Häufige Fragen rund um CellPort

Technology-focused teams and individual founders who are developing innovative solutions for logistics, industry, or infrastructure are eligible to apply. Projects in the areas of 5G (and, in the future, 6G), Industrial IoT, sensor technology, connected hardware, autonomous systems, or smart logistics are particularly relevant.

Applications submitted at an earlier stage of development are also acceptable, provided that a specific technological development and a clear use case are evident.

No, CellPort is specifically designed for teams in the pre-startup phase as well.

The key factors are the quality of your idea, the technological development aspect, and the potential for a specific use case in logistics, industry, or infrastructure.

Yes, individual founders can also apply.

Through this program, we’ll help you identify gaps in your skills, build relevant professional connections, and develop a high-performing team for the future.

Ideally, you’ve already developed a technical concept, an initial prototype, or an MVP. CellPort is particularly well-suited for teams that want to further develop their technology, test it under real-world conditions, or validate a specific use case.

Earlier stages of development may also be considered if there is a sound technological concept and a clear development outlook.

Applications are submitted via the online form. There, you'll provide information about your team, your technology, your current stage of development, and your goals for participating.

After the application deadline, selected teams will be invited to a pitch in front of the jury. There are usually about two weeks between the invitation and the pitch, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare.

After the jury pitch, you will receive final feedback on your participation.

During the jury pitch, you’ll present your startup, your technology, and your goals. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to answer questions from the jury.

Among other things, the focus is on:

• the level of innovation in your solution

• the need for technological development

• the connection to logistics, 5G, industry, or infrastructure

• the feasibility within the program

• the team's motivation and competence

• how well they align with the available Challenge Briefs and partners

You will receive more information about the schedule and the available presentation time along with the invitation.

Invitations will be sent out shortly after the application period ends.

You will usually receive the final selection decision within a week after the jury pitch.

Yes. Although the Makerspace offers particularly interesting opportunities for hardware and deep-tech teams, the CellPort Masterclass is not limited to hardware startups.

Software startups are also eligible to apply, provided their solution has an innovative and technologically relevant connection to logistics, 5G, the connected industry, or infrastructure.

It is important that the program include a specific development, testing, or validation component.

Yes, specifically.

A rejection does not necessarily mean that your idea is fundamentally unsuitable for the program. Reasons may include, for example, the current stage of development, available capacity, or how well it aligns with the respective challenge briefs.

We encourage you to further develop your idea and reapply for a future round of the program.

The planned program segments are:

• Batch 1: January through December 2027

• Batch 2: October 2027 through September 2028

• Batch 3: July 2028 through June 2029

• Batch 4: April 2029 through March 2030

• Batch 5: January through December 2030

A program cycle, also known as a batch, lasts twelve months.

A three-month overlap is planned between each batch. This allows the participating teams to network with one another, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Yes, participation in the CellPort Masterclass is free of charge for the selected teams.

The coaching sessions and workshops offered as part of the program, as well as the agreed-upon use of the infrastructure, are generally free of charge.

Unfortunately, we are unable to cover travel, meal, and lodging expenses.

Based on the current status of the project, participation is not considered de minimis aid. However, the applicable funding and participation conditions in each case are decisive.

The specific support we provide is tailored to your level of development and your goals.

Depending on the project, you'll have access to, among other things:

• free workstations

• the 5G test bed at the Duisburg Multimodal Terminal

• a makerspace with technical equipment

• 3D Printers for Various Applications

• CNC Milling

• Laser cutters

• Soldering and Electronics Workstations

• Workshops and Individual Coaching Sessions

• scientific expertise

• Industry and Research Partners

• potential pilot customers

• Investors and funding providers

• Events and Networking Opportunities

The use of individual facilities and services is subject to prior approval and depends on availability, suitability, and safety requirements.

The 5G test bed at the Duisburg Multimodal Terminal offers you the opportunity to test technologies and applications in a realistic port and logistics environment.

Possible tests and areas of application include, for example:

• 5G-based data transmission

• Industrial IoT Applications

• Sensors and Condition Monitoring

• Connected machines and vehicles

• Edge Computing Applications

• AI-Based Image and Data Analysis

• autonomous or semi-autonomous systems

• Real-time communication

• Location and Tracking Solutions

• Applications for Security, Infrastructure, and Operational Optimization

The specific tests that can be conducted depend on your technology, the desired test setup, and the technical, operational, and safety-related conditions. We will assess the feasibility of these tests together with you and the relevant partners.

The main CellPort events take place in Duisburg.

These include, in particular:

• the kickoff events

• Workshops and Coaching Formats

• Networking Events

• Meetings with corporate and research partners

• Tests in the 5G test bed

• the closing events

Depending on the format, some of the consulting and collaboration may also take place digitally or in a hybrid format.

The exact amount of time required depends on your project, your stage of development, and the planned tests.

In addition to the required courses, you should set aside enough time for coaching sessions, workshops, development projects, tests, and collaboration with partners.

The masterclass is designed as an active development program. It is most beneficial when at least one team member participates in the program on an ongoing basis and drives the agreed-upon development steps forward.

No, there is no requirement to work in Duisburg continuously for the entire duration of the program.

However, in-person attendance is required for tests, workshops, events, and certain project phases. Workstations and the makerspace are available to participating teams.

Depending on the format, many other events may take place digitally or in a hybrid format.

To conclude, you will present the development of your project, your test results, and the progress you have made.

After the closing event, you’ll become part of the CellPort alumni network. This will allow you to stay connected with other teams, companies, research partners, and key players in the innovation ecosystem.

You may also be invited to future events and networking opportunities. If you’re interested, we can also help you find workspaces, collaboration partners, or opportunities to set up shop in Duisburg.

No, CellPort does not receive any equity in the participating startups and does not require a stake in your company. The CellPort Masterclass is free of charge and is funded by the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The goal of the program is to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology and to help you turn innovative ideas into practical and competitive applications.

Of course, you retain ownership of your existing technologies, ideas, and intellectual property rights.

If new findings are developed in collaboration with companies or research partners during the program, separate agreements may be entered into.

No, relocating the company's headquarters to Duisburg is not a requirement for participation.

We are happy to assist teams that wish to establish themselves in Duisburg for the long term in finding suitable spaces, networks, and points of contact.

Basically, yes.

However, you must check for yourselves whether participating in both programs will result in obligations, scheduling conflicts, or restrictions under funding regulations. This may be particularly relevant in cases involving comparable benefits, public funding, or time commitments.

Please let us know well in advance about any ongoing or planned funding programs.