The Media Lab Bayern has opened the application phase for the Media Startup Fellowship 2025. The program is seeking founders with innovative, digital media ideas – whether in the ideation phase or already with a functioning MVP. Applications are open until August 12, 2025, and startups can secure funding of up to €40,000.
The program is specifically aimed at startups that want to sustainably transform the digital media industry through new technologies and applications. The fellowship lasts nine months and is divided into three consecutive phases. Participants benefit from intensive coaching, networking, individual challenges, and targeted support in the further development of their startup.
Three phases of funding
The program kicks off with the so-called Trial Run, a three-day in-person workshop that includes coaching and initial challenges. On the third day, an external jury, together with the Media Lab Bayern team, will decide which startups will be accepted into the fellowship.
The first official program phase, Set Up, includes a two-week workshop series focusing on vision, validation, finance, and pitch training. Participation in this phase requires increased time availability from the founders.
After a successful Pitch Day, the second phase, Build Up, begins, in which the startups build up their sales structures and focus on marketing, sales, networking and company organization.
A further pitch day will be used to select candidates for the third phase, Raise Up, which focuses on fundraising and strategic growth. The fellowship concludes with a public event in the form of a Demo Day.
Target group: Media startups with innovative strength
The Media Startup Fellowship is aimed at teams that want to implement new technological approaches in the media industry with working prototypes. These can include content formats with innovative journalistic approaches as well as technological tools for editorial offices or media companies.
The program will be conducted primarily remotely or via a hybrid format. Individual in-person events, such as coaching sessions or workshops, will take place at the Munich Media Lab. Participants will also have access to the on-site co-working space. However, participation in the in-person trial run is mandatory for admission to the program.
Interested startups can apply online until August 12, 2025. All information and an overview of previously supported teams can be found on the Media Lab Bayern website.
