The University of Mannheim and the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) help students and alumni to set up companies and provide advice through various offerings. We want to inspire and support students and alumni in teaching formats (basics & theories of entrepreneurship and accelerator courses), in various coaching & sparring formats, as well as in different events (including Startup Lounges, Founder Talks and conferences).
The range of courses in the field of entrepreneurship at the University of Mannheim is diverse, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented. Numerous courses at several chairs train students for a career in entrepreneurship.
A special feature are the so-called “accelerator formats” of the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI), in which students can combine their studies with their startup activities or carry out a consulting project in a startup.
Bachelor's and Master's theses for further startup development are also possible (Inside The Venture Theses). This allows students to collect ECTS credits throughout their studies by developing their own startup and gaining substantial startup experience. Founding and studying? It's possible at the University of Mannheim!

The transfer of knowledge and technology between the University of Mannheim, political institutions and the private sector is a key success factor for the generation of innovations. The University therefore has a very important role in innovation systems such as the startup ecosystem of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, but also far beyond that. At the University of Mannheim we have a multitude of activities and initiatives that spread the knowledge from the university into society, but also through partnerships and cooperations and the research that brings knowledge from practice back to the university. This active transfer promotes interactive learning processes, contributes positively to economic development and employment and increases the prosperity of companies and the region.
Startup Coaching & Sparring
The MCEI Startup Coaching & Sparring program brings you as a student or alumni founder together with experienced coaches and entrepreneurs. They can support you with your specific problem, give you access to their network and provide you with insights into their own journey as founders. Through their expertise and personal experience, they can help the next generation of founders to progress on their path to growth. Whether you are currently still studying or an alumnus/
alumna of the University of Mannheim, our MCEI Startup Coaching & Sparring program aims to provide the support you need for your specific startup challenge. EXIST Startup Advice
EXIST awards grants to university graduates, scientists and students who are interested in setting up their own business. The grant supports the startup team for one year with living expenses and helps the teams to concentrate fully on preparing a technology-oriented and knowledge-based startup. We are happy to advise and help you with the application process and coaching after the successful startup.
EXIST Women Scholarship Program
The EXIST Women scholarship offers you comprehensive support to successfully realise your start-up idea – from financial support, workshops and individual coaching to contacts with mentors and a strong network of female co-founders.
Offers by the Dezernat I to support technology transfer
(IP, patenting, licensing, invention and invention compensation)
The field of technology transfer covers all aspects of intellectual property (IP), patenting and licensing. Dezernat I can advise you on the design of third-party funding contracts for intellectual property matters as well as inventions, invention reports, and inventor's remuneration.
In accordance with § 42 ArbNErfG, lecturers employed by the University of Mannheim are obligated to communicate their invention in due time prior to publication or any other disclosure. The Dezernat I will be happy to advise them on all subsequent steps.
We work closely with TechnologieLizenzBüro (TLB) GmbH, which can also carry out an evaluation of the invention report that you submitted regarding a basic patentability in due time. All invention reports are treated at highest confidentiality by the university administration in order not to endanger the success of patenting.
Outside of the university, founders can also receive support from the city and the state. We are happy to put you in touch with one of our partners when it comes to topics such as further startup advice, resources such as financial support or office space, or networking.