An initiative of International Data Spaces e.V.
Dataspace Accelerator Program
The Data Space Accelerator is a large-scale study investigating how industrial dataspaces develop when a critical mass of companies participates in productive data exchange. It enables companies, primarily SMEs, to participate in the Catena‑X dataspace through guided onboarding and concrete use case implementation, with remuneration based on verified results where study requirements are fulfilled.
What to expect
Potential remuneration
Up to EUR 15,000 for one validated use case; up to EUR 30,000 for two validated use cases, subject to program rules.
Target audience
Primarily SMEs and eligible companies preparing to participate in Catena‑X, established in Germany or the European Union. Participation is open to companies of all sizes provided requirements are met.
Core objective
Real, productive data exchange — not a pilot or proof of concept.
T-Systems role
Preferred onboarding and operations enabler with a commercial model designed for low-stress adoption.
A program to enter Catena‑X with validated use cases
The Data Space Accelerator enables companies to participate in the Catena‑X dataspace and implement validated data exchange use cases. It lowers the barrier to entry by offering remuneration based on verified participation outcomes.
The initiative is run by International Data Spaces e.V., funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Remuneration is subject to official eligibility criteria, available program capacity, successful completion of defined requirements, and the official confirmation process.
Program paths and remuneration levels
The Data Space Accelerator offers two program paths. The selected path determines the required scope of services, the use cases to be implemented, and the corresponding remuneration level.
Basic path
EUR 15,000
flat-rate, net
Catena‑X dataspace onboarding and first productive data sharing based on the Company Certificate Management use case.
- Catena‑X dataspace onboarding
- First productive data sharing for Company Certificate Management
- Data readiness certificate
- Completed baseline questionnaire
- Completed follow-up questionnaire
Advanced path
EUR 30,000
flat-rate, net
Everything in the Basic path, plus first productive data sharing for one additional intermediate or advanced use case.
- Catena‑X dataspace onboarding
- First productive data sharing for Company Certificate Management
- Implementation of one additional intermediate or advanced use case
- Data readiness certificate
- Completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires
T-Systems support
T-Systems can support and enable you for both paths: we advise on eligibility and use case selection, set up the required Catena‑X onboarding and technical integration, support productive data exchange, and help prepare the validation steps required for remuneration.
You should register if you want to join Catena‑X
Register your interest if your company wants to join Catena‑X, exchange data with automotive partners, and explore whether you can benefit from the Data Space Accelerator.
- Active in the automotive value chain as a supplier, customer, service provider, or ecosystem partner
- Have relevant operations or data exchange requirements connected to the European automotive market
- Meet the basic program criteria: at least 10 employees and EUR 500,000 annual revenue in each of the last three calendar years
- Need to respond to OEM, customer, or supplier requirements for standardized data exchange
- Want to implement a concrete Catena‑X use case — Company Certificate Management, Product Carbon Footprint, or Traceability
- Need support with eligibility assessment, onboarding, technical setup, data preparation, and validation
- Want to build a scalable foundation for future data space and AI use cases
Basic eligibility criteria
At least 10 employees and EUR 500,000 annual revenue in each of the last three calendar years.
Essentials of Catena‑X
To become operational in Catena‑X, companies typically need three building blocks:
Business Partner Number (BPN)
Your unique identifier in Catena‑X. It allows partners to recognize and interact with your organization in the dataspace.
EDC connector or managed connection
The technical component used to exchange data sovereignly with partners. You can use a managed environment, your own connector, or a partner-supported setup.
Use case data and partner exchange
A concrete use case, prepared data, and at least one productive exchange scenario to demonstrate real data exchange.
T-Systems guidance
T-Systems is your one-stop-shop partner for Catena‑X: we advise SMEs on eligibility, use case selection, and remuneration preparation, and we can set up and operate the required onboarding, technical integration, and data exchange services end to end.
Available Catena‑X use cases
Use cases are grouped by typical maturity — novice entry points, intermediate collaboration patterns, and advanced operating models.
Company Certificate Management
Exchange of company certificates in a standardized way across the ecosystem.
Product Carbon Footprint
Standardized calculation and exchange of CO₂ footprint data across the supply chain.
Demand & Capacity Management
Simulated exchange of demand and capacity signals.
Quality Management
Defect notifications and the quality loop between partners.
Circularity
Material flows and digital product passports for closed loops.
Product Passport (ECOPASS)
Digital, traceable battery passport capturing lifecycle and recycling data.
Short Term Supply Management (PURIS)
Collaborative short-term planning of supply and demand to prevent bottlenecks and increase resilience.
Traceability
Traceability of components with the help of digital twins.
Business Partner Data Management
Shared, validated partner master data across the network.
From interest to scale
From first contact to scaling beyond your first validated use case — eight clear steps.
Register interest
Submit your contact details and indicate that you want to explore Data Space Accelerator participation.
Eligibility and readiness check
T-Systems helps you assess program fit, your IT readiness, and the preferred onboarding path.
Use case and commercial plan
Select the relevant Catena‑X use case and align the commercial setup to the expected remuneration scenario.
Catena‑X onboarding
Prepare the organizational and technical foundation, including BPN, registration, and connector approach.
Data preparation and integration
Prepare, map, and integrate your business and technical data required for the selected use case.
Productive data exchange
Exchange data with a partner or OEM in Catena‑X and demonstrate that the use case is functional.
Validation and remuneration support
Use the program confirmation and evidence process to support remuneration application under the official rules.
Scale further
Expand to additional use cases using the same scalable foundation where possible.
Preferred onboarding and operations enabler
T-Systems acts as a preferred Catena‑X onboarding and operations enabler. We help SMEs reduce complexity, move faster, and build a setup that can grow beyond the first remunerated use case.
End-to-end journey
From eligibility assessment and onboarding through use case selection, data preparation, validation, and day-to-day operation.
Scalable foundation
A technical base for multiple Catena‑X use cases so you do not restart onboarding for every new partner requirement.
Connectors & integration
Managed environments and integration support aligned with your and your partners' technical landscapes.
Global delivery
Capability for international suppliers and cross-border operations across the value chain.
Sovereign exchange
Options that support secure, controlled data exchange and sovereignty-oriented operating models.
AI-assisted readiness
Where appropriate, preparation and validation logic to accelerate data quality checks and use case readiness.
Long-term operations
Service availability and support models suited to productive business processes beyond the initial project.
One foundation for multiple use cases
Start with one use case under the study, then expand into additional Catena‑X scenarios without rebuilding your onboarding foundation.
Program Partners
Strong partners driving the vision of sovereign data sharing and enabling trusted data ecosystems worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from automotive suppliers about the Data Space Accelerator study — answered clearly and concisely.
The Data Space Accelerator is a publicly funded study by the International Data Spaces e.V. with a total volume of €25 million, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Its goal is to successfully onboard around 1,000 companies into productive data exchange in the Catena‑X dataspace. The initiative is jointly driven by Catena‑X, Cofinity-X and International Data Spaces e.V., and implemented with service providers such as T-Systems.
For many suppliers, connecting to Catena‑X has not failed due to lack of willingness, but due to complexity, effort and missing internal IT resources. The remuneration addresses this directly: it is designed to largely or even fully offset the onboarding costs, lowering the barrier to the first productive use case.
Catena‑X is the open, standardised data ecosystem of the automotive industry. It enables the secure, sovereign exchange of data along the supply chain – for example certificates, CO₂ footprints or material records. As a supplier, you are increasingly being asked by your customers (OEMs and Tier-1s) to provide data via Catena‑X.
Four actors work together: Catena‑X defines the standards, Cofinity-X operates the marketplace and platform, IDSA administers the funded study, and T-Systems accompanies you as a service provider for consulting, onboarding and technical implementation.
The study is planned to start in June. Since the remuneration budget is capped and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, an early conversation is recommended to secure your place.
Still have questions?
Arrange a free consultation. We will review your situation, recommend the right use case, and assess the remuneration level.
Register your interest with T-Systems
Use the official program portal to register, and contact T-Systems for eligibility, onboarding, and service planning.
Financial remuneration under the Data Space Accelerator is subject to official eligibility criteria, available program capacity, successful completion of defined requirements, and the official confirmation process.
