Startup LEX

German-French Academy for the Industry of the Future

WE.GO.FURTHER – The Startup Learning Expedition

Context

  • Number of new companies working to develop cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies increasing in the last years,
  • Surge of interest in Industry 4.0 from established companies across a wide range of industries. Businesses investing heavily in new digital infrastructure, seeking out partnerships with startups to help them stay ahead of the curve.
  • This expedition will include: visits to innovation clusters, industry clients, venture capitalists and startup fairs in France and Germany, meetings with researchers and academic experts from our two institutions.

Objectives

  • Expand the horizon: cross-border development and business for the startups, provide an opportunity to gain insights into the industry of the future with all its facets,
  • Build new relationships: enable start-ups to benefit from dedicated networking events and getting in touch with the rich ecosystems, form new fruitful collaborations between startups, researchers and the industry in general,
  • Enhance knowledge and expertise: help the startups tackling their technological challenges (for ex. by organizing meetings with academic experts),
  • Perspective of future joint (EU) projects.

Testimonials

Overall, I can just recommend this program to other start-ups. You get to know the French-German connection, you get to know other start-ups, you can learn from each other.


~ Vanessa Theel

Co-Founder & CRO @ SUMM AI

As a German tech start-up founded by French people, it is essential for Atmen to build bridges between the leading tech & innovation ecosystems in both France and Germany. This is exactly what the Learning Expedition project of GFA allowed us to do.

Being part of the 2023 Learning Expedition was a great boost to our business development and go2market. The opportunity to participate and showcase at events like VivaTech or Bits&Pretzels got us a lot of new connections and contacts which turned into valuable business afterwards.

It was an amazing experience and we have made a lot of meaningful connections that help us bring our startup forward!

ARTICLES

Call for Applications: We.Go.Further – The GFA startup learning expedition 2025

January 31, 2025/by Olivia Pahl

Recap of the GFA Startup Learning Expedition 2024 in Munich

During this second part of the Learning Expedition, which took place on Sept.30 until October 2, 2024, French startups from the IMT and Inria incubators came to Munich to discover the Bavarian startup ecosystem.
November 27, 2024/by Diane Baumer

Recap of the GFA Startup Learning Expedition 2024 in Paris

The GFA's Startup Learning Expedition in Paris and visit of VivaTechnology on May 21-25, 2024 were a tremendous success, filled with insightful sessions, impactful networking opportunities, and engaging discussions. Here is a detailed recap of the eventful week!
May 30, 2024/by Olivia Pahl

Female Founders Focus with Rita Hadjioui

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX:
Rita Hadjioui, Co-Founder & CEO of Behav, is dedicated to pioneering sustainable fabrics like cactus leaf leather to transform the textile industry, reduce pollution and meet EU circular economy goals. Read the full interview here!
May 14, 2024/by Diane Baumer

Female Founders Focus with Alona Kharchenko

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX:
Alona Kharchenko, CTO of Devanthro GmbH, aims to transform elderly care with Robodies, using telepresence and telemanipulation to empower caregivers and provide round-the-clock support. Read the full interview here!
May 7, 2024/by Diane Baumer

Female Founders Focus with Annabell Vacano

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX:
Annabell Vacano, Co-Founder at Atopia Space, striving to revolutionize the way people experience art and culture through immersive virtual reality experiences. Read the full interview here!
April 17, 2024/by Diane Baumer

WE.GO.FURTHER – Startup Learning Expedition 2024

Our Startup Learning Expedition 2024 is in the starting blocks. We have selected 5 German and 6 French startups that offer innovative solutions in the field of Industry 4.0. We look forward to showing the startups the partner ecosystem and helping them move forward in the best possible way!
April 2, 2024/by Olivia Pahl

The GFA Startup Learning Expedition 2023 – A Recap

The GFA Startup Learning Expedition 2023 was a resounding success, providing startups with unparalleled opportunities for expansion, networking, and knowledge enhancement. Read the recap!
December 15, 2023/by Olivia Pahl

Female Founders Focus with Flore de Durfort

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX:
Flore de Durfort, Co-Founder at Point Twelve Energy: "In moments of doubt, I like to remind myself that being an entrepreneur means remaining an active player in my own life – and that I can hardly lose at that game." Read the full interview here!
June 12, 2023/by Olivia Pahl

Female Founders Focus with Barbara Praehofer

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX:
Barbara Praehofer, Co-Founder at ExoMatter: "Be brave and bold. Go out with your idea and inspire people with your vision and your product." Read the full interview here!
June 9, 2023/by Olivia Pahl

Female Founders Focus with Flora Geske

Female Founders Focus @ GFA Startup LEX: Flora Geske, Co-Founder at SUMM AI: "Find a problem you are very passionate about and make it your goal to solve it as big and impactful as possible." Read the full interview here!
June 8, 2023/by Olivia Pahl

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