Applications open until 14th May 2026: CONTENTshift invites Europe’s most promising content start-ups
The CONTENTshift innovation programme is entering its next round. The call is open to start-ups across Europe with bold new ideas for the publishing, book and media sectors—whether based in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or beyond. Start-ups with a viable business model for the content industry and a strong, well‑established founding team are invited to apply by 14th May 2026.
For ten years, CONTENTshift has been connecting emerging companies with decision-makers from the publishing and media industries.
The programme supports start-ups in building meaningful connections, refining their ideas and accessing new markets.
What CONTENTshift offers
From all applications received in 2026, ten start-ups will be selected to present their solutions at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Six of these will additionally secure a place in the mentoring programme and advance to the final round.
Although deeply rooted in Baden‑Württemberg, CONTENTshift explicitly welcomes applications from across the German‑speaking region and from start-ups throughout Europe.
What start-ups from previous years say
“As a founder coming from outside the industry, I know how difficult it can be to gain a foothold in publishing without the right door openers. Through the CONTENTshift Accelerator, we found exactly those key decision-makers. It’s fantastic that the programme continues to pave the way for start-ups and bring fresh momentum into the content industry.”
Laura Werle, Snackz.ai
“Our goal in joining the accelerator was to gain a deeper understanding of how publishing houses really work. We are delighted to say that our expectations were more than met. What we achieved during this time—both together and as an individual start-up—would not have been possible without the CONTENTshift Accelerator.”
Ulrike Küchler & Thomas Langhanki, Gamebook Studio(CONTENTshift Start-up of the Year 2024)
“Over the course of three months, I gained an incredible amount of experience in this industry. I was able to exchange and challenge ideas with exactly the people I hope to work with in the future. Winning the CONTENTshift Accelerator was immensely valuable. There was strong mutual support among the start-ups, friendships were formed, and the jury members and coaches were exceptionally helpful.”
Samantha Merlivat, GoLexic (CONTENTshift Start-up of the Year 2023)
“We quickly realised that non‑German start-ups are very welcome to apply. The workshop week helped us set the right course, and the award proved extremely valuable when approaching investors, as it provided external validation that we had developed something truly worthwhile.”
Niels ’t Hooft, ImmerApp (Netherlands) (CONTENTshift Start-up of the Year 2022)
