Start-up Initiative
Science
Innovation Challenge – Turning Research into Entrepreneurial Action
This Spring Edition of the Innovation Challenge of our Founders Lab is this time a joint program by the MPF Start-up Initiative and the Pioneer Lab at Hochschule Fresenius. This special edition brings together the strengths of both partners to support researchers and early-stage innovators in transforming scientific ideas and technologies into viable business concepts.
The program combines structured entrepreneurial training with a hands-on innovation challenge format. Participants are guided step by step through the innovation process – from identifying real-world problems and validating solution ideas to developing sustainable business models and preparing a compelling pitch.
Building on the educational approach of the MPF Start-up Initiative’s Founders Lab, the Innovation Challenge supports participants in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and understanding key aspects of technology transfer and venture creation. At the same time, Pioneer Lab contributes its expertise in innovation methods and interdisciplinary teamwork, enabling participants to work practically on their own ideas in a collaborative setting.
Throughout the program, participants will:
- Learn how to assess the market application potential of their research
- Apply user-centered innovation and business model methodologies
- Receive feedback from experienced coaches and mentors
- Refine their ideas into structured business concepts
- Strengthen their confidence in presenting innovation projects
The Innovation Challenge is aimed at scientists and researchers who are curious about entrepreneurship and interested in exploring pathways beyond academic research. No prior business experience is required – only an openness to innovation, collaboration, and learning by doing.
Program timeline and format
Registration is open until April 1, 2026. From April 1 to 14, 2026, there will be a team-building phase with exchanges via Slack and two introductory meetings.
The program will start on April 15, 2026. It will then run every two weeks in May and June with short online learning units (approx. one hour), supplemented by digital consulting from Pioneer Lab and moderated idea development by the MPF Start-up Initiative. The program will conclude with the final pitch on July 31, 2026.
By combining scientific excellence and entrepreneurial practice, the spring edition of the Innovation Challenge bridges the gap between research and practical application, offering participants a safe and supportive environment in which to test and develop their ideas.
Start-up Initiative
Science
The Start-up Journey of the MAXpreneurs Initiative consists of the phases: Science, Ideation, Pre-Founding and Start-up & Scale-up. In the early science phase of a potential start-up, we would like to introduce you as a scientist to the world of entrepreneurship.
- Are you inspired for a potential spin-off and want to qualify yourself to actually go down the path?
- Would you like to know which methodology you can use to develop a potential business model for your project, obtain initial customer feedback and plan your market entry?
- Would you like to develop a process tailored to your need for working your spin-off and be supported by experienced mentors?
Become part of our MPF Founders Lab!
In our online program, you (and your potential team) will go through various qualification workshops that are essential for a successful start-up:
- Start-up Essentials: Get to know tips & tricks for your path to a spin-off in germany.
- Start-up Funding: Get to know everything about MAX!mize and EXIST.
- MPF Business Model Canvas: Develop a potential business model using the Business Model Canvas technique.
- Lead Customer: Learn how to generate customer feedback and conduct successful interviews.
- Market & Competitor Analysis: Get to know initial (AI-based) methods which you can use to analyze your potential business environment.
- Start-up Process: Define and visualize your individual start-up process.
Through these workshops, we lay the foundation for your project and prepare you in the best possible way for the next steps towards your spin-off.
The content is taught over period of four weeks on Tuesdays from 16.00-18.00 and Fridays from 14.00-16.00.
We will publish the dates for 2026 soon.
In the next step, we would like to transfer you to the individual, personal coaching of the experienced start-up coaches of Max Planck Innovation GmbH by participating in our Start-up Club.