In August and September 2026, IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH accepted three new Startups into its funding programmes. Rokits and Devctrl specialise in AI, whilst Universal Carbon is developing methods for the capture and utilisation of CO₂.
News
October 1, 2026
IFB provided funding to these Startups in August and September 2026
The founders of Rokits: Julius Balkenhol, Sören Wierzba and Tim Schnauder © Rokits
Rokits
Data plays a particularly important role in the medical sector. It forms the basis for research, analysis and treatment, but is often unsorted and disorganised, and requires enhanced protection and security measures. With the help of artificial intelligence, the Startup Rokits ensures that medical data from various sources and in different formats – such as text, images and voice recordings – is organised, accessible and used securely. Its inclusion in the InnoFounder programme is intended to help Rokits further expand its services.
Founder Max Schwarz (centre) and his team © Devctrl
Devctrl
Devctrl is also receiving InnoFounder funding, and artificial intelligence is at the heart of this startup’s business model too. Specifically, it focuses on AI agents – digital employees who are now taking on routine tasks in many companies. Devctrl is developing a platform solution that ensures AI agents can be deployed securely and efficiently whilst adhering to company policies. In doing so, the startup is addressing concerns that artificial intelligence could somehow escape control and carry out undesirable actions.
Leon Ketscher, Antje Bulmann and Viktor Fetter © Universal Carbon
Universal Carbon
Universal Carbon is a new addition to the InnoRampUp programme. The Startup has its roots in Airbus and develops technologies for a circular and decarbonised carbon economy. The aim is to build an infrastructure that integrates the capture, utilisation, transport and permanent storage of CO₂, thereby transforming CO₂ from a waste product into a valuable resource. In this way, previously unused gas streams are turned into raw materials for climate-friendly energy and industrial applications.
