Are you an international or English-speaking student, researcher, or academic with a concrete startup idea? This program is designed especially for you. The First Customer accelerator assists you in finding your first customers to launch your product in the market and helps you with concrete steps to advance your start-up business development. This accelerator is right for you if you are working on a startup idea with growth potential. It will be in English.
Finding that first paying customer is the hardest milestone for any startup. We are here to make it happen.
The First Customer Program is a free sales accelerator that focuses purely on practical business development. We bridge the gap between building a product and selling a solution.
This program is brought to you by BRIDGE, LEMEX, Hilfswerft & Deutsche Postcode Lotterie.
Don't just build in the dark. Step into the market and make your first sale.
Why Join?
- For Startups: Accelerate your growth by understand how to secure the critical traction needed to move forward.
- For Students: Go beyond the textbook. Learn how sales strategies are executed in real-time and gain invaluable field experience.
We guide you through the entire lifecycle of the sale: from identifying who your customer is and understanding their journey, to fixing your pricing, building a sales process (including marketing), and mastering the pitch. Along the way, you'll learn how to use AI to boost your sales efforts. You will leave with the confidence to close the deal.
When & Where?
- Start: October 19
- End: November 16
- Schedule: Weekly sessions every Monday, 1:30 –4:30 PM
- Format: Kick-off and final session in person at the university; all other sessions online
Program Schedule:
19.10.2026, Monday, 13:30–16:30 @ Maschinenraum - Digital Hub Industry, Bremen
26.10.2026, Monday, 13:30–16:30, Online
02.11.2026, Monday, 13:30–16:30, Online
09.11.2026, Monday, 13:30–16:30, Online
16.11.2026, Monday, 13:30–16:30 @ Maschinenraum - Digital Hub Industry, Bremen
Important: The first session (19 October) and the final session (16 November) are in-person only in Bremen. There is no online option for these two. You must be able to attend both on-site to take part in the program. The three sessions in between are online.
