Impact Labs Potsdam

2. Round: If you receive a positive decision, you’ll get two invitations with all team members required to attend:

1. Short online interview to get to know each other better.
2. Online pitch presentation with Q&A with an external jury.

There are many definitions of impact in theory and practice. We invite impact-oriented projects to apply if they aim to address a societal or ecological challenge through an innovative entrepreneurial approach. Our goal is to build a community of like-minded aspiring founders who use entrepreneurship as a tool to create a positive and lasting impact on society and the natural environment.

We advocate for an embedded understanding of sustainability that reflects a strong sustainability mindset: businesses can only thrive within well-functioning, just, and peaceful societies. These societies, in turn, depend on flourishing ecosystems capable of providing the natural resources that underpin social well-being and successful economic activity. Therefore, the economy carries the responsibility to treat society and the environment fairly. Sustainability is not about leaving the planet as you found it but about leaving it better.

If you applied before the deadline, you can expect a decision to enter the next round of applications by February 13th, 2026.

You will have the chance to pitch digitally in front of a jury who will make the final decision. You can expect a decision by March 16^th.

Maximum of 4 team members can take part. Please have in mind that all team members are supposed to be active team members and have to join the interviews and pitch in the second application round. The kick-off days are mandatory for every team member to join.

During the program it is not mandatory for all team members to join every session but everyone should take part in minimum of half of the meetings.

Some parts in the program are digital (like the weekly inputs) and there are some regular physical meetings. Once a week we offer a joint co-working in our space in Potsdam. Digital co-working is also allowed for teams outside of Berlin / Brandenburg area.

No, how the solution to the relevant social or ecological problems looks like is up to you. However, it is important to show a conclusive problem-solution-fit.

We recommend the following materials to help you prepare for the Labs. Both have been scientifically developed and offer great practical tools for application in the following links:

1. The Impact Business Model Canvas (IBMC) developed at Stanford University by Prof. Sarah Soule. More free information, templates, and informational videos can be found at: https://stanford.edu/dept/gsb-ds/Inkling/The_Impact_BMC/index.html#   

2. The Flourishing Business Canvas (FBC) developed by Anthony Upward et al. and now published and managed by the Flourishing Enterprise Co-lab, a not-for-profit organization that promotes the scientifically developed canvas: https://flourishingbusiness.org/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlourishingBiz

Applications submitted after the deadline will still be reviewed, but we can't guarantee when a decision will be made. We will check whether any of our other offers are suitable or, if necessary, refer you to our partners.

You can participate in the Leonardo Impact Academy and develop initial expertise on the topics of impact logic and impact management. The “Impact Pioneer” course series for public benefit companies is digital, free of charge, and runs several times a year.  

There are also many exciting podcasts and live talks by experienced impact entrepreneurs. To practice networking and get to know us, you are welcome to come to our Startup Story Nights (please register in advance).