What Startup Autobahn does

Startup Autobahn is an open innovation platform that connects early-stage technology startups with major corporate partners, principally in the European automotive, mobility, and adjacent manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2016 by Mercedes-Benz AG, Plug and Play, ARENA2036, and the University of Stuttgart, the platform is operated by Plug and Play Germany GmbH out of Stuttgart, Germany. Its core offering is a recurring program cycle that runs scouting and matchmaking on an ongoing basis, 100-day structured piloting phases where startups execute joint proof-of-concepts and prototypes with corporate partners, and twice-yearly EXPO demo days that act as the platform's flagship showcase events. Supporting vehicles include monthly Deep Dive 1:1 sessions hosted by corporate partners and themed meetups.

The platform itself is the primary technical asset: it coordinates program operations, partner onboarding, startup application intake, matchmaking, and event logistics across an ecosystem of roughly 30 active corporate partners and a cumulative cohort of more than 350 startups, yielding over 380 documented pilot projects. Deep Dives and EXPOs function as the principal commercial and brand surface, while the 100-Day Pilot Program formalizes the post-scout delivery model.

Commercial mechanics operate through two streams: Corporate Partnership Programs, structured as recurring partnerships that grant access to scouting, Deep Dive hosting, and curated startup pipelines, plus Platform Services covering matchmaking, program coordination, event hosting, and EXPO logistics for partners. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. End customers are largely enterprise OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology providers (Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, ZF, Bosch, Schaeffler, BASF, T-Systems, DXC Technology, DPDHL, Hyundai, Bridgestone, Cummins, FORVIA, OPmobility, NXP, STMicroelectronics and others). Co-founder Mercedes-Benz acts as both a founding partner and a recurring pilot customer, which simultaneously validates the model and anchors customer concentration toward the automotive industry.

Name

Startup Autobahn

Legal name

PLUG & PLAY GERMANY GMBH

Website

https://startup-autobahn.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Startup Autobahn is a Stuttgart-based open innovation platform, founded in 2016 by Mercedes-Benz, Plug and Play, ARENA2036, and the University of Stuttgart, that matches mobility and manufacturing startups with 30+ corporate partners through scouting, 100-day piloting, and twice-yearly EXPO demo days.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Corporate Open Innovation Platform

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

Keywords

• Corporate innovation platform
• Startup accelerator programs
• Open innovation scouting
• Pilot project facilitation
• Automotive mobility ecosystem

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Partnership Programs: Revenue generated from corporate partners who pay to access the startup ecosystem and participate in the innovation programs. Partners gain scouting services, Deep Dive hosting opportunities, and access to curated startups for pilot projects.
2. Platform Services: Services facilitating startup-corporate collaboration including matchmaking, program coordination, event hosting, and EXPO logistics.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Startup Autobahn operates structured, twice-yearly open innovation programs that scout, match, and place startups into pilot projects with corporate partners in the mobility and automotive sector. Core activities include 24/7 scouting and matchmaking between startups and 30+ corporate partners, tech-themed Deep Dive 1:1 meetings, 100-day piloting programs for joint proof-of-concepts, and twice-yearly EXPO demo day events in Stuttgart. The platform is operated by Plug and Play Germany GmbH with Mercedes-Benz AG as a co-founder, anchoring an ecosystem of partners including Porsche, Bosch, BASF, ZF, DXC Technology, and DPDHL.

Product overview

STARTUP AUTOBAHN is an open innovation platform that connects startups with industry-leading corporate partners to facilitate technology pilots and drive production-ready implementations. The platform operates as a structured program with three phases: Scouting & Matchmaking (24/7), Piloting (ongoing joint projects), and Expo Day (twice yearly showcase events). The core offering includes Deep Dives—tech-themed 1:1 meetings between startups and corporate partners hosted by partners—alongside flagship EXPO events where collaboration results are demonstrated. The platform serves mobility, production, enterprise, and sustainability sectors, facilitating projects in IoT, supply chain transparency, smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, autonomous logistics, HMI, cybersecurity, and AI applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Startup Autobahn Innovation Platform Open innovation platform connecting startups with industry-leading corporate partners through a structured program of scouting, matchmaking, piloting, and EXPO demonstration, focused on mobility, automotive, production, and sustainability innovation.
• Deep Dives Tech-themed 1:1 meetings between startups and corporate partners, hosted by partners (e.g., DPDHL, BASF), where startups pitch and explore potential collaboration opportunities within the program.
• EXPO Demo Day Events Twice-yearly flagship events held in Stuttgart showcasing startup-corporate collaboration projects through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, startup pitches, and awards.
• 100-Day Pilot Program Structured acceleration program in which startups work on joint projects, proofs of concept, and prototypes with corporate partners, supported by the Startup Autobahn team to drive technology evaluation in a real-world environment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ projects cultivated since 2016
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability16 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered founding, anchor, ecosystem and strategic.

• Mercedes-Benz AGfoundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Founding partner of Startup Autobahn innovation platform. Mercedes-Benz AG mediates between startups and large corporations, bringing specific tech know-how with comprehensive automotive competence. Believes in open innovation approach and constantly looks for innovative startups to shape the future of mobility and production.
• Plug and PlayfoundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Ultimate innovation platform bringing together best startups, investors, and corporations. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with 28 global locations. Manages accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and in-house VC. Brings Silicon Valley tech expertise to automotive birthplace in Stuttgart.
• ARENA2036foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Research campus platform where science and industry meet for flexible production for next-generation automobiles. Provides coworking space and state-of-the-art hardware for startups to implement ideas. Part of University of Stuttgart campus.
• University of StuttgartfoundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Inspires students through research-led teaching. Believes Startup Autobahn plays an important role in bringing entrepreneurship spirit to campus. Research, innovation and entrepreneurship have found an ideal home at ARENA2036.
• PorscheanchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigitization, electrification and connectivity partner. Provides startups with environment to reach full potential. Realized 12 pilot projects in Program 5 including voice control, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Intensively collaborates with innovative startups to shape future of sports cars.
• DXC TechnologyanchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports customers in digital transformation through partnership networks. Works with innovative partners from large corporations to high potential startups to deliver proof of concepts up to fully scalable solutions faster and at lower cost.
• BASFanchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost partner for Deep Dive sessions on Customer Centricity and Operational Excellence topics.
• ZFanchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSees accelerators as increasing role for entering dynamic startup communities. Demonstrated significant potential with Plug and Play and Startup Autobahn to improve outcomes quickly. Quality-focused partnership.
• DPDHL (Deutsche Post DHL)anchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost partner for Deep Dive sessions on automated logistics facility topics.
• MothersonanchorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal solution provider for mobility and transportation including interior/exterior products and wiring systems. Believes being part of Startup Autobahn is key component in global innovation activities.
• T-SystemsanchorTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner collaborating on data-empowered mobility and remote vehicle guidance projects.
• BoschecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal technology supplier exploring startup collaborations for supply chain efficiency and vehicle technologies.
• NXP SemiconductorsecosystemTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications. Collaborates to address industry-wide challenges requiring collaboration in future mobility, IoT, sustainability.
• STMicroelectronicsecosystemTechnology or IntegrationSemiconductor technologies company with 46,000 creators and makers. Invests about 16% of revenues in R&D annually with extensive collaboration with research labs and corporate partners.
• SchaefflerecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerDriving groundbreaking inventions in motion technology for over 75 years with 120,000 employees worldwide. Technologies include electromobility, CO2-efficient drives, chassis solutions, Industry 4.0, digitalization.
• Bridgestone Mobility SolutionsecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness unit accelerating Bridgestone's digital transformation from tire manufacturer to sustainable mobility solutions provider. Includes Webfleet fleet management software.
• CumminsecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal power solutions leader with five business segments. Committed to Destination Zero sustainability strategy with products ranging from diesel to electric and hydrogen powertrains.
• HyundaiecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with global promising startups and corporates to shape future mobility vision of Freedom, Clean Mobility, and Connected Mobility.
• EberspaecherecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive industry's leading system developer and supplier with approximately 10,000 employees at 80 locations worldwide. Innovative solutions in exhaust technology, automotive electronics, and thermal management.
• FORVIAecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's 7th largest automotive technology company providing solutions for safe, sustainable, advanced mobility. Composed of Faurecia and HELLA with 6 business groups and 24 product lines.
• Maxion WheelsecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 100 years of providing automotive wheels and structural components. First wheel supplier to join Startup Autobahn community.
• NovelisecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal leader in innovative products and world's largest recycler of aluminum. Partners with customers in aerospace, automotive, beverage can industries.
• OPmobilityecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld leader in sustainable mobility and technology partner with 11.4 billion euros revenue in 2023. Five complementary business groups including intelligent exterior systems, lighting, energy storage.
• ToggecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerTurkish USE-CASE MOBILITY brand established 2018. Joint venture developing next-gen smart and connected EVs. Aiming for 1 million production by 2030 across five EV models.
• AGC AutomotiveecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld leader in automotive glass with over 100 years of technological innovation. Focuses on displays, antennas, and sensors with R&D bases in Japan, Europe, and North America.
• SEKISUI S-LECecosystemStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing PVB interlayer film for laminated glass. Over 60 years of continuous improvement in interlayer film technology making them leading brand.
• EIT Urban MobilitystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Institute of Innovation and Technology initiative supporting sustainable urban mobility innovation. Collaborates on Smart Mobility Accelerator program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• MassChallenge: Global non-equity accelerator running industry-specific programs (including mobility) that connect startups with corporate partners. Comparable through its structured cohort model and corporate matchmaking capabilities.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network with mobility-focused programs (e.g., Techstars Mobility) that connects startups with corporate partners for pilots and investment, mirroring Startup Autobahn's model but across broader geographies and industries.
• Y Combinator: Largest global startup accelerator. Comparable as a high-volume accelerator channel, though differs through its consumer/SaaS tilt and lack of an automotive-focused structured corporate piloting mechanism.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Parent operator and global accelerator/innovation platform with 28 locations. Directly comparable as the parent entity running Startup Autobahn and running similar corporate-startup matchmaking programs across multiple verticals.
• Wayra (Telefónica): Telefónica's global corporate innovation and venture hub. Comparable as a corporate-led accelerator offering B2B piloting, though focused on telecom-adjacent verticals rather than automotive/mobility.

Direct peers

• Hyundai CRADLE: Hyundai's corporate venture and innovation arm with a strong European presence. Already a Startup Autobahn ecosystem partner, CRADLE operates similar corporate-startup piloting programs in mobility and clean/connected transportation.
• BMW Startup Garage: BMW's in-house startup program targeting automotive use cases. Direct competitor for startup mindshare and pilot opportunities among European mobility startups, serving a similar OEM partner with structured scouting and piloting.
• EIT Urban Mobility: EU-backed initiative (an existing Startup Autobahn strategic partner) operating Smart Mobility Accelerators across Europe. Directly comparable through shared mobility focus and corporate-startup matchmaking activities.
• Porsche Ventures / APX (formerly Porsche Digital): Porsche's venture and accelerator unit with direct investment and piloting of mobility startups. Overlap with Startup Autobahn is significant given Porsche's anchor-partner status and similar focus on production-ready implementations.

Regional players

• Schaeffler Innovation: Schaeffler's corporate innovation arm and a Startup Autobahn ecosystem partner. Operates adjacent scouting and venture activities in the automotive supplier ecosystem, overlapping with Startup Autobahn's pilot generation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/StartupAutobahn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRvI70vBDeU4vaU0pz_ylGg
• Facebookde-de.facebook.com/StartupAutobahn
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/startupautobahn
• Instagraminstagram.com/startupautobahn/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Startup Autobahn