What MakeUp Hardtech Innovation does

MotionLab.Berlin operates a hardware-focused innovation hub and makerspace ecosystem headquartered in Berlin. The company provides three integrated service lines: (1) physical infrastructure including coworking, private offices (€799+/month), MakerGarages (€615+/month), and eight specialist labs (3D Printing, Laser, Wood/CNC, Metal/Welding, Electronics, Textile) equipped with industrial-grade machinery from partners including Prusa Research, Würth Elektronik, Formlabs, Markforged, 247TailorSteel, and Ferrum Lasercut; (2) tiered memberships (Hardtech Coworker at €129/month, Professional at €249/month, Students & Creatives at €169/month, and Ecosystem at €1,999/year) plus day passes; and (3) programs including the 9-month Hardtech Innovation Accelerator (€200K support, 0% equity, funded by the Berlin Senate and European Social Fund), Tech Talent Program (12-week student-corporate matching), Tech Challenges, and Deep Tech in Motion international delegations to Paris, Amsterdam, and New York. Prototyping-as-a-Service is available to non-members, and the MotionLab.Berlin Databank digital platform ties the ecosystem together as a directory of suppliers, investors, and experts.

The company serves four primary customer segments: hardtech and deep tech startups (primary), corporates and SMEs seeking R&D acceleration and technical talent pipelines, creatives and makers needing fabrication tools, and STEM students. Revenue is generated across subscription recurring streams (memberships, offices, MakerGarages), usage-based streams (day passes), professional services (Tech Challenge hosting, event venues, innovation tours), and grant-funded programs. Notable members include Mubea U-Mobility, Infratec, UCANEO (building Germany's largest direct air capture plant), and a community member that exited to Ford Motor Company for €250M+.

MotionLab.Berlin holds official Deep Tech Hub Berlin operating partner status (June 2024) and de:hub federal certification (September 2024), placing it in Germany's exclusive 25-hub national deep tech network certified by BMWK and BMDS. Operating across three Berlin campuses — Alt-Treptow (5,500 sqm, operational since 2017), Marzahn (50,000 sqm industrial site opened 2022), and ringberlin (400,000 sqm site opening May 2027, funded by €36M Berlin Senate GRW funding) — the company is founder-owned (Fridtjof Gustavs, Chris, Christoph) with no external VC investment, structured as MotionLab ML GmbH (private limited liability company, VAT ID DE316155786).

Name

MakeUp Hardtech Innovation

Legal name

MotionLab ML GmbH

Website

https://motionlab.berlin

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MotionLab.Berlin is a Berlin-based makerspace and innovation hub providing prototyping labs, coworking, offices, and accelerator programs for hardware and deep tech startups, corporates, creatives, and STEM students across three campuses, with official Deep Tech Hub status from the German Federal Ministry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hardware Innovation Hub and Makerspace Services

NAICS

Industrial Design Services (541420), Machine Shops (332710), Industrial Design Services (54142)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH), IoT, Sensors & Embedded Systems (Arduino/Raspberry Pi) Programs (EDAMADAI), Science & STEM Lab Equipment & Supplies (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Makerspaces) (EDAEAIAC)

Keywords

• Hardware prototyping makerspace
• Deep tech accelerator programs
• Innovation hub services
• Maker space rental
• Hardtech startup programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Tiered membership model: Hardtech Coworker (€129/month), Hardtech Professional (€249/month), Students & Creatives (€169/month), and Ecosystem (€1,999/year). Includes coworking access, machine lab access, and community benefits.
2. Office & MakerGarage Rental: Private offices from €799/month and MakerGarages from €615/month. All-inclusive pricing covering utilities, cleaning, Wi-Fi, furniture, meeting rooms. No deposit, no credit check.
3. Day Passes: Day passes for €10/day, 5 passes for €45, 10 passes for €80. Provides access to coworking spaces and member-only events.
4. Accelerator Grants: Funded by Berlin Senate and European Social Fund. Up to €200,000 per company: €2,500/month per founder in cash plus €28,600 in-kind support per founder covering lab access, materials, workshops, and services. 0% equity taken.
5. Tech Challenge Hosting: Corporate/SME hosting of Tech Challenges with 5-student teams over 12 weeks. Fee structure lower than comparable R&D outsourcing or recruitment.
6. Event Spaces & Packages: Event venue rental and packages: Pitch Night, Demo Day, Hackathon, Workshop, Hardtech Studio. Innovation Tours from €350 to €900 + VAT.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

MakeUp Hardtech Innovation (operating as MotionLab.Berlin) runs Germany's official Deep Tech Hub, providing access to high-end prototyping machinery across 8 specialist labs (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, metal/welding, electronics, textile) combined with office space, coworking, and a community of 2,000+ members. It sells tiered memberships (Coworker €129/month to Ecosystem €1,999/year), private offices and MakerGarages, accelerator programs (Hardtech Innovation Accelerator with €200,000 grant support at 0% equity), the Tech Talent Program for STEM students, the MotionLab.Berlin Databank digital directory, and event services. Customers are hardtech/deep tech startups, corporates, students, and creatives across three Berlin campuses (Alt-Treptow, Marzahn, and the upcoming ringberlin in 2027).

Product overview

MotionLab.Berlin is Germany’s official Deep Tech Hub operating as a comprehensive innovation ecosystem combining physical infrastructure with accelerator programs. The offering consists of: tiered memberships (Hardtech Coworker at €129/month, Professional at €249/month, Students & Creatives at €169/month, and Ecosystem at €1,999/year); private workspaces (Offices from €799/month and MakerGarages from €615/month) across three Berlin campuses; eight specialist labs (3D Printing, Laser, Wood/CNC, Metal/Welding, Electronics, and Textile) with industrial-grade equipment from partners like Prusa Research, Würth Elektronik, and Formlabs; and programs including the 9-month Hardtech Innovation Accelerator (€200K support, 0% equity), Tech Talent Program (12-week free student program), Deep Tech in Motion (international delegation trips), and Tech Challenges. The ecosystem is tied together by the MotionLab.Berlin Databank digital platform and Prototyping-as-a-Service. They also offer event spaces and innovation tours for external organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hardtech Coworker Membership Entry-level membership providing 24/7 access to coworking and meeting spaces with limited machine lab access, exclusive member events, hardtech community network, and 20% discount on workshops. Priced at €129/month for individual makers, founders, and remote workers.
• Hardtech Professional Membership Full membership with unlimited machine access and complete prototyping lab access for founders actively building hardware. Priced at €249/month and includes all Coworker benefits plus access to the full makerspace and labs.
• Students & Creatives Membership Discounted membership for verified students and creatives at €169/month, providing all Professional benefits plus exclusive student program access. Requires proof of eligibility (KSK membership for creatives, student ID for students).
• Ecosystem Membership Annual membership at €1,999/year for startups past the bench stage, including two Coworker memberships, industry partnerships, tailored investor introductions, international delegation trips, up to 10 expert masterclasses per year, and logo placement on the website and campus.
• Day Pass Single-day access to coworking spaces at €10/day, or 5 passes for €45 or 10 passes for €80. Access includes Alt-Treptow Campus during operating hours (9am–6pm), coworking spaces, phone booths, kitchen, and member-only events when available.
• Private Offices Furnished private workspaces available from 2-desk to 6-desk offices starting at €799/month, all-inclusive with cleaning, utilities, Wi-Fi, furniture, and meeting room access. No deposit, no credit check required.
• MakerGarages

Quantifiable outcome

• €250 million+ exit achieved by community member startup
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und BetriebecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Berlin Senate economic affairs department - co-founding partner of Deep Tech Hub Berlin initiative.
• Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und TechnologiecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Berlin's economic development agency - co-founding partner of Deep Tech Hub Berlin initiative.
• HEUKINGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExclusive legal partner for company formation, IP protection, and investment rounds. Provides IP Shield services including patent landscaping and legal terms for founding and investment consultation.
• nxtmilestonecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRunway Architects providing financial controlling and grant strategy support. Helps maximize non-dilutive capital via EXIST and ProFIT funding programs.
• Techniker KrankenkassecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLeadership & Security partner providing expert advice on founder insurance and transition from founder to leader.
• Prusa ResearchcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial 3D Printing partner. Powers 3D Printing Lab with 25 printers using FDM, SLA, and CFF processes.
• Würth ElektronikcoreTechnology or IntegrationElectronics lab built and equipped in partnership with Würth Elektronik. Alpha-Rack system stocked with full spectrum of electronic components. Free lifetime refills for members.
• FormlabscoreTechnology or IntegrationSLA technology provider for advanced prototyping in 3D Printing Lab.
• MarkforgedcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial 3D printing technology provider for metal and composite printing capabilities.
• 247TailorSteelcoreTechnology or IntegrationCustom sheet metal fabrication partner for prototyping and small batch production.
• Ferrum LasercutcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision laser cutting services for aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.
• PilotfishcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial design and engineering support partner for product development.
• WINT Design LabcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial design partner providing engineering and design expertise.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreTechnology or IntegrationFounding affiliate providing cloud infrastructure credits and support for startups.
• Dell TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner with cyber bus showcase at Demo Day. Strategic technology partnership.
• BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal ministry providing funding and certification for de:hub initiative.
• BMDS (Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal ministry co-certifying de:hub deep tech initiative.
• de:hub GermanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational network of 25 deep tech hubs across Germany. Provides international trade show access, delegation trips, and matchmaking.
• AHK FranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman-French Chamber of Commerce - partner for Paris delegation trip.
• GTAI (Germany Trade and Invest)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman trade promotion agency - partner for international market entry support.
• BpifranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench public investment bank - partner for Paris ecosystem access.
• STATION FminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParis startup campus - partner for delegation visit and ecosystem access.
• Plug and Play ParisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovation platform - partner for Paris ecosystem access.
• Choose Paris RegionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParis region economic development agency - partner for delegation trip.
• Hello TomorrowminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDeep tech summit organizer - partner for Amsterdam delegation including Investor Day access.
• ScansonicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLaser technology and industrial automation company - industrial neighbour at Campus Marzahn.
• GefertecminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMetal 3D printing and additive manufacturing - industrial neighbour at Campus Marzahn.
• Berlin Industrial GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal loan provider for founding MotionLab.Berlin. Industrial site partner for Campus Marzahn.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Bolt (hardware accelerator): Hardware-focused pre-seed investor and accelerator providing prototyping support and lab access to deep tech founders. Comparable in target customer (hardware founders) and accelerator-plus-lab model, though U.S.-based and investor-led rather than ecosystem-led.
• Rocket Space (now part of Mach49): Innovation hub and accelerator focused on corporate-startup collaboration with coworking and program offerings. Comparable in ecosystem-led innovation hub model and corporate partnership emphasis, though pivoted away from physical coworking.

Broad incumbents

• STATION F: World's largest startup campus located in Paris, offering coworking, accelerator programs, and corporate partnerships. Already a channel partner of MotionLab for delegation trips; comparable in scale and program breadth though broader (not hardtech-specific).
• Impact Hub: Global network of innovation hubs with coworking, accelerator programs, and community events in 100+ locations. Comparable in membership-driven innovation hub model and program portfolio, though Impact Hub spans many verticals versus MotionLab's hardtech focus.
• Plug and Play: Global innovation platform with corporate partnerships, accelerator programs, and matchmaking services. Direct comparable on the corporate-startup matchmaking and Tech Challenge model, though much larger and broader in vertical focus.
• Fraunhofer Institute: Germany's leading applied research organization with extensive lab infrastructure and deep tech R&D programs. Comparable in lab capabilities and STEM ecosystem role, though a public research institute rather than a private innovation hub.

Direct peers

• Fab Foundation: Global non-profit network of Fab Labs with shared DNA of democratized access to digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, electronics). Fab Foundation is the closest conceptual analog to MotionLab's makerspace model, though at a global rather than single-city scale.
• HAX (HAX Hardware Accelerator): Leading global hardware-focused accelerator offering prototyping infrastructure, lab access, and investor introductions to early-stage hardware startups. Most directly comparable in accelerator-plus-lab model, though HQ'd in Shenzhen/SF rather than Europe.

Regional players

• Maker Space (Munich): Munich-based makerspace offering comparable lab infrastructure (3D printing, CNC, electronics) and tiered memberships for makers and startups. Most direct German regional peer with similar membership tiers and lab model.
• FabLab Barcelona: European Fab Lab operating under the MIT Fab Lab charter with similar lab infrastructure (3D printing, laser cutting, electronics) and education-focused programs. Most comparable regional peer in southern Europe with similar mission and toolset.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@motionlab.berlin4163
• Facebookfacebook.com/motionlabberlin
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/motionlab-berlin
• Instagraminstagram.com/motionlabberlin/?hl=de

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about MakeUp Hardtech Innovation