They say life writes the best stories. And the best start-up stories? Some of them are written right here at the University of Mannheim. In the current edition of FORUM, we present examples of internal university institutions and student organizations that support founders, as well as four young start-ups founded by Mannheim alumni.
From guest lectures and workshops to initial consultations and networking opportunities, the University of Mannheim offers a wide range of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups. All these activities come together under the umbrella of the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI). In this interview, Michael Woywode and Nora Zybura discuss the university’s start-up ecosystem—and what it takes to launch a business successfully.
Entrepreneurship plays a major role not just in business but also in research. At the University of Mannheim’s Institute for SME Research (ifm), scholars focus on three key aspects of entrepreneurship: the individuals behind start-ups, their business ventures, and the broader environment in which these ventures operate. In this section, we introduce three current research projects from the ifm.
Creativity is essential in the cultural sector, but how do you turn an idea into a successful business? The “Culture goes Start-up” course at the University of Mannheim bridges the gap between inspiration and implementation. It provides creative professionals with the opportunity to transform their ideas into viable business models—using practical methods, intensive mentoring, and a strong focus on teamwork.
Whether you already have a near-complete business plan or just a rough vision for a start-up, two student organizations at the University of Mannheim—Q-Summit and thinc!—offer a wealth of resources to support aspiring founders. In an interview with FORUM, the two chairmen, Luis Limper and Simon Hipp, share insights into their work and the goals of their organizations.
Through her SocialTech start-up myBuddy, University of Mannheim alumna Weihua Wang encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and creates spaces where cultural differences don’t divide but bring people together. Her dream: a new sense of togetherness in society.
Controlling a computer with just head movements? Thanks to Treye IT, a start-up founded by Mannheim alumnus Anton Wachner, this is now a reality. His innovative software, FourWays, enables people with disabilities to use laptops and tablets without relying on their hands.
A semester abroad leads to a start-up: After his time in India and learning about the global waste crisis, University of Mannheim student Robert Dehghan knew he wanted to make a difference. Together with his classmate Lara Schnieders, he started producing reusable glass straws—and in 2018, Pacific Straws was born. But where do the two founders stand today?
Starting a company before having a solid business idea may sound risky, but for University of Mannheim alumnus Malte Zander and his three co-founders, the strategy paid off. What began five years ago as a digital agency has evolved into Virtualbadge.io—the largest German platform for creating digital certificates and credentials.
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