The EXIST Transfer of Research funding program, co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), is aimed at research-based start-up projects with high innovation potential whose implementation involves complex and risky development work. It consists of two phases: While Phase I focuses on the validation and elaboration of research-based business ideas, Phase II enables the further development of the product, market entry and targeted preparation for external corporate financing.
BRAKEABLE was previously funded as part of the EXIST start-up grant and was able to enter Phase II of the research transfer directly - as part of a BMWE pilot program. This funding opportunity is exclusively open to start-ups with outstanding AI applications in which artificial intelligence serves as the central technological basis of the business model. BRAKEABLE earned this follow-up funding with a convincing technological development, a clear understanding of the market and a well-founded application. The team was supported by the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship (SCE), AI+Munich and the Munich Innovation Ecosystem.
BRAKEABLE is developing an AI-supported self-service platform that enables brands - particularly in the outdoor and premium lifestyle sector - to process repair, warranty and service requests automatically. The solution reduces manual processes in customer service and supports companies in making their service processes more efficient, scalable and economically viable. The aim is to transform customer support from a pure cost center into a strategic value-adding factor.
"We are delighted to receive this grant from the BMWK - it is a strong sign of confidence in our technology and its scalability. Together with the SCE, we have consistently developed and sharpened our business case over the years - with success: the first customers, funding bodies and investors have been won over. We would like to thank the SCE team and the Munich Innovation Ecosystem for their continuous support along the way." - Stefan Hauser.
The team behind BRAKEABLE combines in-depth industry knowledge and operational experience: Stefan Hauser previously worked for many years in innovation at the Mammut Sports Group, software developer Marc Berli brings experience from e-commerce logistics, and Kim Schmidt, sports equipment engineer, knows the requirements of customer service first-hand. With partners such as Ortlieb, Penguin.Swiss and Vidar Sport, BRAKEABLE has been active on the market since 2024.
As part of the funding, the team is now focusing on the further development of the AI components. The aim is to create a robust solution that can be integrated repeatedly at different companies. In addition to the outdoor industry, the solution is also to be trained for the luxury goods market. The next milestone, however, is the presentation of the new software generation at the SPORT-2000 trade fair together with partner Ortlieb.
"Our goal is to rethink product services in the consumer goods industry - more efficient, more user-centered and more sustainable," Hauser continues. "With EXIST funding behind us, we want to further develop our technology, gain new partners and enable even more companies to create real added value from service processes."
The Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship congratulates the entire BRAKEABLE team on this important step on the way to successfully establishing the company!
Become part of the SCE Start-up League yourself - apply now for Batch #14!
BRAKEABLE has started its journey in the SCE Incubation. Now it's your turn: We will accompany YOU in YOUR start-up project - from the idea to the market launch.
Apply now for Batch #14 - until 31.07. at: www.sce.de/incubation
