Turning ideas into startups together!
We accompany people on their journey from the initial idea to the startup.
Pragmatic, in partnership and with a genuine entrepreneurial spirit.
We believe in your potential!
Welcome to the Entrepreneurs Campus at Ulm University!
As a central contact point for foundations and innovation, we bring together people who are shaping the future with their ideas. We promote innovative solutions to social challenges, drive technological developments and support individuals who have the courage to make a difference.
Our aim is to combine academic excellence with entrepreneurial thinking - from the initial idea to the successful startup. The Entrepreneurs Campus offers inspiration, qualification and a reinforced network for all those who want to act entrepreneurially and create real innovations.
Let's shape the future together!
Team Entrepreneurs Campus
Thomas Rehmet
Managing Director Entrepreneurs Campus
E-Mail: thomas.rehmet(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 (0)731 50 24304
Luisa Römer
Management StartupSÜD
E-Mail: luisa.roemer(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 (0) 151 55975732
Susanne Hörmannsdorfer
IP-Management
E-Mail: susanne.hoermannsdorfer(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24307
Lena Schmid
Entrepreneurship Education
E-Mail: lena-3.schmid(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24302
Claus Maier
IP-Management
E-Mail: claus.maier(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 (0)731-50 35629
Melanie Kamrath
Site Director NXTGN Startup Factory
Head of Startup Support and EXIST Program
E-Mail: melanie.kamrath@uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 170 3313654
Entrepreneurs Campus - your partner on the way to a foundation
We are the central contact point for people interested in starting a business at Ulm University. Whether students, researchers or teams with a vision - we provide you with individual support and reinforce your path with our expertise, network and attitude.
Our goal is to turn ideas into strong startups - through sound advice, strategic support and an environment in which entrepreneurship can grow.
Start your startup dialogue now.
We look forward to hearing about your idea - no matter what stage you are at.
Contact and News
Melanie Kamrath
Startup support, EXIST Women, StartupSÜD and Marketing management
E-Mail: melanie.kamrath(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: 0170 - 3313654
LinkedIN
Visiting hours at Uni Ulm N25 2402: Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Lena Schmid
Entrepreneurship Education
E-Mail: lena-3.schmid(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 (0)731-50 24302
LinkedIN
Luisa Römer
Sciencepreneurship Workshops, StartupSÜD
E-Mail: luisa.roemer(at)uni-ulm.de
LinkedIN
Susanne Hörmannsdorfer
IP-Management
E-Mail: susanne.hoermannsdorfer(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24307
Claus Maier
IP-Management
E-Mail: claus.maier(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 (0)731-50 35629
Postal address:
Entrepreneurs Campus
Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm
Visitor and office address:
KI Campus Ulm
Lise-Meitner-Straße 10/1, 89081 Ulm
Your path to a startup - with attitude, support and a network
We support you in turning your idea into a resilient, future-proof startup. This requires more than a good product: a clear strategy, a strong team and the targeted handling of intellectual property. With experience, a network and a structured process, we accompany you step by step on your way.
From idea to model - we develop your business model with you
Building a team & clarifying roles - finding suitable co-founders and creating structures
Strategy & market understanding - well-founded decisions instead of gut feeling
Understanding & using IP - securing intellectual property at an early stage and integrating it correctly
Funding & financing - from EXIST to regional programs: we show you what fits for you
Do you have questions or want to see if your idea has potential? Then get in touch with us!
From the idea to the structure: our building blocks
You want to start a business - maybe you already have an idea, maybe you just have the feeling that there is more to it. That's exactly where we come in.
We support you from the initial idea to the spin-off. Whether you are starting out on your own, still looking for your team or want to develop your concept further - we are at your side.
What we offer
Initial meetings without a business plan - you don't need a ready-made solution, just the courage to get started.
Individual support with business model, strategy, financing and team building
Access to suitable funding programs and networks
Coordination with the IP management of the Ulm University
Orientation and sparring through all phases of your startup
Our approach
We work with you, not on you - transparent, structured and always with your goal in mind.
Founding alone? You can - but you don't have to. Many successful startups only really come into being when the right people join forces.
We help you find co-founders, clarify roles and build a strong team - professionally and personally suited to your idea.
What we offer
Support in the search for co-founders (e.g. through matching formats and networks)
Sparring on team constellation and role allocation
Support with startup issues relating to responsibilities, communication and leadership
Impulses on team dynamics, conflict prevention and cooperation in the early phase
Access to coaching, mentors and experts from the field
Our approach
A good team is not created by chance - but through openness, clarity and common goals. We accompany you in this process.
Intellectual property (IP) is often central to technology-oriented startups. However, commercialization is complex - not only in terms of content, but also in terms of organization.
Why?
Because many different parties are involved - with different interests and roles:
Inventors / founders
Scientific institution (Ulm University)
IP-Management
Entrepreneurs Campus
Startup support during the IP process
Together with the IP Management of the Ulm University, we will support you:
identify and secure your IP at an early stage
to design a startup-friendly utilization path
Involve all stakeholders in the process in a transparent and structured manner
And we'll show you how you can take action yourself - for example by:
Understanding and initiating FTO (Freedom to Operate) analyses
Carry out patent searches and evaluations independently
Build a patent strategy tailored to your business model
Classify property rights correctly: Potentials, risks, relevance
Our goal:
You should know how IP works - and how you can use it specifically for your startup.
Space, Time and Support for Your Next Step
Have you completed your studies – or are you about to graduate?
Do you have an idea, a research project, or simply the ambition to start your own venture? And do you need time, funding and structure to plan your next step?
What you get:
12 months to further develop your project with valuable input
Workshops, coaching, and networking opportunities to prepare you for the next steps
Optional 3-month scholarship, allowing you to fully focus on your idea
€2,000 in material funding for equipment, prototypes, or research
Structured guidance on the path to your next funding opportunity – for example the EXIST Startup Grant or another suitable follow-up program
You can find all details about the requirements and application documents here
How to apply
For your application, you will need a Read Deck with information about your idea, your project, and your plan for the 12 months.
You can find the details here.
Application by email: ec(at)uni-ulm.de
Application deadline: The deadline has been extended until February 8, 2026.
Information Sessions
Would you like to apply or need more information? Then join our online information session.
There you will learn everything about the funding, the application process, and the Read Deck.
February 2, 2026 – 6:00 PM Registration
Entrepreneurship begins in the mind - and in our course
Whether you are a student or a researcher - starting a business requires more than just a good idea. In our formats, you will develop an entrepreneurial mindset, get to know methods and work on your own questions in a practical way. We don't teach gray theory - but tools that will really help you get ahead. And we show you that entrepreneurship can be learned.
What you can expect:
From Science to Market – How research becomes real application
PhD Activation – Formats for doctoral candidates & postdocs who want to think entrepreneurially
Systematic thinking – Methods, models and tools for the early startup phase
Open to all degree programs – whether technology, medicine, business or the humanities
Practical & well-founded – for students, researchers & people interested in founding a company
Find the course that suits you - and start with the format that will take you further.
Still unsure which format is right for you? We can help you:
Send E-Mail
Choose your course format - practical, flexible, effective
Gründergarage | Do you want to turn your own startup idea into a fully developed business concept? You will learn how to test your idea, present it convincingly and develop a viable financial plan. The focus is on a doer mentality instead of theoretical input - accompanied by coaching sessions and real feedback rounds with entrepreneurs from the region. Who for: Open to all Master's degree programs Registration by email: Name | degree program | idea (if available) | Dates – Summer semester 2026 |
ASQ: Startup Journey | From idea to innovation in 6 challenges You don't just want to talk, you want to act? Perfect! Do you want to know how to turn an idea into a startup that makes an impact? Then you've come to the right place! Contents Learning objectives Course details ECTS: 3 ECTS Registration via Corona NG | Dates - Winter semester 2025/2628.10.25: 14.11.25: 02.12.25: 20.01.26: Tba in February: |
ASQ: Change Management in Companies | This course provides you with the robust foundation needed in today’s dynamic business landscape. Get ready to embark on a transformative learning journey through change management – theory meets real-world insights: Content
Course Details Lecturer: Dr. Dominik Bayerl Registration via Corona NG | Dates – Winter Semester 2025/202614.11.25: 21.11.25: 16.01.26: 23.01.26: 06.02.26: |
ASQ: Business Instinct | How your ideas can change the world In this creative format, you develop real ideas from knowledge. You will learn how to design sustainable business models - accompanied by experienced coaches, founders, investors and network partners. Contents
Who for: open to all degree programs
IMPORTANT: ASQ Business Instinct will not take place during the winter semester! | Dates - tba
|
Translating Research into Impact | Design Thinking & Systems Thinking for Scientists What you’ll learn:
For more information about this workshop please visit here | Date - 10.03.2026 9 am - 5 pm |
From PhD to Innovator | Kick-Off RISE (organized by Stuttgart University and partnered with Entrepreneurs Campus of Ulm University) What you’ll learn:
For more information about this workshop and enrolment please visit here
| Date - 18.+19.03.2026 9 am - 5 pm |
Your Sciencepreneurship Career | With Young Entrepreneurs in Science What you’ll learn:
| New dates coming soon. |
Entrepreneurship for Researchers | A workshop for curious PhDs Language: English Ready to explore what's beyond academia? Curious if your research—or you—have entrepreneurial potential?
Whether you're startup-curious or just want to think outside the academic box, this workshop offers a fresh, inspiring take on how PhDs can lead innovation. If you have any questions or are interested in the workshop, just write an e-mail to Luisa: luisa.roemer@uni-ulm.de | Date - |
Create – Protect – Innovate: Bringing ideas to market
The course "Create – Protect – Innovate: Bringing ideas to market", developed by the European Patent Office, is aimed at master's and PhD students. It teaches how to protect inventions, bring them to market, and integrate intellectual property rights (IPRs) into business strategies. The course consists of two levels (entry and advanced), each with five self-paced modules.
Drawing on real-life inventor stories, including nominees and winners of the European Inventor Award, the course features videos, podcasts, interactive elements, quizzes and case studies. A final exam assessed by IP experts rounds off the program. Participants who complete all activities will be awarded an EPO certificate.
Relevant Informations:
Students will access the course through the e-learning centre of the European Patent Academy.
Students can opt for one of the two available dates for each of the live sessions.
Students can independently complete the modules at their own pace.
Format: Self-paced modules, quizzes, live sessions, turored forums, final exam
Level: Entry and advanced
Timeline: 23 March - 30 June 2026 - The live sessions will take place between 16.00 and
17.30 hrs CET.
Network & Community
Mentors
Experience that carries on: In our mentoring network, experienced founders, experts and leaders support the next generation of startups. Whether as a sparring partner, source of inspiration or discussion partner at eye level - they pass on knowledge, ask questions and open doors.
This creates a network that strengthens founders in the long term - personally and entrepreneurially.
Startups and Alumni
Our startups are more than just projects - they are part of a growing community. Many of them remain connected to the Entrepreneurs Campus even after they have been founded: as alumni, as role models, as supporters.
Whether as speakers, mentors or co-creators - they show the many ways in which university startups can succeed and provide inspiration for the next generation.
Regional alliances & projects
StartupSÜD as part of the INSPIRE BW Hubs
Together with seven universities, we strengthen startups in East Württemberg - with a practical focus, regional networking and as part of the state-wide INSPIRE BW Hubs, which bundle startup activities at the universities. We shape the early startup phase: From the minds - For the world!
We are a Startup Factory!
In the future, startup factories will be the central contact points for innovations in Germany. As NXTGN, we have now won the lighthouse competition organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and are one of 10 funded startup factories in Germany.
Newsroom - News from us
Ulm University is part of the new NXTGN Startup Factory
The NXTGN ("Next Generation") consortium, which includes Ulm University, three other universities and a university from Baden-Württemberg, is building a central innovation platform for start-ups in the southwest. The federal government and industry are providing up to 20 million euros for the NXTGN Startup Factory with international appeal. Ulm University is contributing its many years of experience in technology transfer and research-based start-up support. The goal: a new wave of start-ups!
The complete article here.
Ulm University as a driver of innovation: Entrepreneurs Campus supports spin-offs
The current DUZ article makes it clear: Ulm University is a driving force for innovation, knowledge transfer and deep-tech start-ups. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Entrepreneurs Campus - a central platform for researchers who want to put their ideas into practice.
The recognition in the DUZ underlines the growing importance of Ulm University as a hub for academic entrepreneurship in Germany.
You can find the full DUZ article and the corresponding passage about us - the Entrepreneurs Campus - here. (2025_06)
From idea to business: Start-ups introduce themselves; NXTGN summer tour stops in Ulm
How does an idea become a functioning business model? How does a scientist become an entrepreneur? And how do you make it out of the "valley of death" between early and late-stage funding? These were the topics discussed at a meeting of the start-up scene at the Artificial Intelligence Campus Ulm at the end of July. The occasion was the summer tour of the NXTGN innovation platform, which brings together start-ups, science and business. Article here.
FRAUENPOWER on the Entrepreneurs Campus of Ulm University
Ten women, ten ideas: Through the EXIST-Women program of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the University of Ulm is supporting a total of ten female students and doctoral candidates in setting up their own businesses.
Here you can read the whole interview.
Studi@Spazz 2024
An ecosystem for start-ups
If students, doctoral candidates or postdocs have a brilliant idea, the university supports them on their way to founding a company. This can look very different. The Entrepreneurs Campus is a contact point that provides an overview of all the possibilities and offers advice.
Here you can read the entire article.
Utopics of Ulm University 2024_05
EXIST research transfer for immunology start-up
Novel protein to prevent the immune system from attacking the patient's own body
The Ulm-based company founders Dr. Arthur Dopler and Matteo Mohr will receive 1.2 million euros over two years from the EXIST research transfer program. The federal and EU funding program supports start-up projects that are associated with high risk and development costs.
Here you can read the whole interview.
October 2023
Making artificial intelligence more transparent and sustainable.
The start-up Tensor AI Solutions develops legally compliant and energy-efficient AI solutions.
Tensor AI Solutions is a spin-off of the Ulm University. The start-up specializes in explainable and reliable AI solutions to automate processes in an efficient and controllable way.
Here you can read the entire article. (2023_07)