Gateway Dortmund
A structured and hands-on approach to market entry in Germany.
We lead the way and open the door. You go through.
Our annual Gateway Dortmund programme offers a sector specific entry point for your market expansion to Germany – free of charge. Find out how it works and apply to the next edition.
Why Dortmund? Being located in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany’s economically most powerful state, Dortmund is known for its strong footprint in IT, logistics and manufacturing – but also for its research base and talent potential. This makes Dortmund the ideal gateway to the German market.
How it works
Every edition of Gateway Dortmund focuses on one specific topic. If you are a non-German scale-up operating in that field and Germany is your next target market, then look no further and apply for the programme.
From all the applications, up to 8 scale-ups are selected to participate in a 2-day kick-off event in Dortmund, followed by virtual 1-1 sessions with our experts for market expansion and business development. With a recap after 8 weeks, we conclude the programme and you know which steps to take next. But of course, it doesn’t stop there, we continue supporting your market entry beyond the programme phase.
Programme phases within the batches
The Next Edition
You are interested in applying? Check out the dates below and make sure to apply on time. If you are among the selected companies, we will reach out to you after the application deadline with more detailed information.
Eligibility criteria
How do we decide which companies are selected for participiation? As much as we appreciate every application, we highly recommend to consider the eligibility criteria before applying. This will increase your chances of participation for the Gateway Dortmund programme. If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, reach out to us individually so we can evaluate together how to best support your market entry.
Industry alignment
Make sure you apply to an edition where your company is aligned with the industry focus mentioned. We try to provide a tailored solution and you will benefit most from the programme when your company is active in the industry that we focus on in the respective batch.
Product readiness
Your company’s product or service already has a solid customer base in your home market, it can be applied in Germany and has scaling potential in the German market.
Company stage
Your company was founded within the last 10 years, and you are ready to expand your established business into another market.
Team commitment
You are prepared to actively participate in all programme components, including the mandatory on-site kick-off days in Dortmund.
English proficiency
You can communicate effectively in English which will be the primary language of the programme.
International ambition
You have a clear objective of expanding internationally and you are keen on entering the German market after a first analysis has taken place.
Application
Opening soon!
Past editions
DOACCELERATE 2026 “Intralogistics” successfully concluded!
You are an international scale-up looking to successfully enter the German market? Your company operates in the field of logistics,…
Recap on 2025 “Industrial Tech” edition
You are an international scale-up looking to successfully enter the German market? Your company operates in the field of logistics,…
What our alumni say
Gateway Dortmund provided a great opportunity for us to connect to local partners and showcase our product, we really benefited from the on-site kick-off in Dortmund as well as the personal coaching sessions. I would highly recommend the programme for companies that have identified Germany as their next target market!
Damjan Miklic, Co-Founder & Director at ROMB Technologies
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Luis
Rootkey from Portugal
2025 batch
You don't want to wait?
You already know Dortmund is the right place for you? The next edition is not the right fit for your business or you don't want to wait? Check out our Welcome Package!
Learn moreYour local experts
Your contacts for the Gateway Dortmund Programme.
Mathis Biermann
Dortmund Economic Development Agency
Christian Klose
Dortmund Economic Development Agency