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!
Dr Birgit Stelzer, Managing Director
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
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
Dr. Iris Gerken
IP-Management
E-Mail: iris.Gerken(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24305
Susanne Hörmannsdorfer
IP-Management
E-Mail: susanne.hoermannsdorfer(at)uni-ulm.de
Phone: +49 731 50 24307
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, exploitation 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 in 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.
You want to start a business - we'll help you find the right funding.
In our structured program, you develop your project together with other founders - with a focus on strategy, team, IP and application. Step by step, in a fixed small group and with a clear goal: a resilient business model and an eligible application, e.g. for EXIST.
The program comprises 10 modules over a period of four months (July to October). The content builds on each other and combines technical input with concrete work on your project. Topics include
Funding formats & financing (EXIST, regional, individual)
Pitchtraining & Rhetoric
Business model development & market understanding
Team development & leadership
Purpose, brand & communication
Intellectual property, invention disclosure & patents
Step-by-step application including financial planning
Who for: open to all members of Ulm University
Info event: 23.06.25 12 am & 16.07.25 09 am
Application with pitch document by 04.08.25
Kick-off: 06.08.25 5 pm at KICU
Module start: 08.09.25
The application is made via a Document, that you fill out as a team.
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
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 | Dates - Winter semester 2025/2628.10.25: 02.12.25: 20.01.26: |
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 Creativity and idea generation Who for: open to all degree programs | Dates - Summer semester 2025each 14:00 – 18:00 o'clock
|
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 Fundamentals of change management Course Details Lecturer: Dr. Dominik Bayerl | Dates – Winter semester 2025/202614.11.25: 21.11.25: 16.01.26: 23.01.26: 06.02.26: |
Gründergarage | Do you want to turn your own startup idea into a finished 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
| Dates – Winter semester 2025/2026 |
Makers of Tomorrow | A masterclass for tomorrow's high-flyersDo you want to start a business but don't know if it's really the right thing for you? Then we have the perfect offer for you with this online course. We combine the masterclass „Makers of Tomorrow“ (an initiative of the Federal Chancellery) with an online course. You can expect a total of 10 modules in which you will receive input from various successful founders from Germany. You will receive tips and tasks on the following topics: Mindset, ideas, market, MVP, market adaptation, team, culture, business models, financing and growth. Type of course: Online This masterclass is open to all degree programs | anytime |
From Science to Market: | Turn patents into impact – with the help of AI What you’ll learn:
Workshop host: Dr. Iris Gerken and Simon Dewulf (Youtube) | Dates - Wintersemester 2025/2604.12.25: 11.12.25: 08.01.26: 15.01.26: |
Translating Research into Impact | Design Thinking & Systems Thinking for Scientists What you’ll learn:
| New dates for 2026 coming soon. |
Your Sciencepreneurship Career | With Young Entrepreneurs in Science What you’ll learn:
| New dates coming soon. |
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 applying as a Startup Factory - together with the NXTGN consortium
Together with strong partners from science, business and startup support, we are committed to making startups from universities easier, faster and more effective. As a consortium from Baden-Württemberg, we are applying to become a Startup Factory. This newly formed consortium bears the name NXTGN - derived from Next Generation.
Regional startup ecosystem
Leadership workshop with an orchestra
Pictures of the future for the StartupSÜD SUMMIT
EXIST Women 2024
Pitch Competition Summit '24
