The programme is aimed at early-stage founders and founding teams from across Europe who are developing business ideas at the intersection of music and technology. If you’re looking to take your idea to the next level together, Music WorX is the right place for you.
Music WorX is Europe’s funding programme for early-stage music tech ideas. We support founders and teams from across Europe working at the intersection of music and technology. Our goal is to turn innovative concepts into market-ready visions with a clear and compelling narrative—and to connect you with the right people to bring that vision into the world. Because we believe: strong ideas need strong stories.
Over the course of three intensive months, Music WorX creates space for focus, reflection and new perspectives. You will work closely on your vision, refine your narrative and develop compelling pitch formats. This allows you to make tangible progress—and move your idea forward through exchange with peers and experts from the music tech ecosystem.
The program combines a curated offering in a personal setting with financial support and access to a European network of mentors and experts – with a strong anchor in Hamburg. As participants come together from across Europe, the entire program is conducted in English. And one more important thing: your ideas remain yours. You do not give up any equity in your company to Music WorX.
Your advantages at a glance
- Resources
- 3.200 individual development budget per team for the use of support services to further develop the business idea
- 1.500 € monthly living allowance over the three-month programme period
- Workspace at SPACE in Hamburg and tools for (digital) collaboration
- You can also win prize money of €1,000 (audience prize as part of the public pitch) and €2,500 (jury prize for the best development in the incubator) over the course of the programme.
- Program
- Curated workshops on product field, decision making and pitching, among other things
- Individual mentoring and sparring with experienced players from the Music WorX network
- Demand-orientated impulse formats on start-up topics
- Network & Visibility
- Exclusive contact to our network of mentors, experts and peers
- Access to the investment community
- Participation in the Reeperbahn Festival & Conference
- Public pitch in a Hamburg music venue in front of industry representatives
Programme schedule 2026
May - June
Application phase
Apply for Music WorX: The application phase for 2026 starts on May 5 and ends on June 17, 2026.
June - July
Selection procedure
An expert jury will select five teams from the applications to take part in the Music WorX Incubator 2026.
September
Clarity - Define Your Focus
You develop a well-founded vision that combines market demand, product idea and impact into a coherent overall picture. It's not just about the what, but also about the why.
October
Storytelling - Craft Your Narrative
You sharpen your communication skills: learn to tell your story convincingly - visually, linguistically and strategically.
30. November 2023
Music WorX Public Pitch
The Music WorX Pitch is a highlight of the programme. Now it's time to get your idea out into the world. At the Music WorX Pitch, all teams pitch their business ideas to an audience of industry experts and interested parties.
November
Connection - Build Your Network
You activate your network, make strategically relevant contacts and position your idea in the industry.
After Music WorX
We are also available to teams after the programme has ended, provide networking and advice. If required, we can help with the follow-up funding.
Community Newsletter
Keeping you in the loop – news, updates, and moreSubscribe now06/2026
Read in browser. In this issue, we’re looking for new teams for Music WorX 2026 and taking a look at what’s currently on our alumni’s minds—from new launches and exciting projects to special milestones.
10/2025
Read in Browser. In this update, you’ll meet the new 2025 batch and get a glimpse of their projects, while also catching up on what our alumni have been working on lately.
FAQ
Who can apply?
What do we need to consider when applying?
In our application form, we ask for key information about your business idea, your team and your motivation. A meaningful description of your idea is particularly important to us - regardless of whether you also submit a pitch deck or not. We want to understand why you are applying, what drives you and what impact your idea can have. If you have any questions about the application, please get in touch with Helene Berling.
What happens after the application?
After the application deadline on 17 June 2026, an expert jury will select the most promising business ideas and invite shortlisted teams to a digital pre-pitch. Based on these sessions, the jury will decide which five teams will join the incubator starting in September 2026.
The programme kicks off with a multi-day event in Hamburg, connected to the Reeperbahn Festival & Conference. This is where you will meet the other participants and the programme team, and lay the foundation for the weeks ahead together.
Do we have to have already founded the company?
No, you can apply even before the company is officially founded. If you have already officially founded and registered the company, this is not a reason for exclusion.
Are there criteria for team composition?
Music WorX is primarily aimed at founding teams. As a rule, at least two people per project should take part in the programme. However, applications from solo founders are also welcome.
We value diversity and encourage applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion, disability or age.
What stage should our team be at?
Ideally, you are still in the early stage, i.e. you are still in the start-up phase or have just founded your company but are not yet ready for the market. If you have already completed an accelerator programme, the incubator is probably no longer right for you.
Do we have to be in Hamburg to take part?
No, a permanent presence in Hamburg is not required. The programme combines digital formats with three multi-day in-person phases in Hamburg: the kick-off (September), the public pitch (November) and the wrap-up (December). Attendance on site is mandatory for these dates.
In which language is the program conducted?
As participants come together from across Europe, the entire program is conducted in English.
Contact person
Helene Berling
Project Manager Consulting & Training
Helene.Berling@kreativgesellschaft.org
Kurzbiografie
Jury 2026
Johannes Rösing
Speaker for Music Industry
Ministry of Culture and Media Hamburg
Mentors 2026
Eduardo García
CEO German Wahnsinn GmbH, CEO Atmende Bücher GmbH
Programme Information
Overview of purpose, structure, funding, and participation conditions of the Music WorX Incubator.ContactFunding bodies
Music WorX is an incubator programme of the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media and the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft.
Purpose of funding
Music WorX supports start-up projects in the field of Music Tech in the early development phase. The programme focuses on the further development of the business idea, with a particular emphasis on developing a clear communication of the idea as well as building relevant networks.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are European founders and founding teams in the early stage within the Music Tech sector.
Formal company formation is not required. Applications are possible both before and after incorporation, provided the project is still in an early development phase.
The programme is primarily aimed at teams; in most cases, at least two people per project participate. Applications from solo founders are also possible.
The programme is open to applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, or age.
Projects should be in an early development phase, prior to market readiness. Previous participation in accelerator programmes may be an exclusion criterion if the project is already at an advanced stage of development.
The programme is conducted in English and combines digital formats with three mandatory in-person sessions in Hamburg (kick-off, public pitch, wrap-up).
Funding Scope
The programme runs for three months and includes:
- EUR 3,200 project funding per team
- EUR 1,500 monthly living cost grant per team
- Workshops, training sessions, and individual mentoring (up to 7.5 hours per team)
- Participation in pitch formats (internal and public)
- Access to a network of mentors and industry experts
- Access to the Hamburg music and creative industries network
- Option to participate in the Reeperbahn Festival & Conference
No equity participation is taken.
Programme Content
The programme is structured into three phases:
- Phase 1: refinement of the project focus and definition of the working focus
- Phase 2: development of communication and pitch preparation
- Phase 3: networking with mentors and experts and final presentation
Workshops, mentoring, and peer exchange take place throughout the programme.
Selection Process
Selection is carried out in a multi-stage process. After reviewing applications, selected teams are invited to pitch sessions. The final decision is made by an expert jury.
Application Period
Applications are accepted once per year. For the 2026 cohort, applications can be submitted until 17 June 2026. Exact application dates are published as part of the respective call for applications.
Programme duration
The programme begins in early September and ends in early December every year.
Contact Person
Helene Berling
+49 40 2372435-57
Helene.Berling@kreativgesellschaft.org