Advice & support
We accompany you every step of the way.
Are you interested in starting your own business, but don't yet know where and how to begin? Then you've come to the right place - as the HNU FOUNDERS SPACE team, we can help you realise your idea successfully. We will show you the steps you need to take to realise your plan efficiently.
That's what you get from us:
- Individual advice and support (for your start-up idea & funding programmes)
- Coaching
- Innovative events
- Direct exchange with other founders
- Well-equipped workspaces for start-up teams
- Meeting rooms and modern co-working spaces
The HNU Founders Journey
At HNU, our start-up coaches and experts are available to you at any time for counselling appointments - regardless of whether you already have an idea or would like to discuss the topic of starting a business in general. We are also in close contact with the coaches from the StartupSÜD university network (Ulm University, HBC, THU), the IHK Startup Centre and the TFU and will be happy to put you in touch with our contacts from the network if you have specific questions.
To ensure that you can effectively use our counselling session in a goal-oriented manner, we would like to provide you with this information sheet (opens in a new window) for rough orientation.
Funding programmes and start-up grants
What options do I have for funding and developing my idea as a student, graduate or researcher? How do I write a funding application? We can help you find the right funding for your business idea. You can find an overview of the programmes here:
EXIST Business Start-up Grant
The EXIST Business Start-up Grant is a BMWi programme that enables students, alumni and employees to spend a whole year working on the implementation of a start-up idea. Up to three team members can be financially supported and receive a grant that covers the costs of living expenses, materials and coaching. If you receive funding, the HNU will provide you with premises in the Founders Space and ensure that you reach the next milestones in founding your start-up through optimal professional supervision and organisational support. Are you interested in the EXIST Business Start-up Grant?
Then get in touch with FOUNDERS directly. We will clarify the requirements with you and support you in the application process. The EXIST grant application can be submitted at any time of the year.
EXIST Research Grant Programme
The BMWi funding programme EXIST Research Transfer is awarded to research-based and highly technology-oriented start-up projects that involve intensive development work. In two funding phases, the feasibility of the project is first examined through the creation of a business plan and prototype, followed by further development work up to the commencement of business activities. The funding programme includes financial support for personnel costs, material expenses, investments, coaching measures, market research, and is generally awarded for a period of 18 months. The funding application can only be submitted twice a year, either on July 31st or December 31st.
EXIST Women
EXIST-Women is a support programme for women interested in starting their own businesses at universities and research institutions. It offers a 12-month qualification programme, individual coaching, access to a nationwide network of female entrepreneurs, material resources, and optionally a scholarship. It is aimed at graduates, female scientists, students, and women with vocational training related to higher education, and does not require an immediate start-up of a company.
More information
FLÜGGE funding programme
The FLÜGGE funding programme by Bayern Innovativ supports aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in the phase before the formal start-up. FLÜGGE can be used either as an alternative or as follow-up funding after an EXIST startup scholarship. The support includes a scholarship for 6-12 months, covering living expenses and material costs. In the event of receiving funding, HNU will continue to provide technical support through a mentor and offer premises, laboratories, and infrastructure for implementing your startup project. Applications can only be made twice a year during specified periods.
Does this sound interesting to you? Then get in touch with the FOUNDERS!
More information (opens in a new window)
KickStart
Do you want to find out whether your idea has the potential to become a successful company? We can help you with this. With the KickStart funding programme of up to 7,500 euros, we pave the way for you to try out your innovative start-up ideas.
The KickStart funding programme is aimed at all students and all other HNU members who want to create and test a prototype for their start-up ideas as individuals or teams.
Over a total period of six months, you can order materials, components, special consulting services and, in individual cases, special equipment or software worth up to 7,500 euros to further develop your idea. You also have access to the premises, services, events and opportunities to exchange ideas in the Founders Space and Innovation Space as well as our mentoring support.
