35,000 Euro startup funding for digital prototypes through the Go To Market voucher
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes the development of prototypes. We have the perfect process for implementation.
Customers need prototypes, to understand. 🖐️
- Explaining and presenting product ideas does not create a deep understanding
- To test the market potential of an idea, authenticity is needed: prototypes help!
- Validating the product/market fit only after the product is ready for market development entails a high cost risk.
- 69 percent of startups fail because their product does not resonate with customer needs. (Source: High-Tec Gründerfonds)
- The Go To Market voucher offers valuable financial support for MVP or prototype development
With the Go-To-Market voucher and our prototyping service you can quickly become an MVP.
Go-To-Market Voucher
Co-creative and agile to reach your goal faster
Faster to product/market fit
Whether prototype or MVP: The user experience is crucial. 👍
From years of experience, we know how important it is to turn ideas into tangible things as quickly as possible.
We are here to support you with our expertise and not only for you, rather with you to develop solutions through co-creation.
Our customers value our work:
Other companies we have worked for:
Your digital prototype is just a few steps away
Our proven methodology and the joint implementation with you enable a development in only four weeks. Exactly the right implementation for the go-to-market voucher.
When do we want to start? 🚀
Non-binding initial consultation
Book a short, half-hour appointment in which we will clarify any questions you may have.
make a petition
Together with a startup coach or mentor, we submit the application for your digital prototype.
Approval of the budget
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia will examine your application and approve your funding if all requirements are met.
Start of production
After an onboarding week, we start the two-week workshop together and develop your prototype or MVP with no-code technology in two iterations.
The Go-To-Market voucher. All information for download:
Click on the links to download the information:
- Funding announcement Go To Market Voucher
- Funding guidelines Go To Market Voucher
- FAQ Go To Market Voucher
The Go-To-Market voucher: 35,000 euros in funding for startups in NRW 🚀
As a startup, you know how complex and costly it can be to turn a visionary idea into a prototype or MVP.
90% of all startups fail because they run out of money before they reach the market. 😢
⚠️ Innovation requires effort. But an ultimately attractive funding program is now helping:
👉👉👉 The “Go-to-Market Voucher” from the state of NRW gives you € 35,000 to develop a digital prototype or MVP!
What is the Go-To-Market voucher?
The NRW state government's go-to-market voucher supports young start-ups in developing prototypes of digital products. Start-ups can receive grants of up to 35,000 euros to finance external expertise for prototype development, preliminary products or licensing fees. In addition, accompanying advice from coaches and industry mentors is provided. The aim is to increase the market entry opportunities for innovative start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Who can apply for the Go-To-Market voucher?
1. Company based in NRW
2. Startups that are less than 3 years old
3. Startups that employ fewer than 10 people
4. Startups whose annual turnover is less than 2 million euros
Once the funding is there, I will develop your digital prototype together with the Superblau team and you in a co-creative way. 💨 Within 4 weeks! 💪
Or we can develop an MVP with no- or low-code technology.
Of course, we immediately test and validate your digital innovation on the target group so that you can be sure that the product-market fit is right.
The first digital prototype or MVP for your startup idea is definitely a milestone. It will impress your investors! Because you don't just have an idea. You have a real digital product. Bham! 💥
Convert your startup idea into success! Let's go!
Let us speak brieflyif you need further information. 📞
Or book a short appointment:
FAQ Go-To-Market Voucher
Here are some questions and answers about the Go-To-Market voucher. (Source: Innovation Promotion Agency NRW)
Who can receive funding?
Micro-enterprises that meet the following requirements are eligible for funding:
- Company headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- No profit distributions.
- No takeover of another business unless the turnover of the acquired activity is less than 101% of the previous year's turnover.
Are there any restrictions on the form of company?
The funding is aimed at micro-enterprises as defined by the EU Commission: companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million.
Are start-ups eligible for funding if they have not yet distributed any profits?
Yes, as long as no profits have been distributed up to the time of application. Distributions to shareholders are referred to differently depending on the type of company (dividends for AGs, profit distributions for GmbHs, withdrawals for OHGs or sole proprietors).
Can non-profit organizations receive funding?
Yes, non-profit companies can receive funding if, in addition to being non-profit, they also operate in an economically sustainable manner and meet the other funding requirements. According to the tax code, profits can be made, but these must be used entirely for non-profit purposes and may not be distributed to the founders.
Can clubs receive funding?
Associations can receive funding if they are registered in the commercial register or if such registration is planned because their business operations reach the scope of a commercial enterprise.
Can agricultural businesses be supported?
Enterprises in fishing, aquaculture, primary agricultural production and the processing and marketing of agricultural products are excluded from funding.
What is considered “innovative” within the meaning of the directive?
Innovations include the development of prototypes for digital business models, products, services or production processes that are new or significantly improved and offer clear customer benefits and a unique selling point.
How do I apply for funding?
Applications are submitted either via the EFRE.NRW online portal or in writing using an application form. The responsible approval authority is the Innovation Promotion Agency NRW in Jülich. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026 at the latest, subject to available budget funds. We are happy to help you – contact us.
When does the funding start?
The funding begins and ends with the implementation period specified in the grant decision.
How long is the voucher valid and by when do I have to settle my transaction?
The voucher is valid for the entire approval period. The services must be billed within this period.
How often must requests for funds be submitted?
A request for funds should be submitted at least once per calendar half-year, but more frequent submissions are also possible.
Does a separate request for funds have to be made for each service?
No, when requesting funds, all eligible expenses should be summarized. Use the relevant receipt list for this purpose.
What reporting obligations are there?
A final factual report in the proof of use is sufficient. Annual factual reports during the project period are not required.
Which expenses are eligible?
Project-related external services within the framework of prototype development are eligible for funding up to 50,000 euros. The funding rate is 70%, up to a maximum of 35,000 euros. The minimum grant is 15,000 euros.
Which coaching and consultations can be billed?
Coaching and consulting services are eligible for funding up to an amount of 5,000 euros. The funding covers a maximum of 3,500 euros of the costs.
Who can be a coach or mentor?
Coaches must have experience in start-up coaching and demonstrate at least four competencies, such as product definition, business model development or support in negotiations. Mentors should have a network of established companies and support start-ups in customer acquisition.
When does the coaching or mentoring begin?
The collaboration between the start-up and the coach or mentor is agreed on an individual basis. A binding appointment must take place at least once per quarter.
What needs to be considered when working with coaches or mentors?
Start-ups are obliged to work closely with coaches and mentors as well as the approval authority. Changes, such as the appointment of a new coach or mentor, must be approved in advance.
What tasks do coaches and mentors have?
Coaches support the start-up in developing companies, products and business models. They also help to make the start-up investment-ready and to establish contacts with potential investors. Mentors share their industry knowledge and provide support with market access issues such as sales and marketing.
What happens if a coach or mentor is unavailable?
A temporary absence is not a problem as long as the care plan is adhered to. In the case of longer absences of more than three months, a replacement must be found.
Can the funding be suspended and continued later?
Funding cannot be interrupted. However, it is possible to postpone the implementation period before funding begins.
Can other funding be applied for during the funding period?
Funding the same expenses from multiple programs is not permitted. However, a combination with the Gründerstipendium.NRW is possible.
What happens if the start-up moves during the funding period?
A move must be reported to the granting authority immediately. If you move to another federal state or abroad, the funding criteria are no longer met and the funding will be reclaimed retroactively.
