Got an idea? We’re here to help.
The StartUpLab is Hof University’s central hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and startup support. We help students, researchers and graduates develop ideas, build prototypes, find funding, connect with the right people and take the next steps towards starting a business.
Want to learn more about the StartUpLab? Listen to our StartUpLab podcast episode (DE) or read the Campuls feature: “What exactly does the StartUpLab do?
Get Started
Explore your options and find the right next step.
Can I start a business in Germany?
Yes - international students and graduates can generally start a business in Germany. The requirements depend on your nationality, residence status and the type of business you want to start.
The StartUpLab provides general guidance only and does not offer legal or immigration advice. We cannot guarantee that the information applies to your individual case.
Please always confirm the requirements with the competent Foreigners Authority or German embassy/consulate before starting a self-employed or freelance activity.
Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland generally have freedom of establishment in Germany. This means that they do not need a visa or residence permit specifically in order to become self-employed.
However, the usual German rules for setting up a business still apply. Depending on your activity, this may include business registration, tax registration or professional requirements.
Official information:
If you are a student from a non-EU/EEA country and hold a residence permit for studying in Germany, self-employment may be possible – but it requires the approval of the competent Foreigners Authority.
The authority examines your individual case and, among other things, whether the self-employed activity could interfere with or delay your studies. Your residence permit and its additional conditions are therefore decisive.
Do not start a self-employed activity before clarifying whether your residence status allows it.
If you live in the city of Hof, contact the Foreigners Authority of the City of Hof. If you live outside the city, contact the Foreigners Authority responsible for your place of residence.
Official information:
- Make it in Germany – Study and work: self-employment during studies
- Foreigners Authority – City of Hof
- Foreigners Authority – District of Hof
International graduates of a German university may also have the option of becoming self-employed after completing their studies.
For graduates from third countries, a residence permit for self-employment may be possible, particularly if the planned business is related to the knowledge gained through the university degree or research activity. The competent authority decides whether the requirements are fulfilled in the individual case.
If you are planning to stay in Germany after graduation, clarify your residence status before your current residence permit expires.
Official information:
- Make it in Germany – Visa for self-employed business
- Make it in Germany – Visa for self-employment
- Federal Foreign Office – Visa Navigator
- Foreigners Authority – City of Hof
If you are an international researcher or academic employee in Germany, your options for starting a business depend on your nationality and residence permit.
Researchers from non-EU countries may need approval or a different residence permit before becoming self-employed. If you hold a residence permit for research and your business idea is related to your academic or research activities, special provisions may make the transition into self-employment easier.
Please clarify your individual situation with the competent Foreigners Authority before starting any business or freelance activity.
Official information:
- Make it in Germany – Visa for self-employed business
- Make it in Germany – Visa for self-employment
- Make it in Germany – Visa for freelance business
Germany distinguishes between commercial self-employment (Gewerbe) and freelance work (Freiberuflichkeit).
A commercial business generally has to be registered with the competent trade office. Freelancers do not normally register a Gewerbe but instead register their activity with the tax authorities.
However, you cannot always choose the category yourself. Whether an activity qualifies as commercial or freelance depends on the actual activity, and in unclear cases the competent authorities make the classification.
For international founders, this distinction can also be relevant to residence requirements.
Official information:
- Make it in Germany – Professional requirements for founding
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs – Business vs. freelance activity
- City of Hof – Business registration
The StartUpLab can support you with your idea, business model, start-up preparation, funding opportunities and connections to the regional start-up ecosystem.
The International Office can support international students and researchers with questions about their study or research status, residence-related university documents, and which authority or contact point is responsible for their individual situation → International Office | Support & Study Abroad - Hof University
For legally binding questions, please contact the competent authority directly:
Residence permit / permission for self-employment
→ Foreigners Authority – City of Hof
→ Foreigners Authority – District of Hof
Visa requirements before entering Germany
→ Federal Foreign Office – Visa Navigator
Commercial business registration in Hof
→ City of Hof – Business registration
General official information for international founders
→ Make it in Germany – Setting up a business
How the StartUpLab supports you
Get in touch with us →
Not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re working on – we’ll help you find the right next step.
Stay connected with the StartUpLab
Join our WhatsApp Community to hear about upcoming workshops, events and entrepreneurship opportunities at Hof University. Join the WhatsApp Community
Learn & Grow
Explore entrepreneurship, build skills and take your ideas further.
Entrepreneurship und Innovation (Betriebswirtschaft, B.A.) - Turn ideas into something real
Want to build your own startup – or drive innovation in an existing company?
The B.A. Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship & Innovation (→ more Information) combines solid business knowledge with practical startup skills. You’ll learn how to develop business models, finance startups, market new ideas, manage innovation and understand the legal basics of entrepreneurship.
And it’s not just theory: together with Einstein1, the Digital Startup Center directly at campus, you work on real business models and business plans.
After graduation, you can start your own company, work in innovation or business development, advise startups or help established businesses create what comes next.
Please note: The programme is taught in German, so sufficient German language skills are required.
A degree for people who don’t just want to understand business – but shape it.
Entrepreneurship Training & Programs
Discover practical programs that help you develop your entrepreneurial skills, test ideas and take your next step.
GO! is a 12-month entrepreneurship programme for students from Hof, Bamberg, Bayreuth and Coburg. You work in interdisciplinary teams, develop new business ideas or take an existing idea to the next level – supported by experienced coaches and a strong regional innovation network.
Along the way, you build practical skills through entrepreneurship e-learning, Design Thinking, business planning, trend research and pitching workshops, as well as individual team coaching. You can also join workshops, excursions and events offered by the partner universities and connect with founders, experts and business angels from across Upper Franconia.
Good to know: You don’t need a finished business idea to join. GO! is designed for students who are curious about entrepreneurship as well as those already working on a concrete project. Successful participants can also earn the GO! certificate worth 18 ECTS credits; whether these credits can be recognised in your degree programme depends on the respective study and examination regulations.
Please note: GO! is a German-language programme. A basic knowledge of German is essential!
Want to see what GO! looks like in action? Follow GO! on Instagram for insights from workshops, events, founder stories and a behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurship community across Upper Franconia.
Funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts within the “Hightech Transfer Bayern” initiative.
Already working on a textile, fashion or materials-based start-up idea?
Stoff im Kopf is a four-month accelerator programme run by the Center for Entrepreneurship at Reutlingen University. Hof University cooperates with the programme: the StartUpLab provides the start-up coaching, while selected participants from Hof can join the accelerator.
Most sessions take place online, making participation possible from Hof. Please note that German language skills are required.
As the programme goes one step beyond basic entrepreneurship training, we recommend taking part in GO! beforehand if possible.
Interested? Contact the StartUpLab first.
We will discuss whether the programme fits your idea and coordinate participation with Reutlingen.
One challenge. Five days. 1,000 possibilities!
Ideation Week is a unique, cross-faculty intensive course modelled on a hackathon or innovation sprint, during the summer term. Over the course of five intensive days, teams develop new, creative and forward-looking ideas, products or services – based on a real-world problem.
Participants are introduced to the Design Thinking method, practise creativity techniques to develop innovative solutions, exchange ideas with experts and collaborate across disciplines with students from various fields of study.
The focus is on teamwork, creativity, original ideas and boundless thinking. The aim is to broaden your horizons, discover new perspectives and turn ideas into reality. Are you ready for the challenge?
In many degree programmes, successful participation in Ideation Week can count towards your ECTS credits. Please check your module handbook or contact your programme director. Depending on the scope, either 3, 5 or 6 ECTS credits may be awarded.
Please note: German language skills are required!
YES! (Young Entrepreneurs in Science) is an initiative developed specifically for Master’s students, PhD candidates and postdocs from all disciplines at German universities, with the aim of sparking an interest in entrepreneurship. Through workshops and webinars, participants explore self-employment as a career option or the business potential of their research ideas, and acquire entrepreneurial skills that are valuable both for potentially setting up their own business and as key competencies for innovative roles in industry and academia. This opens up entirely new career and development prospects.
Most of the workshops are held in English. All workshops are free of charge for members of Hof University. Join our WhatsApp community to stay informed about future workshops.
Courses of Entrepreneurship
Der Kurs Gründungsmanagement vermittelt zentrale Grundlagen für eine erfolgreiche Unternehmensgründung – von Gründungskultur, unternehmerischen Ökosystemen und der volkswirtschaftlichen Bedeutung von Startups über unternehmerische Chancen, Persönlichkeit und Teamfaktoren bis hin zu gründungsspezifischen Finanzierungsformen wie Venture Capital, Crowdinvesting und Business Angels. Ergänzt wird die Theorie durch Gastbeiträge und Veranstaltungen von EINSTEIN1 am Campus. Parallel wenden die Studierenden das Gelernte direkt in eigenen Business Cases an und entwickeln mit dem Business Model Canvas erste Geschäftsmodelle, die später im Modul „Geschäftsmodelle entwickeln und gestalten“ weitergeführt werden können.
Lecturer: Prof. Michael Seidel | Summer + Winter term
Students learn to analyse, recognise and understand business models, as well as to develop and improve them themselves. They learn to work in groups and develop a business concept together with other students. They learn to recognise market developments and customer needs and to incorporate these into business model development. They learn about important aspects of the start-up world, such as financing. They will give numerous short presentations, thereby improving their own presentation skills.
Lecturer: Prof. Oliver Mauroner | Summer term
Im Kurs lernen Studierende Geschäftschancen zu identifizieren, zu analysieren und in interdisziplinären Teams eigene Konzepte zu entwickeln. Sie lernen, den Lean-Startup-Ansatz anzuwenden und ein Minimum-Viable-Product (MVP) zu erarbeiten und zu validieren. Schließlich lernen sie, eine „Story“ zur Geschäftsidee zu entwickeln und zu präsentieren.
Lecturer: Prof. Oliver Mauroner | Summer term
Die Studierenden können:
1. Begriffe wie „Innovation“, „Kreativität“ und „Design“ sowie „Lean-Startup“, „Value Proposition“ und „Customer Centricity“ im Kontext von Management einordnen, anwenden und vermitteln;
2. die oben genannten Begriffe im Kontext von Arbeitswelten, Strategien und Führungsstilen einordnen, anwenden und vermitteln;
3. die Methode Design Thinking in das Themenfeld des Innovationsmanagements einordnen und anwenden;
4. innovative Geschäftsmodelle von Unternehmen erkennen und analysieren.
Erreicht werden sollen individuelle, auch in der Praxis verankerte Kompetenzen; zu diesem Zweck ist die Teilnahme an Übungen in unterschiedlicher Form (Präsentationen, Gruppengespräche, Gruppenübungen etc.) Teil des Seminars.
Lecturer: Prof. Oliver Mauroner | Winter term
Die Studierenden können:
- Geschäftschancen, Versorgungslücken identifizieren, analysieren und eigene Ideen dazu ableiten
- Geschäftsideen in interdisziplinären Teams formulieren und weiterentwickeln
- Den Lean-Startup-Ansatz anwenden, insbesondere ein Minimum-Viable-Product (MVP) erarbeiten und systematisch validieren
- Eine „Story“ zur Geschäftsidee entwickeln und ein Pitchdeck erstellen
- Die Geschäftsidee präsentieren, insbesondere im Hinblick auf potenzielle Investoren und Geschäftspartner
Lecturer: Prof. Oliver Mauroner | Winter term
Students will be able to:
- work independently as part of a team to identify a business opportunity, formulate an idea and develop it further
- assess the idea in terms of market potential, feasibility and scalability, and draw conclusions for their own work;
- identify and use appropriate tools to identify and analyse user needs and develop a viable business model
- apply the Lean Start-up approach and adapt it to various professional challenges
- present an idea and a business concept convincingly and engage with entrepreneurial thinking and action
Lecturer: Prof. Oliver Mauroner | Winter term
Studierende können:
- Digitale Geschäftsmodelle und Anwendungen am Beispiel einer Digital Commerce-Fallstudie methodengestützt verstehen und aufbauen.
- Ausgewählten Elementen des agilen und traditionellen Projektmanagements mit Hilfe digitalen Werkzeugen verstehen und anwenden.
- Methoden der Geschäftsmodellentwicklung, Prototypenentwicklung und des strategischen Marketings verstehen und anwenden.
- Funktionales Anforderungsmanagement für digitale Anwendungen in Grundzügen verstehen und anwenden.
- Software im Digital Commerce verstehen und anwenden.
- Moderations- und Präsentationstechniken anwenden.
Lecturer: Prof. Heiko Hegwein | Summer term
Students learn:
- An introduction to innovation management using the ‘Innovation Race – Groundbreaking Principles for the Management of R&D Projects’ methodology, as well as to project management methods such as milestone planning and trend analysis, project structure plans, time and resource planning, and sustainability.
- Small-group research into an innovative problem and its solution within the context of ‘Sustainable Water Management and Technology’
- Applying the Innovation Race methods
- Analysing the solution against sustainability criteria
- Organising group work using elements of traditional project management, with coaching
- Discussion and feedback on presentations of results
Lecturer: Prof. Müller-Czygan | Winter term
Der B.A. Kommunikationsdesign ist auch für Gründungsinteressierte besonders spannend: Im Studium lernst du, Ideen überzeugend zu kommunizieren, starke Marken zu entwickeln und digitale Produkte und Nutzererlebnisse zu gestalten. Themen wie Branding, UX, Interaction Design, Storytelling und Designstrategie sind für Startups entscheidend, um aus einer guten Idee ein verständliches, attraktives und erfolgreiches Angebot zu machen. Durch praxisnahe Projekte, interdisziplinäres Arbeiten und eigene Entrepreneurship-Inhalte bietet der Studiengang eine starke Grundlage für kreative Selbstständigkeit, Startup-Projekte oder innovative Aufgaben in Unternehmen.
Lecturer: Multiple | Summer + Winter term
Startup Leave for Students
Students who are actively working on a business start-up may be able to take a leave of absence from their studies in order to focus on developing their venture (Legal basic: Art 93 (2) Bavairan Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG))
At Hof University, this is currently handled on an individual basis and requires approval by the responsible examination representative. If you are considering this option, please contact the StartUpLab first. We will discuss your project with you, help clarify whether a leave of absence could be suitable and coordinate the next steps within the university.
Interested? Get in touch with us early – we’ll guide you through the process.
StartUpLab Highlights
Selected stories, milestones and success stories from Campuls, Hof University’s digital magazine.
Meet our StartUpLab Unicorn
Why a unicorn? Because every big idea starts out as something a little unusual.
In the startup world, a unicorn is a privately held company valued at more than one billion US dollars – rare, ambitious and exceptional by definition
Our StartUpLab unicorn stands for something a little different: the courage to think beyond the obvious, test unusual ideas and discover what they could become. You don’t need a billion-dollar business plan – or even a finished startup idea – to belong here. Curiosity, creativity and a good “What if…?” are more than enough to get started.
So keep an eye out for our unicorn – it represents the ideas that are still a little wild, but worth exploring.
What’s happening at the StartUpLab?
Discover upcoming workshops, events and opportunities to learn, connect and get inspired.
Category
Research-to-Startup (R2S) | Starting a Business from Research
Workshop Series | Part III | Researchers Only
Scientific research has enormous potential – yet the step from research to practical application often remains untapped. This is exactly where Hof University of Applied Sciences is placing a stronger focus on starting businesses based on research.
The aim is to systematically translate research results into innovative applications and spin-offs.
As part of these activities, the Research-to-Startup (R2S) program was introduced by Prof. Dr. Dirk Riehle this spring. The following workshop series is part of this program and will be conducted by Prof. Riehle. The StartUpLab at Hof University of Applied Sciences provides research staff with free access to these workshops and coordinates participation.
The workshops will take place online and are aimed at academic staff and researchers who would like to broaden their perspective on research and explore entrepreneurship and starting a business in greater depth.
Dates and Topics (September 2026)
21 September 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Open Source Strategies
Learn how to search for your business model using an open source strategy.
22 September 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | People Leadership
Learn how to find, evaluate, and lead other people.
23 September 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Spin-Off Licensing
Learn how to negotiate an intellectual property licensing contract.
24 September 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Venture Capital
Learn how to acquire venture capital.
Participation & Conditions
- Target group: academic staff and researchers interested in starting a spin-off
- A maximum of 3 places per workshop are available
- Workshops can also be attended individually
- Preference will be given to participants who have already attended the kick-off event or who are interested in attending several or all of the workshops
Participation is subject to a short application process. After the applications have been reviewed, the StartUpLab will contact all applicants.
Registration
Registration deadline: 11 September 2026
Please provide the following information when registering:
- Name, faculty/institute, research area
- Do you already have a business idea or a specific interest in starting a business?
- Selection of the workshop dates you would like to attend
Final confirmation of participation and further information will be sent afterwards.
If you have any questions about the workshops, Camilla Lenz from the StartUpLab (camilla.lenz@hof-university.de)will be happy to assist you.
No upcoming events at the moment? Join our WhatsApp Community to be the first to hear about new workshops and events. → Join now
Funding your Idea
The right funding can help turn your idea into a viable startup. Here you’ll find selected programs for different stages of your journey.
Many of the opportunities listed here are specific to Bavaria. For a broader and more detailed overview, visit Gründerland Bayern.
Not sure which funding option fits your idea? The StartUpLab is happy to help you explore suitable programs and financing options.
Build & Connect
Use our infrastructure and network to bring your idea forward
Makerspace
A space to experiment and create | Building C, Room 018a
Build, test and improve your ideas in our professionally equipped Makerspace on campus. Use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CAD software to turn concepts into real prototypes.
The Makerspace is your hands-on workshop on campus – open to students and university members who want to prototype, experiment and create. Use professional tools such as 3D printers and scanners, a laser cutter, plotter, CAD software and a wide range of materials to bring your ideas to life.
A special highlight is the BigRep large-format 3D printer, which lets you print prototypes with a build volume of up to one cubic metre.
Whether you’re working on your first prototype, a startup idea or simply want to explore what’s possible: this is the place to make it real.
Mon, Wed and Fri: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tue and Thu: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Other times available on request.
Location: Hof, Room C 018a | Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
René Göhring
Technical Manager Makerspace
phone: +49 (0) 9281 / 409 4681
mail:rene.goehring(at)hof-university.de
Location: Hof, Room C 018a | Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller
Head of Makerspace | anke.mueller@hof-university.de
Einstein1 is the external startup and innovation hub located directly at the Hof University campus. It offers students and founders a vibrant startup community, events, meetups and networking opportunities, as well as coworking desks, fully equipped startup offices and meeting spaces. With a strong focus on digital business models and innovation, Einstein1 is a great place to connect with entrepreneurs, develop your ideas and become part of the regional startup ecosystem.
Interested in coworking, startup offices, events or the Einstein1 community? Feel free to get in touch or stop by.
Einstein1 – Digital Startup Center
Albert-Einstein-Straße 1, 95028 Hof
Web:Home | Einstein1
E-mail:info(at)einstein1.net
Phone: +49 9281 595310
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8:00–16:00 | Fri 8:00–12:00
→ Check-out upcoming events:Events | Einstein1
Looking for someone to join your startup team? We can help you spread the word and connect with potential co-founders. Depending on what you are looking for, we can share your request within our network, bring it into relevant lectures, include it in our newsletter or post it in the StartUpLab WhatsApp Community. GO! is also a great opportunity to meet other people interested in entrepreneurship, develop ideas together and potentially find the right match for your team.
If you would like us to support your search, send us an e-mail including:
- a short description of your business idea
- the current stage of development
- a short introduction to the founder or existing team
- the skills, expertise or background you are looking for
- your contact details and how interested people should reach you
We will then check which of our channels and networks are best suited to share your request.
Send a request:startup.lab(at)hof-university.de
In our WhatsApp Community, you can find upcoming events and important deadlines, startup knowledge, funding opportunities and useful resources, as well as a space to search for project partners or co-founders. You can also ask questions, exchange ideas with the community and connect with others around specific topics such as Female Founders or entrepreneurship from research and academia. Most information is shared in dedicated groups, so you can join the topics that are relevant to you without being overwhelmed by messages.
Communities
Connect with people who share your interests, questions and ambitions.
Female Entrepreneurs
More perspectives. More ideas. More opportunities to build.
Female founders are still underrepresented in the startup ecosystem – and strong networks, visible role models and access to the right information can make a real difference. At Hof University, we want to encourage women to explore entrepreneurship, develop their ideas with confidence and connect with others who are on a similar journey.
Hof University’s Women’s Representatives offer additional support around equal opportunities, career development and mentoring for women at the university. Find out more →
Build connections, exchange experiences and find support from women who are on a similar journey
Our Female Founders WhatsApp Community connects women interested in entrepreneurship at Hof University and keeps you up to date on relevant opportunities.
Beyond Hof, Businettes, originally supported through EXIST at Hof University, is a particularly strong network for female founders. The community connects more than 8,000 women in Germany, France and the UK and combines networking with very practical startup support. Members can join free live webinars and workshops on topics such as personal branding, SEO and website creation, accounting, email marketing, AI tools, branding, pitching and investor relations. Businettes also offers founder talks, networking events, Female Founder Nights and access to discounts for useful startup tools and services. Much of the offer is free of charge.
Find out more about Businettes
The Female Founders Experience (FFX) is a curated, women-only networking format for founders, investors and senior leaders in tech. Events take place in selected European cities, including Munich, and focus on high-quality connections rather than large-scale networking. Participants can benefit from guided matchmaking, small-group sessions, open discussions and conversations around growth, funding, innovation, AI and leadership. Participation is application-based and intentionally limited to a small group.
Find out more about Female Founders Experience
The Association of German Women Entrepreneurs (VdU) complements this with an established cross-industry network of female entrepreneurs throughout Germany.
Get inspired, meet role models and connect with women who are building their own path.
There are several recurring event formats in Germany that are especially interesting for aspiring female founders and young women interested in entrepreneurship.
The Female Entrepreneurship Summit brings together founders, experts and supporters around topics such as funding, business development, visibility, leadership and networking. It is a good opportunity to hear real founder stories, learn from practical experience and make new connections.
The herCAREER Expo in Munich is one of the leading career and networking events for women in the German-speaking region. It combines talks, panels, meetups, companies, role models and networking opportunities and is especially valuable if you are still exploring where entrepreneurship, innovation or your own career path could take you.
Both are recurring formats. Since dates and programme details change from year to year, please check the respective event websites for the latest information and registration options.
Interested in exploring entrepreneurship and developing your own business idea?
EXIST Womensupports women at universities and research institutions who are interested in entrepreneurship – from the very first idea to more concrete startup projects. The program combines coaching, workshops, mentoring, networking and financial support to help participants build entrepreneurial skills and gain confidence in taking the next steps toward founding a company.
Hof University does not currently run its own EXIST Women program. However, if you are interested, the StartUpLab is happy to help connect you with one of our partner universities in Upper Franconia and explore available participation opportunities.
Interested in EXIST Women? Contact the StartUpLab and we’ll help you find the right contact.
Connect with other women at Hof University who are interested in entrepreneurship, startups and self-employment. We share relevant events, opportunities, networks and inspiration – and create space for exchange within the community.
Researchers & Academic Founders
Explore how research can become innovation, impact and new ventures.
Whether you are exploring the entrepreneurial potential of your research or already working on a concrete spin-off idea, there are several programs that can support you.
Young Entrepreneurs in Science (YES) offers workshops and training specifically for researchers, doctoral candidates and postdocs who want to explore entrepreneurship as a career option and learn how research can be transferred into practice.
Our Research-to-Startup (R2S) program goes one step further and focuses on turning research results into viable applications and potential spin-offs through dedicated workshops and startup-oriented support.
Researchers and academic staff are also very welcome to join our broader entrepreneurship programs, such as GO! or Stoff im Kopf, if these formats fit their idea and development stage.
Upcoming YES and R2S sessions, including registration opportunities, are announced in our monthly newsletter and in our WhatsApp Community for researchers.
Not sure which program is right for you? Contact the StartUpLab – we’ll help you find the best fit.
If your startup idea is based on scientific research and still requires substantial technological development, EXIST Research Transfer can be one of the most relevant funding programs.
The program is designed for research-intensive DeepTech and high-tech projects with strong innovation potential, a clear technological risk and a realistic path to market. A Proof of Principle should already exist before applying, and the project should be advanced enough to develop a market-ready prototype and robust Proof of Concept during the funding period.
In Funding Phase I, EXIST Research Transfer can support up to four full-time equivalents, project-related expenses such as hardware, software, external services and IP costs, as well as entrepreneurial coaching. Project expenses are generally funded up to €250,000, and the funding period is normally 18 months, with longer periods possible for particularly demanding projects.
The program supports much more than technical development: teams can work on prototypes, IP strategy, market validation, customer feedback, business model development, pilot projects and preparation for investors and follow-on financing. A subsequent Funding Phase II can support the newly founded technology company on its way toward market entry and scaling.
Important: The application for Funding Phase I is submitted through the university, not by the founding team itself. If you think EXIST Research Transfer could fit your research, please contact the StartUpLab as early as possible so we can assess the project together and support the preparation process.
Looking for funding for an earlier-stage or less research-intensive startup? You can find additional funding and financing options in the “Funding your idea” section above.
If an invention is created in connection with your employment at Hof University, it may qualify as a service invention under the German Employee Inventions Act. In such cases, the rights do not automatically belong to the individual researcher; the university may claim the invention and the resulting IP rights.
Because ownership can depend on factors such as your employment status, project funding, cooperation agreements or external partners, IP ownership must always be clarified individually and as early as possible!
If you are considering a spin-off based on your research, the StartUpLab can support you in understanding the next steps and connect you with the appropriate internal and external experts. We do not provide general patent or legal advice, but we can help with IP-related questions that are relevant to a potential startup.
Important: If your research may contain a patentable invention, seek advice before publishing or presenting it publicly, as early disclosure can affect patent protection.
Patent support through BayPAT
BayPAT – the Bavarian Patent Alliance supports researchers at Bavarian universities with the evaluation and protection of inventions. This can include assessing patentability and market potential, supporting the patent application process and developing suitable commercialisation strategies, such as licensing or transferring technology into a startup. Click here for more information
Planning a research-based spin-off? Contact the StartUpLab – we’ll help you identify the right contacts and next steps.
Stay connected with other researchers at Hof University who are interested in entrepreneurship, research transfer and spin-offs.
In our WhatsApp Community, we share upcoming workshops, YES and R2S sessions, registration opportunities, funding calls and other relevant startup activities for researchers.
Want to stay in the loop? Join the Researcher WhatsApp Community and get the latest opportunities directly on your phone.
Professors who want to pursue a startup may be eligible for a Startup Leave (Gründungsfreisemester) under Art. 61 of the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG).
The university may grant paid leave for usually two semesters for economic activities, including founding a company, provided that the activity is connected to the university’s responsibilities in research, artistic development, or knowledge and technology transfer.
A Startup Leave is not an automatic entitlement. It requires approval by the university and can only be granted if teaching, examinations, student supervision and the supervision of academic work remain fully and properly ensured. In addition, the total number of professors on leave may not exceed 10% of the university’s occupied professorial positions in a semester.
For professors with civil-servant status, the economic activities covered by the approved Startup Leave are not subject to the usual secondary-employment regulations during this period. Specific rules also apply if additional remuneration or benefits are received during the leave and must therefore be clarified individually with the university.
Considering a spin-off? Contact the StartUpLab at an early stage. We can help you develop the startup project, discuss whether a Startup Leave could be relevant and connect you with the responsible offices at Hof University.
Already graduated?
Your connection to Hof University doesn’t have to end with your degree. The StartUpLab can also support alumni with startup ideas, help connect you with students or university members for potential collaboration, and guide you towards suitable funding and support opportunities.
For innovative, knowledge-based startup projects, the EXIST Startup Grant may still be an option for graduates – generally for up to five years after graduation.
Have an idea? Get in touch and let’s see how we can support your next step.
StartUpLab Entrepreneurship Ambassadors
Our Entrepreneurship Ambassadors are your first point of contact in almost every faculty – connecting students with the StartUpLab and encouraging them to turn ideas into action.
The people behind the StartUpLab
Different expertise. One shared mission.
The StartUpLab brings together people from different areas of Hof University – from startup support and research transfer to academic expertise, networking and hands-on prototyping. This mix allows us to support ideas from very different starting points and connect founders with the right knowledge, tools and contacts.
We work closely across faculties and with partners from the regional startup ecosystem to create an environment where ideas can be tested, developed and taken further. Whether it is a first conversation, a prototype, a funding question or a research-based spin-off, our team helps bring the right people together.
What connects us is a shared goal: making entrepreneurship accessible, practical and possible at Hof University.
Academic Team & Leadership
Strategic guidance for entrepreneurship, innovation and transfer.
The StartUpLab is supported by professors and university leadership who help shape the strategic development of entrepreneurship at Hof University. They contribute academic expertise, connect the StartUpLab with teaching, research and transfer, and support the long-term development of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem across the university.
Vice President for Research, Development and Entrepreneurship at Hof University. In this role, he supports the strategic development of entrepreneurship, innovation and knowledge transfer across the university.
Professor of Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Regional Management, Entrepreneurship Officer of Hof University and Scientific Director of Einstein1. He also provides startup consulting and supports students, researchers and prospective founders in developing their ideas and taking the next steps toward starting a business.
Professor of Technology-Oriented Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management at Hof University. He designs and leads the Ideation Week and helps shape the strategic development and entrepreneurial direction of the StartUpLab, bringing strong expertise in innovation, creativity and technology transfer.
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Dean of Department Engineering and Applied Design at Hof University. Within the StartUpLab, she brings together technical expertise and entrepreneurial thinking, supports the development of technology-based startup ideas and serves as a key contact for the technical aspects of EXIST applications.
Technical staff member and contact person for the Makerspace, supporting students and university members in turning ideas into prototypes with practical tools and technical expertise.
phone: +49 (0) 9281 / 409 4681
mail:rene.goehring(at)hof-university.de
Location: Hof, Room C 018a | Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
Head of the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems (inwa) and Professor of Water Infrastructure at Hof University. Through the ResilienceLab, which also includes entrepreneurial and transfer-oriented activities, he is closely connected to the StartUpLab and contributes perspectives from applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer. The StartUpLab supports these entrepreneurship-related activities within the project and helps connect research with potential startup pathways.
Project Manager and first point of contact at the StartUpLab, supporting students, researchers and founders with startup guidance, funding orientation, networking and access to relevant programmes and partners. She is also involved in GO! Gründungshub Oberfranken and contributes the entrepreneurship perspective within the ResilienceLab.
Project Manager and GO! Lead Contact at Hof University. She supports students and startup teams through coaching, programme coordination and hands-on guidance as they develop their ideas and take the next steps towards founding.
Contact
phone: +49 9281 409 - 3083
mail: nadin.winter-langer(at)hof-university.de
Head of Research Marketing at Hof University. She strengthens the visibility of research activities across the university and supports the connection between research, transfer and external networks. Through this interface, she contributes to bringing research-based innovation and entrepreneurial potential into the wider StartUpLab ecosystem.
Our student assistants support us across the StartUpLab – in the Makerspace, at events, in communication and behind the scenes. They help turn ideas into action and bring the student perspective directly into our daily work.
Interested in joining us?
We regularly look for student assistants in the StartUpLab and Makerspace. Feel free to send us a short initiative application: startup.lab@hof-university.de
Ready for your next step?
Big idea, first thought or just curious?
Come talk to us. You are welcome!