How international startups are changing the mobility industry in Germany
the DB mindbox is the startup hub of Deutsche Bahn AG, Europe’s largest provider of rail infrastructure and mobility. In the coworking space, which can be found in the Jannowitzbrücke S-Bahn station in Berlin, Deutsche Bahn works with startups from all over the world to further advance digitalization in the rail sector. If the startup solutions are convincing, there is also the chance of a follow-up cooperation with Deutsche Bahn.
Various startup programs, challenges and open data initiatives will promote innovation and the Digitization within the rail company driven. The program was launched in 2015. Since then, around 3,500 startups from more than 50 countries have applied to DB mindbox and more than 190 startups have already participated in the funding program. DB is working with around 60 percent of the companies as part of follow-up cooperation on specific products and innovations relating to rail travel.
DB mindbox
DB mindbox is the startup hub of Deutsche Bahn AG.
Together with the individual business areas such as DB Fernverkehr AG, DB Netz AG and DB Station & Service AG, DB mindbox identifies current challenges and topics. Subsequently, innovative startup solutions are sought in a targeted manner. Digitization is being promoted together with the DB business units by tackling and implementing the challenges in cooperation with the startups. At the same time, the group functions as a source of innovation: the “out-of-the-box approach” creates problem-oriented solutions in order to keep pace with digital change. True to the motto: “Just do it!” Thanks to the rapid implementation of innovation projects, Deutsche Bahn is breaking new ground to drive digitalization and innovations and, at best, to establish the projects in the group in the long term. So what does the funding for startups look like in concrete terms?
Good ideas that make rail transport more attractive and more digital are sought after – always with a view to the Group’s many business areas. (Image: Deutsche Bahn AG | Michael Kuchinke-Hofer)
The focus is on the 100-day startup program, which provides the young teams with a wealth of funding and support. DB mindbox offers startups the unique opportunity to test innovative technologies and products directly with Deutsche Bahn within 100 days. The startups develop a proof of concept and show that their innovative solution approach works. Each startup receives funding of 25,000 euros (excluding shares). In addition, the startups get their own DB mindbox startup manager, professional coaching and mentoring as well as exclusive access to DB data, experts, customers and markets. In addition, the startups can use the 720 square meter coworking space directly on the Spree in Berlin if the pandemic allows. A special treat is the chance for a follow-up cooperation with Deutsche Bahn. In this way, young companies can put their foot in the door of the large DB group and benefit from the know-how and the large network of Deutsche Bahn.
Spread over the year, the focus is on various fields of digitization, for which entrepreneurs can apply: The spectrum of topics ranges from digital maintenance to new solutions in personnel management, innovative construction site technology and customer-centric topics in marketing, food and Retail. In addition, startup challenges and open data initiatives such as hackathons are also offered. at Developers, hackers, startups and railway workers come together to develop and implement ideas together. The developers also rely on data sets that DB has made available under a free license on the DB Open Data Portal since 2015.
For the upcoming program Future of Operations & Maintenance 2022 DB mindbox is looking for innovative startup solutions for operations and maintenance.
That sounds exciting? Then apply with your team and convince DB with your solution.
