Your founding team starts here.
The JUNI Team-Up Challenge matches scientists with industry experts and venture builders. In six weeks, you find your co-founders and take your first real step toward a startup.
Why it matters
Great science is only half the story.
Most research-based ideas don’t stall because the science fails. They stall because the team is missing: someone who knows the market, someone who knows how to build a company. The JUNI Team-Up Challenge closes that gap.
We bring together researchers, experienced builders, and subject matter experts across disciplines to spark innovative ideas and form high-impact teams.
The team: We match scientists with industry experts and venture builders, so the lab and the market finally sit at one table.
The validation: You test your idea early with real customers and experts, not just in the lab.
The funding: From day one, you work toward what EXIST, BSS and investors expect.
Profiles
Find your people.
Every strong founding team combines the science, the market and the drive to build. Which one are you?
The Science Lead.
You’re a scientist with a research-based idea, with or without IP. You don’t need to be at a university right now.
The Industry Expert.
You know an industry inside out and bring the network and market insight that research teams often lack.
The Venture Builder.
You bring a business or product background and first entrepreneurial experience, and you’re ready to build a venture around science.
* Each batch has its own focus and selection criteria. You’ll find them on the batch pages.
How it works
Six weeks to a founding team.
The JUNI Team-Up Challenge runs part-time, alongside your research or job, with a hybrid format and time together in Berlin. We keep each cohort small and hand-picked, so everyone gets real attention. Every week brings a team check-in, hands-on workshops and keynotes from research and the startup world, with 1:1 mentoring whenever you need it.
Week 1-2
Find your team
You’ll meet the cohort and find the people you want to build with.
- Structured co-founder matching in changing team setups.
- Your team commits to one opportunity.
- First problem statements take shape.
Week 3-4
Test your idea
You’ll take your idea out of the lab and into the real market.
- A sharp problem statement and a clear plan of who to talk to.
- Interviews with experts and potential customers.
- Assumptions validated or killed, based on real evidence.
Week 5
Build your case
You’ll turn what you’ve learned into a business case.
- Value proposition, market size and business model.
- A first check on IP and feasibility.
- Your roadmap toward EXIST, BSS or other funding.
Week 6
Pitch and plan ahead
You’ll present your venture and leave with a clear next step.
- Individual pitch coaching.
- A 90-day plan for your team.
- Demo Day in front of JUNI’s network of partners and investors.
Our story so far
Setting the course.
In summer 2026, we ran our very first JUNI Team-Up Challenge. Scientists, industry experts and builders came together, formed teams and pitched their ventures at Demo Day. Every team that pitched decided to keep going, and several are now on their way to EXIST or BSS funding.
JUNI Team-Up Challenge, Batch Summer 2026
Batches
Ready to team up?
Each batch has its own focus, dates and selection criteria. See what’s open right now and find out if it’s the right fit for you.
