups have already participated. DB continues to work with around 60 percent of these companies in follow-up partnerships to specifically improve rail operations.
