Starting a Business at University
From studying to founding a start-up: The University of Würzburg is your foundation and biggest supporter. From basic modules and advanced seminars to networking get-togethers, it offers you a wide range of support on your path to founding a company.
Find out all about funding, scholarships and mentorships. Get off to a successful start - maybe you'll be the next brave doer among us. Stay tuned.
Support Services
Start-up Consulting
"Founding is not a sprint, but a marathon. It is crucial to be courageous and to simply dare." - Tanja Golly, start-up consultant
Your first point of contact is the university's startup consulting service. Whether you are just toying with the idea of starting a business, already have a business plan, or have a specific business idea, Ms. Golly – a startup consultant – and her team are ready to listen, provide the right information, and offer appropriate advice to anyone interested.
They actively support you on your path to founding a company. From developing ideas and business models to acquiring funding and building expertise through training programs and competitions. They also assist you in all aspects of setting up a business, patenting, technology transfer, and networking with partners from science and industry.
Workshops and Seminars
The startup consulting service offers a wide range of programs, workshops, and seminars. No matter what stage of the founding process you are in, here you can expand your knowledge.
Basic Programs: These include introductory information on founding, formalities, IP consulting, branding and design consulting, self-marketing, as well as legal and data-related topics.
Workshops and Seminars: The focus is on developing the right mindset. In in-depth team and project modules, agile methods are taught, ideas are tested, problems are solved, challenges are mastered, and team building is promoted.
The key to successful founding is Networking: Only through communication and exchange can founders grow. Regional collaborations enable even greater networking opportunities. Founders can expand their contacts through startup meetups.
"The most important thing is the mutual support and the positive energy that comes from the gatherings. The exchange is motivating and the team spirit is simply inspiring." - Tanja Golly
Internal University Funding
All you need is money! - Wrong. It's not just the money you need for founding a company. It's the entire package from which you benefit. And that's exactly what the University of Würzburg offers through attractive funding programs.
EXIST - Business Startups from Science
The program supports technology-oriented and knowledge-based startups. It also covers research-based startup projects involving complex and high-risk development work. The program offers scholarships, substantial material budgets, mentoring, and promotes a diverse network to implement measures that foster entrepreneurship.
EXIST - Women - Programm
The program advocates for more women in entrepreneurship. Aspiring female founders receive financial support in the form of a three-month scholarship and a material budget. Most importantly, they gain access to a mentoring program, benefiting from the experiences of a female entrepreneur from the scientific community.
FLÜGGE
The Bavarian funding program supports business startups in the areas of innovation, research, and technology. Support is provided through scholarships and coverage of material expenses for the startup project.
Supplementary Course "Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation" (starting 2025)
As part of this practice- and project-oriented supplementary course, an additional 35 ECTS can be earned in advanced modules on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Startup Centers and External Consulting Services
In addition to the university's internal startup consulting service, the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or the Career Centre are potential contact points for advice on starting a business. But that's not all – around Würzburg, there are several other consulting services available to support founders. You can find more detailed information on their respective websites.
The Technology and Startup Center Würzburg (TGZ)
Innovative founders in the fields of automation, Industry 4.0, aerospace, and machine-driven technologies benefit from a wide range of facilities, networks, events, consulting, and services at the intersection of business and science. Website: TGZ
Innovation and Startup Center Würzburg (IGZ)
Interested founders are comprehensively advised and supported from idea conception to company formation and beyond. Website: IGZ
GRIBS and Startup Support in Schweinfurt
Startup enthusiasts receive a free initial consultation and a business plan check. GRIBS provides you with access to networks in science, research, and business, as well as the necessary infrastructure. Website: GRIBS
The Starthouse
The ideal meeting point for innovative and digital pioneers. Startups are accompanied on their path to success, and young founders are connected with established companies in the region. Website: The Starthouse
The Faculty of Business and Economics as a Foundation Stone
The Faculty of Business and Economics is the ideal foundation for your startup venture. Modules and seminars with a focus on entrepreneurship are offered, covering areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and business creation. The modules are both theoretical and practice- and project-oriented. This gives you the opportunity to directly implement your own ideas, expand your knowledge, and actively work on your mindset.
The lecturers and staff of the departments cover almost all interests and research areas. Therefore, you benefit from direct contact persons in various subject areas – all within a single faculty.
Project Module: Entrepreneurial Venture Development: From Idea to Business Plan
The module is aimed at students who have their own business idea and want to develop a concrete business plan, including a marketing concept. It doesn't matter whether the idea is in its early stages or already well-developed.
In the interview, Prof. Dr. Jana-Kristin Prigge, Chair of Business Administration and Marketing, provides an overview of the project module. She also explains why the module is so important and valuable for aspiring founders.
Prof. Dr. Jana-Kristin Prigge, Chair of Business Administration and Marketing
Corporate Entrepreneurship
The module is offered by Prof. Dr. Sascha Walter, Chair of Business Administration, Business Startups, and Business Management. It includes a theoretical and practical introduction to entrepreneurship. You will gain insights into business strategy, organizational structure, personnel management, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Perfect for anyone who is contemplating starting a business and wants to run their own company.
ZDI_ Accelerator Program: From Idea to The Product
The module is a collaboration between the Chair of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and the Center for Digital Innovation (ZDI). As part of the project seminar, students support aspiring founders with the help of professional mentors. The focus is on developing the business idea into a marketable product.
Perfect for anyone who is contemplating starting a business and wants to run their own company.
Successful Startup Stories
Students of the Faculty of Business and Economics are always well-represented in startup formations. Every company needs an economist on the team. Business students have entrepreneurial thinking in their blood and the necessary knowledge in their heads. By the way, there are about ...
Startups emerge from JMU Würzburg each year.
"With openness and curiosity, the path to founding begins. With the ability to learn and self-confidence, it moves forward. And with perseverance and readiness to fight, it solidifies." - Tanja Golly
Paxray
Paxray offers a platform for task mining and data-driven process management. They enable their customers to achieve digitized process optimization based on objective information data. Through data-supported techniques, automated as-is analyses, and process documentation, complete digital workflows can be recorded and evaluated. This creates the opportunity to uncover the potential for efficiency improvements and sustainably enhance processes.
Jonas Wanner - CEO and founder of Paxray - completed his studies and doctorate at the University of Würzburg. His intention and drive have always been to start his own company and pursue the path of self-employment. Thanks to the university's offerings, mentoring, and contacts, he successfully took this bold step. In the audio file, he shares personal experiences and reveals some tips for starting a business.
Jonas Wanner, Founder and CEO of Paxray
More Startup Stories
To give you a brief overview and provide that final push of motivation, here are some successful and exciting startup stories.
AIPERIA
AIPERIA offers an AI-driven software solution for supply chain optimization. Through precise demand forecasting, it minimizes overproduction and prevents premature stockouts. They help companies make their supply chains more efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented.
The Maama's
The Maama's are true all-rounders. With the motto "Delivering fresh and local food to everyone," they offer an app-based delivery service. But that's not all: with Maama's RIDE, they have also ventured into the taxi business. Additionally, with Maama's Charge-to-go, they provide innovative power bank sharing stations. Thanks to this innovation, you no longer have to worry about a dead battery.
Veeb
Veeb enables you to grow fruits and vegetables, even on the balcony of your city apartment. With its modular design, Veeb's planter can be adjusted to fit individual space requirements, and the planted fruits and vegetables are automatically watered.
Honeysales.io
Honeysales is a "Meeting-as-a-Service" platform that revolutionizes the sales process with advanced AI technology. The software uses machine learning to offer a combination of lead generation, nurturing, and relationship building. This fills the meeting pipeline with potential customers, allowing sales teams to focus on what really matters – closing deals.
Nanostruct
Nanostruct aims at the fast, easy, and safe detection of bacteria in industrial settings such as the food industry, water, and medical technology. It utilizes a special nanotechnology for this purpose.
Viind
Viind stands for a future where communication between all people is made even easier. They offer a privacy-compliant software – made and hosted in Germany – that sends text messages, documents, images, and voice messages via web chat, social media, and more. The software leverages the benefits of AI-based chatbots.
Why Should You Start a Business?
"If I don't have a fire myself, I can't ignite anyone else. You have to be passionate about your idea and be able to convince others of it." - Tanja Golly
Your studies offer the perfect opportunity to try new things, realize ideas, and gain valuable experience. Through contacts with renowned professors and experts in the startup field, you can build a strong network and benefit from their knowledge. The funding programs and financial support complete the advantages.
If you believe in your business idea and are ready to fight for your success with perseverance and conviction, then starting a business is the right choice for you. If not now, when? Seize your opportunity and be courageous.
Prof. Dr. Jana-Kristin Prigge, Chair of Business Administration and Marketing, discusses the qualities aspiring founders should possess.