The Future City Incubator is a pre-seed, equity-free startup programme based in Berlin, Germany, operated by the Berlin Innovation Agency (BIA). The programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs developing solutions to pressing urban challenges across areas including infrastructure, green technology, energy, retail, and urban life. Funded through the Berliner Startup Stipendium (BSS), the incubator offers participating founders a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 2,500 per person, covering up to four team members for a total of up to EUR 90,000 per founding team, with zero equity taken in return.
The programme runs for eight months and spans all stages of early venture development, from ideation and validation through to investment readiness and market launch preparation. Participants receive structured mentoring, access to co-working space, business coaching from domain experts, and connections to investors, corporate partners, and municipal stakeholders. The BIA Smart City Hub facilitates innovation challenges and cross-sector collaboration between startups, established companies, and city authorities, giving incubated ventures additional opportunities to pilot their solutions in real urban contexts.
Since its inception, the Future City Incubator has supported over 60 founders working on smart city and sustainability topics. The programme specifically targets ventures addressing climate adaptation, circular economy, smart mobility, digital public services, and social impact in urban settings. By bridging the gap between early-stage innovation and the complex requirements of urban infrastructure and governance, the incubator contributes to Berlin's position as a leading European hub for urban technology and smart city development. Startups are required to register their company in Berlin as a condition of participation.