Leibniz Association: Start-up Days 2025

Let’s turn ideas into impact! The 13th Start-up Days will take place in Berlin October 15, 2025. Be there, discover inspiring workshops and network with entrepreneurial researchers.

Do you have a business idea bubbling in your mind – but still lots of open questions? Are you curious about founding your own company and eager to connect with other researchers and aspiring “sciencepreneurs”?

Then don’t miss the 13th Start-up Days, taking place October 15, 2025 in Berlin – the flagship event for entrepreneurial-minded researchers from Germany’s four major non-university research organizations.

Participation at 4Investors Day on 16 October 2025 is possible. If you would like to participate, please register via the contact person at your organisation, as the number of participants is limited.

Experience two days full of inspirational talks, hands-on workshops and exciting insights into the world of science-based entrepreneurship. Work alongside experts, mentors, and experienced founders to develop your idea – from research to real-world impact!

Conference language: English
Wednesday, October 15
09:30 - 10:15
Check-in & Registration
10:15 -10:30
Welcome message from the organizers
10:30 - 11:00
Inspirational Keynote
11:00 - 11:45
Ways to Finance Your Startup
11:45 - 13:00
Lunch & Networking
13:00 - 15:00
ABC of Founding Session (parallel Workshops)
Deepen your knowledge in areas like business model development, financing, pitch training, and team building
15:00 - 15:45
Coffee Break
15:45 - 16:45
First Steps and Support for Spin-offs by the Research Organizations (parallel Sessions)
16:45 - 17:45
Panel Discussion with Experienced Founders
17:45 - 18:45
Dinner & Networking
Thursday, October 16
Optional attendance on 4Investors Day. Limited space. Registration is via the contact person in your organisation.
For questions about the event, please get in touch with your organization's designated contact:
Leibniz Association
Christine Wennrich
Leibniz Transfer Office
Chausseestraße 111
10115 Berlin
T 030 206049 310
wennrich(at)leibniz-gemeinschaft.de
Helmholtz Association
Julian Alexandrakis
Transfer and Innovation
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2
10178 Berlin
T 030 206 32 977
julian.alexandrakis(at)helmholtz.de
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Susanne Weber
Fraunhofer Venture
Hansastraße 27c
80686 München
T 089 12054 502
susanne.weber(at)zv.fraunhofer.de
Max Planck Society
Sebastian Meyer-Borchert
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Amalienstraße 33
80799 München
T 089 29091 942
meyer-borchert(at)max-planck-innovation.de
Elke Heller
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Amalienstraße 33
80799 München
T 089 29091 925
heller(at)max-planck-innovation.de

Impressions from the Start-up Days 2024

Photos: Max-Planck-Innovation/Sarah Oppenländer