„Entrepreneur is not a job title. It is the mindset of people,
who want to change the future.“
(Guy Kawasaki)

Start-up Initiative

Our Offer

Are you a researcher at the Max Planck Society and have a great, new scientific discovery and are interested in understanding how you can develop it into a product or service?
Let’s explore together how your research can be the basis for a forward-looking company.

Since 2021, MPF has supported spin-offs of scientists from MPIs. Together with the members of the MAXpreneurs initiative, we offer founders from the Max Planck Society our support at the highest level free of charge.

In accordance with Max Planck’s ideas: “Application must be preceded by recognition”, the team of the MPF Start-up Initiative helps to evaluate the possibilities of transforming your research results into a practical application, helps to develop a roadmap for the development of your idea and thus lays a foundation for a successful spin-off.

We have a broad network of first-class partners who are among the best in their respective fields. Their expertise and resources are at your disposal to turn your vision into reality.

As a private sponsor with an interest in the topic of spin-offs from basic research, you are also welcome to contact us!

Discover the offer of the MAXpreneurs partners here:

→ The Start-up Journey →
(draft as of 30th October 2023)

1

Science

From science to innovation. Introducing the World of Entrepreneurship to scientists.

Goal: Inspiration and Motivation

Support:

  • (Games week and entrepreneurial career development – tbc)
  • Start-up days
    • Talks with experienced MP founders
  • Scouting for projects and IP opportunities
  • Workshops “Science Next Level”
    • Identify your transfer potential
    • Develop the right market for your technical application
    • Design your first potential business model
  • Start-up School
    • Learn the basics of entrepreneurship
    • Get to know all relevant people & processes at MPG

2

Ideation

Transferring your invention into an initial Business Idea.

Goal: Commitment and Qualification

Support:

3

Pre-Founding

Focused effort to confirm customer need, validate Business Model and establish a complementary team.

Goal: Prepare the operational start of the business

Support:

  • MAX!mize program
    • Receive individual support for your Start-up idea
    • Apply new skills to develop a viable business model 
  • Individual coaching, tech transfer and clearing-process
    • Preparation for operational start and the MPF Accelerator program
    • Establishing the capability of scaling up your business
  • Investor day

4

Start-up & Scale-up

100% focus on Start-up. Getting ready for market entry. Company Building.

Goal: Building a sustainable and scalable company

Support:

  • Intensive Mentoring
  • MPF Accelerator program
    • Providing initial funding
    • Building a relevant network
    • Building an MVP/scalable product
    • Growing your team
    • Getting VC ready
  • MI Portfolio management

Contact us if you are planning a start-up, if you are already established and want to take the next step successfully, or if you are just curious about the topic of recovery. We look forward to hearing from you!

We can supplement this offering with topic-specific workshops and keynotes at your institute if you wish – for example, at retreats, conferences, or cross-institute events.

CONTACT US!