Year
2026
Dates
21 Sep - 13 Nov
Stage
6-8 weeks
Scope
Venture building program
Info
Open to founders with or without a fully formed idea, the program supports participants through hands-on collaboration, mentoring, community learning, and access to funding.
Beyond daily workshops and peer learning, successful projects can pursue follow-on support of up to €100,000.
Astylab Founders is rooted in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, encouraging business models that prioritize mission and long-term sustainability. Our goal is not simply to help founders launch ventures — but to build ventures prepared to endure and grow with conviction.
Phases
1.
Foundations (weeks 1-2)
We align. We build a shared language.
We work on mindset, impact clarity, and core venture tools.
Teams begin forming. Early collaboration starts.
This is where direction becomes intentional.
2.
Exploration & experimentation (weeks 3–6)
We go deep into the problem.
You speak to users. Test assumptions. Refine your thinking.
The Idea Machines team works alongside you daily on
strategy, feedback, structure.
Ideas are challenged. Conviction is built through evidence.
3.
Convergence & Demo Day (Weeks 7–8)
You clarify the venture logic.
Positioning. Business model. Impact model. Pitch.
You present to the Helidoni Foundation and the broader ecosystem for follow-on support.
This is where exploration becomes a company.
4.
Alumni & ongoing support (Week 9 → ∞)
The program ends. The work continues.
Alumni remain part of the Idea Machines ecosystem
with continued access to our team, peer founders, and investor network.
We don’t build projects. We build long-term relationships.
