Start-Ups
Sometimes working on a research project can lead to good business ideas. The University of Mannheim supports its researchers and their partner institutions in founding start-ups, ensuring that they have the opportunity to take their ideas further.
Start-Up Advice from the MAFINEX Gründerverbund
The MAFINEX Gründerverbund is an association that supports innovative start-ups in the Rhine-Neckar region. It not only provides advice for start-ups and start-up projects, it also organizes seminars, presentations and workshops on topics relevant to founding a company, such as market entry strategies, social media relations, and management. If you have a specific question, MAFINEX can put you in touch with a contact from their business network. Please contact Ms. Wilkens or Mr. Henel if you would like to find out more about the services offered by MAFINEX.
MCEI Events and Start-Up Support
The Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) at the University of Mannheim also supports start-up founders. For example, you can take part in the ABSOLVENTUM mentoring program, or attend an informal start-up lounge event or a founder talk and share your ideas and experiences with other company founders, young entrepreneurs and potential investors. You can also work with students to come up with concrete solutions by inviting them to complete a project for a seminar or to write their final thesis at your company. The INTEGRA e.V. student business consultants can take on consultancy projects and advise you free of charge. You can use the fully equipped MCEI DesignLAB to put your ideas into practice. If you have any questions on the services provided by MCEI, or would like your start-up to get involved with a project, please contact Dr. Zybura.
Federal Funding Programs
Federal ministries have also established funding programs such as the EXIST Business Start-up Grant to support start-ups founded by researchers. To find out more about the application requirements please contact: