For many startups, being accepted into the support programmes run by IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH is a significant milestone in their history. In May 2026, spekta.ai, itemary, wellplayd, exaere and NEST CoWork & Play achieved this.
spekta.ai
The InnoFounder programme has welcomed four new entrants. One of them is spekta.ai, which is making a name for itself with the slogan “Surveys in hours rather than days”. Using AI-powered software, it speeds up the preparation of building surveys. To do this, it analyses photos and voice memos taken directly on site in real time. The rest of the workflow is also largely automated, for example by linking to databases containing the laws and regulations relevant to construction projects.
itemary
itemary is also acting as a booster; this startup promises to reduce a particular process from hours to seconds. Specifically, it is about uploading ads for the sale of items on online marketplaces such as eBay. All it takes to create a listing is a photo; the rest – title, description and price – is handled automatically by an app. However, the text can still be edited if necessary. The aim of simplifying the process is to ensure that fewer items are thrown away and that consumption becomes more sustainable.
wellplayd
The fourth startup to join the InnoFounder programme in May is wellplayd. It has developed a software to ensure that organisations meet legal and ethical standards. The technical term for this is good governance. The service is primarily aimed at sports clubs, but nurseries, NGOs and small companies can also benefit from it, as it uses digitalisation to streamline processes such as signature and document management.
exaere
Rare earths play a vital role as a material in future-oriented sectors such as electric mobility and renewable energy. China holds a dominant position in this market. One way in which Europe could free itself, at least partially, from this dependence would be through recycling. So far, this has only been possible at great expense, but the startup exaere aims to change that with a simplified process. To further develop this, it has now received funding from the InnoRampUp programme.
NEST CoWork & Play
NEST CoWork & Play has secured InnoImpact funding. This startup, founded by two working mothers, is rethinking the balance between work and family life by combining a co-working space with childcare in one place. There, parents can work calmly whilst keeping their children close by at all times. The first location opened in March 2026 in the Uhlenhorst district of Hamburg. Trial bookings for a single day are available, as are annual memberships.
