Commercializing the World’s Best DeepTech

Fuel x Fraunhofer AHEAD Deep-Tech Accelerator

The Fraunhofer AHEAD x Fuel Accelerator partnership is a premier collaboration designed to propel deep tech startups into the global marketplace. Powered by the world-renowned Fraunhofer Institute in Munich, Germany, this accelerator program offers a unique opportunity for high-potential startups to receive a flexible combination of funding and tailored, ongoing support over a period of up to 18 months. Focused on commercialization, the program equips entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and connections needed to transform breakthrough technologies into viable, market-ready solutions.

Through this partnership, participants gain access to Fraunhofer’s cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, and a network of industry experts, while also benefiting from strategic guidance and mentorship from Fuel's experienced team. The primary goal of this accelerator is singular but ambitious: to bring groundbreaking technologies to market, ensuring that startups can successfully scale, attract investment, and achieve long-term success in their respective industries.

Whether you're a startup developing the next big innovation in AI, robotics, or sustainable energy, the Fraunhofer AHEAD x Fuel Accelerator provides the perfect environment to turn your vision into a reality, with the resources and expertise to make it happen.
There is one single objective: bringing technology to market globally!

Program Benefits:

This program offers entrepreneurs an unmatched opportunity to work directly with technology experts in their field to develop a viable venture. Benefits include:

Revenue Growth Opportunities

We foster revenue growth by helping dual-use technology companies identify new markets and scale their innovations for both military and commercial sectors.

Customer Discovery

Through targeted outreach and market analysis, the program facilitates customer discovery, connecting companies with potential clients in both defense and commercial industries to refine product offerings and expand market reach.

Raise Capital

The program provides resources and access to investors, guiding participants through the fundraising process and helping them secure the capital needed to scale their technologies for wider application.

Events

The program organizes networking and matchmaking events, providing valuable opportunities for startups to showcase their technologies, build relationships, and gain insights from industry leaders in both sectors.

Training

Tailored training sessions within the program equip participants with critical knowledge and skills, helping them navigate the complexities of dual-use technologies, government contracting, and scaling in both commercial and military markets.

Marketing & Brand

By offering expert guidance in marketing strategies and brand positioning, the program enables companies to effectively communicate their value proposition to both military and commercial audiences, enhancing visibility and credibility across sectors.

Fraunhofer AHEAD’s Deep Tech Incubator

AHEAD is the central platform between the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the national and international entrepreneurship ecosystems. As one of Europe's premier technology transfer programs, we invest our passion for science into a new generation of deeptech entrepreneurs.

Our Team of Experts

Our people are innovators, serial entrepreneurs, CEO’s, industry experts, program managers, and academic researchers. Our standard for excellence is built on the diversity of our backgrounds that have afforded us deep understanding of the importance of commercializing technologies across the globe.

  • Dr. Julia Bauer

    Head of Fraunhofer AHEAD

  • Antonio Lang

    Program Management & Program Design - Licensing

  • Albert Behr

    ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE - FUEL

    CEO & FOUNDER - BEHR & ASSOCIATES

    Albert Behr is a globally recognized innovator and leader in technology commercialization, having played a pivotal role in two major acquisitions by Microsoft and Symantec. With over 30 years of experience in high-level corporate development, strategic marketing, and venture investing, Albert has built and scaled multiple high-growth technology companies.

    As the founder of Behr & Associates, he has spent the past 25 years driving startup success through strategic partnerships, licensing, and commercialization. His deep industry relationships and global network position Connected Capital to source and scale the most promising early-stage tech startups.

    Past Leadership Roles: AT&T, Fujitsu, Symantec, BorderWare Technologies, IBM

    Specialties: Tech commercialization, M&A strategy, corporate development

  • Darian Harris

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - FUEL GLOBAL

    Darian Harris is a seasoned entrepreneur and growth strategist, passionate about helping startups scale through strategic investments and go-to-market acceleration. Before co-founding Connected Capital, Darian led Fuel Accelerator, where he worked with hundreds of startups to refine their sales, partnerships, and investor readiness.

    His career includes time as a Merchant at Walmart, managing multi-billion-dollar product categories, and a strategic role at The Harvest Group, helping brands optimize their market positioning. With deep expertise in investment strategy and revenue acceleration, Darian ensures Connected Capital’s portfolio companies are positioned for high-growth and successful exits.

    Past Leadership Roles: Fuel Accelerator, Walmart, The Harvest Group

    Specialties: Startup Scaling, GTM strategy, Fundraising, Investor Relations

  • Tom Douglass

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - FUEL GLOBAL

    CEO & FOUNDER - CATAPULT CONSULTING

    Tom is considered an expert in identifying and implementing emerging technologies within the world’s largest enterprise. He is the former Director of Emerging Technology at Walmart vetting hundreds of technologies annually and pulls on his experience and network to help startups succeed. He is also the founder of Catapult Consulting where he works with startups to elevate their business with fractional C-level leadership where needed, long and short-term strategy development, emerging tech assessment and demo validation, coaching and educational programs and access to our extensive network in a variety of disciplines.

    Past Leadership Roles: Walmart, Royal Ahold, Catapult Consulting

    Specialties: Enterprise Readiness, M&A Strategy, GTM

 FAQs

  • Startups who are passionate about the problem they are solving, have raised capital and/or have revenue traction, and are willing to relocate for the duration of the program. We are NOT an idea stage accelerator or VC funding accelerator. We are an operational, revenue based accelerator.

  • There is no-cost and no-equity taken to participate. Startups are responsible for travel and accommodations. The program is sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit, Arizona Commerce Authority, and City of Phoenix to foster innovation.

  • Startups must participate in-person. No exceptions will be made.

  • Fuel x SWMAC Dual-Use Accelerator is based in Phoenix, AZ. Each company will be provided access to our office at the heart of downtown Phoenix.