Your prototype in a port.
For Startups
In the makerspace, you’ll develop your prototype; in the 5G test bed, you’ll put it to the test in real-world port operations. The result: proven feasibility and reliable data for customers and investors.
Testing innovations under real-world conditions.
Successful innovation arises from the interplay of technology, application, and market. In the 5G test bed, you’ll test the prototype you developed in the makerspace under realistic port logistics conditions. You’ll gain early access to potential users facing real-world challenges and receive direct feedback from the operational environment.
Your result
Proven technical feasibility, field-tested prototypes, and solid results for discussions with clients and investors. A solid foundation for pilot projects, successful technology transfer, and new business and innovation opportunities.
Turn ideas into tangible solutions quickly
From the initial design to a working demonstrator: Our workspace provides hardware teams with the technical infrastructure they need to efficiently develop, customize, and refine prototypes.
Features:
3D Printers for Various Materials and Applications
CNC Milling and Metal Milling
Laser cutter
Soldering and Electronics Workstations
Tools for Assembly, Customization, and Repair
Work surfaces for assembly and prototyping
and much more.
You develop and optimize your prototype right on site. The short path between development, adjustment, and the next iteration step significantly shortens your development cycles.
Your result
Functional demonstrators, advanced hardware prototypes, and a higher level of product and market readiness.
From Technology to Market Readiness
In the CellPort Masterclass, you’ll focus on the technological, strategic, and business issues that are crucial to your next step in development. Experienced experts will provide you with personalized guidance and connect you with the right partners from the business, academic, and financial sectors.
You'll benefit from:
Support for Technology and Business Development
Technical and Business Coaching
Consulting on Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Law Issues
Networking with industry partners and potential customers
You are developing:
continue to develop your technology in a targeted manner, with a validated use case, a viable business model, and a clear strategy for market entry and financing.
Readiness for Financing and Connection
Good technology requires a compelling growth strategy. Together, we’ll refine your business plan, explore financing options, and prepare you for meetings with grant providers, investors, and collaboration partners.
Here's what will help you move forward:
Clarity Regarding Capital and Funding Needs
Guidance on Appropriate Funding Programs
Preparing for Pre-Seed and Investor Meetings
A Realistic Market Entry Strategy
Research Meets Application
Benefit from direct access to the latest research findings and scientific expertise. Researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen will provide you with the latest relevant scientific insights. Together, you’ll develop new approaches, test technological assumptions, and tap into additional areas of application for your innovation.
Your result
Successful translation of research into practice, new perspectives on technological challenges, and a faster pace of innovation.
Program Rounds
The scheduled sessions for the CellPort Masterclass 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
Is CellPort right for you?
CellPort is aimed at technology-focused startup teams that develop innovative solutions for logistics, industry, or infrastructure.
When is the CellPort Masterclass taking place?
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
Who is eligible to apply for the CellPort Masterclass?
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.
Does our startup have to be already established?
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.
What stage of development should we be in?
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.
Can software-only startups apply as well?
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.
Can I apply as a sole founder?
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.