As part of the GO! project, a partnership between the University of Bamberg, the University of Bayreuth and the universities of Coburg and Hof is expanding the range of teaching and support services relating to entrepreneurship and innovation for committed and qualified students across all disciplines.

Together, a cross-campus qualification and networking programme is being created that enables students and staff to acquire knowledge in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, connecting them with one another and with regional partners and innovative companies, thereby actively driving forward start-up and innovation projects in Upper Franconia.

GO! is primarily a German-language programme, so German skills are beneficial. In exceptional cases, participation in English is possible, provided participants are willing to work with translated materials and partly German-language content.

Further information and registration options for GO!

YES! (Young Entrepreneurs in Science) is an initiative specifically designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates and postdocs from all disciplines at German universities to inspire entrepreneurial thinking. Through workshops and webinars, participants explore entrepreneurship as a career option or identify the business potential of their research ideas while developing entrepreneurial skills that are valuable both for founding a startup and for innovative roles in academia and industry. A large share of the workshops is held in English; detailed information about the respective event language can be found in the individual event descriptions. This opens up entirely new career and development opportunities.

Further information and registration options for YES!

Scientific research holds enormous potential — yet the transition from research to real-world application often remains underutilized. This is exactly where Hochschule Hof is strengthening its activities in the field of research-based entrepreneurship:

The goal is to transfer research results more systematically into innovative applications and startup ventures.

As part of these activities, the Research-to-Startup (R2S) program by Dirk Riehle was introduced in spring 2026. Up to three participants from Hof University will have the opportunity to take part in the workshops offered throughout the year. The workshop series is part of the R2S program and is conducted by Prof. Riehle. The StartUpLab at Hof University provides researchers and academic staff with free access to these formats and coordinates participation.

The online workshops are held in English and are aimed at researchers and academic staff who would like to broaden their perspective on research transfer and explore entrepreneurship more deeply.

Further information about the R2S program can be found here:
Research to Startup – Dirk Riehle's Public Courses and Current Teaching

Information on individual workshop dates and registration is available via Hof University’s event calendar. The next workshop blocks in 2026 will take place in June and September.

Entrepreneurs need a sound understanding of business administration, as they often have to take on several roles simultaneously in start-ups. During the course, they will explore various topics, including fundamental business administration, start-up management – which covers, amongst other things, entrepreneurial personality and start-up financing – as well as marketing strategies for start-ups and e-commerce. Other key areas include tax and company law, creativity techniques, innovation management, and the development of business models. Business plans are drawn up in collaboration with the digital start-up centre Einstein1.

Upon completing the Entrepreneurship and Tech Start-ups programme, graduates will be able to understand the essential elements of setting up a new business. They can develop new business ideas for existing companies and are able to provide expert support throughout the start-up process. Furthermore, they can help shape new business models within larger companies and are well prepared for the challenges of the business world. A wide range of career opportunities is therefore open to them, whether in their own company, in consultancy or in management.

This course builds systematically on the ‘Start-up Management’ module. Business models map out the logical relationships through which a company generates revenue. A well-designed business model is particularly important for start-ups in order to convince customers, investors and other stakeholders. During the course, you will learn about key tools for developing innovative business models and designing them with a focus on profitability. At the same time, you will apply this knowledge directly by developing a concrete business idea in interdisciplinary teams alongside the course and pitching it to a group of experts at a Demo Day at the end of the course. You will be coached by the expert network of the Einstein1 Digital Start-up Centre. Whether or not you go on to start a business, the lessons from this course are equally valuable for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike.

Your contact:

Prof. Dr Michael Seidel
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Management
Scientific Director, Einstein1 Digital Incubator

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof

+49 (0)9281 409 /4250
michael.seidel(at)hof-university.de →

The minor in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Engineering (Modular B.Eng.) includes, amongst other things, four modules relevant to starting a business:

Business Models and Simulation Games

Start-ups/Intellectual Property Rights

Start-up Management

Ideation (the Ideation Week, amongst other things, counts towards this module)

The minor can be chosen for all modular degree programmes. 

On the Communication Design course, students learn to work with traditional and innovative techniques in an open-minded, curious and confident manner. Depending on the ideas to be realised, we use both analogue and digital tools. Research and experimentation are at the forefront – always with a view to acting responsibly and sustainably.

An interest in socially relevant topics and their presentation, as well as a willingness to engage with the latest media technology, is a prerequisite both for the course and for successful professional practice.

Being able to quickly prototype ideas and concepts, develop them to a presentable standard and communicate them effectively is a valuable skill that, as an entrepreneur, will enable you to bring essential added value to start-ups and young companies.

Find out more →

One challenge. Five days. 1,000 possibilities!

Ideation Week is a unique, cross-faculty intensive course that takes the form of a hackathon or innovation sprint. 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 will learn about the design thinking method, practise creativity techniques to develop innovative solutions, exchange ideas with experts and collaborate across disciplines with students from various fields.

The focus is on teamwork, creativity, original ideas and boundless thinking. It’s about broadening your horizons, discovering new perspectives and turning ideas into reality. Are you ready for the challenge?

Ideationweek Summer Semester 2025: “From Waste to Future: Wool needs your idea”

Recap video →

Campus article  →

In many degree programmes, you can have successful participation in Ideation Week recognised for ECTS credits. Please check your module handbook or contact your programme coordinator. Depending on the scope, 3, 5 or 6 ECTS credits are possible.

You can find the detailed module description here:

Module description→

With KICKSTART, Hof University has launched a funding program that starts at a very early stage of a possible start-up - during the development of ideas or prototypes. Within the framework of KICKSTART, we support innovative (business) ideas unbureaucratically and quickly with up to 7,500 euros per applicant / team. In this phase, it is not yet about a foundation, but about the further development of an idea into an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or prototype. 

Aim of the program

The KICKSTART funding program is intended to promote innovations and start-ups at Hof University. Innovative inventions or ideas with development potential are awarded and funded.

Who is supported?

The support program is aimed at all members of Hof University (students, administrative staff, professors, lecturers, lecturers, scientific staff, alumni). Individuals or teams can apply. All applicants must have a legal relationship with Hof University. The funding refers explicitly to the pre-founding phase of the potential founders. The foundation should not have taken place yet.

What is supported?

Innovative ideas with development and growth potential are funded. The funding includes consulting and in-kind services worth up to €7,500 per applicant/team. The funds are awarded according to actual need and can only be used for specific purposes for material resources (e.g. materials or procurement of special parts, special equipment), market or profitability analyses, material testing or consulting services (e.g. special consulting services such as legal advice). The funds are to be drawn down within a period of six months after the funding commitment. It is not possible to pay out the amount of money. In addition to financial support, the winners can expect an individual consulting program on the way to a possible startup as well as access to the services of the Startuplab and the Einstein1 startup center on the campus of Hof University of Applied Sciences.

Special consideration is given to the following areas of focus:

• innovative, technology-oriented ideas
• innovative services with high customer value, which are expected to have unique selling propositions on the market.

What is NOT eligible for funding?

In general, funds to cover the living expenses of the applicants or expenses for personnel are not eligible for funding. Also ineligible are expenses for material or consulting services that are already available to all members of the university as general and freely accessible infrastructure. Existing resources should be prioritized whenever possible (e.g., computer labs, tech rooms, makerspace, labs, free consulting services at the Einstein1 incubator, etc.). 

How can I apply?

You can apply by sending the completed application form to kickstart@hof-university.de. As soon as all necessary information is complete, a pitch in front of the Kickstart jury will follow. This can take place in person or online. The date will be arranged individually.

Please contact Jörg Raithel before applying and clarify all detailed questions. 

Your contact person:

Jörg Raithel
Project Coordinator Startuplab

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof

+49 (0) 9281 / 409 4682
joerg.raithel.2(at)hof-university.de

The start-up teams receive an EXIST Business Start-up Grant at attractive conditions for a period of 12 months to develop a business plan and prepare for their business start-up with the support of their university or research institution.

Who is supported?

• Scientists from public, non-profit non-university research institutions and universities
• University graduates and former research assistants (up to five years after graduation or retirement).
• Students who have completed at least half of their studies at the time of application, whereby the team may not consist of a majority of students.
• Founding teams of up to a maximum of three people.
• One of the up to three team members can also be funded with a qualified vocational training as a technical employee. Likewise, one team member may have graduated more than five years ago.

What is funded?

• Innovative technology-oriented start-up projects
• Innovative knowledge-based services based on scientific findings

Amount, duration and type of funding:

• Securing personal living expenses via a stipend:
  • Founders with a doctorate 3,000 euros/month
  • Graduates with university degree 2,500 euros/month
  • Technical staff 2,000 euros/month
  • Students 1,000 Euro/month
  • Child supplement: 150 euros/month per child

• Non-personnel expenses:
  • Up to 10,000 euros for individual startups (max. 30,000 euros for teams)
     
• Coaching:
  • 5,000 euros

• The maximum funding period is one year.

Prerequisites

The most important prerequisite is that the planned business idea must be an innovative technology-oriented or knowledge-based product with significant unique selling points and good economic prospects for success.

Learn more

The Bavarian funding program FLÜGGE (Funding Program to Support the Easier Transition to a Start-up Existence) aims to support start-ups from universities in Bavaria in the field of innovation, research and technology.

Which requirements must be met?

The Bavarian university:

• must be integrated into a startup-supporting network
• appoints a person for the mentoring
• provides the necessary infrastructural resources free of charge to those interested in founding a company
• administers the funding

Start-up applicants:

• must belong to the applicant university
• In the case of employees of the university, this employment may not exceed 50 percent of their time
• Students without a bachelor's degree must have completed at least half of the standard period of study and, if applicable, the mandatory practical/abroad semester 
• Teams consisting mainly of students without a bachelor's degree can only be supported in exceptional cases.
• at least one person willing to found the company must be one of the persons holding or co-holding the rights of use/protection
• are responsible for their own social security and other contributions

Who can submit an application?

State universities in Bavaria. Applications must be submitted via the technology transfer offices or technology transfer officers.

What can be funded?

The phase before and at the beginning of an innovative start-up, in particular the development of marketable innovative products and business models as well as making the start-up ready.

Specifically, this includes support for those wishing to start a business,

• in securing their innovative, also digital business model, which could lead to a sustainable business start-up
• who have not been able to complete their start-up project within the framework of Exist funding due to particular technological challenges and have not yet been able to establish a company 
• whose technologically innovative, challenging and high-risk project was denied funding in the "Exist Start-Up Grant" program.

Projects can be considered that

• Go beyond the state of the art or, in the case of digital business models, are sufficiently new,
• have clear unique selling points,
• have a sufficient follow-up capability (positive continuation prognosis).

How is funding provided?

• Scholarship for start-up applicants: €2,500 per month plus €150 per dependent child
• Assumption of material expenses for the project in the amount of up to 50% of the awarded scholarships.

Learn more

Your contact person:

Regina Bühl
Project Manager Technology
Bavaria Innovative
Phone: +49 911 20671-642
E-mail: regina.buehl(at)bayern-innovativ.de

The Bavarian program to promote the validation of research results and inventions (validation program) pursues the goal of validating technological innovations so that their potential can be transferred to industrial research. The purpose of this measure is to accelerate the transfer and dissemination of modern technologies and services to industry and society. 

What can be supported?

Support can be provided for projects to research and develop technologically new or significantly improved products, production processes and knowledge-based services with the aim of technologically securing future exploitation. In this context, exploitation is understood to mean in particular technological and economic connectivity, especially transfer to industrial research.

How is funding provided?

• Funding of up to 100 percent of personnel and material expenses, travel costs and, in justified exceptional cases, external services.
• max. 300,000 € per project
• Project duration up to 18 months

What requirements must be met?

Projects that

• go beyond the state of the art
• have clear unique selling propositions
• have a sufficient follow-up capability (positive continuation prognosis).

Projects will not be supported that

• have already been started prior to the decision on the university's application
• are carried out on behalf of and for the account of third parties.

How can I apply for funding?

Applications are submitted via a Bavarian university. Bavarian state universities in Bavaria. Applications are submitted via the technology transfer offices or the technology transfer officers.

Learn more

A wide variety of investors are involved in our ecosystem. We put you in touch with business angels, development banks, public investors or VCs and help initiate development partnerships and sales collaborations with the region's innovation leaders.  

Your contact person:

Prof. Dr. Michael Seidel
Professor for Entrepreneurship and Regional Management
Scientific Director Digital Business Incubator Einstein1

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof 

+49 (0)9281 409 /4250
michael.seidel(at)hof-university.de

For founders, basic knowledge in many areas of business administration as well as their interrelationships are indispensable. Especially in startups, many knowledge and skills have to be combined in a few people. In the course of your studies, you will deal with the following topics, among others:

• Basic business management knowledge
• Startup management (including entrepreneurial personality, financing of startups and practical knowledge)
• Marketing for startups and e-commerce
• Tax and business law
• Creativity techniques and innovation management
• Business model development and business plan creation in cooperation with the digital startup center Einstein1

After studying business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship and tech startups ...

• you know what is essential for the foundation of a new company.
• you will be able to develop new business ideas for existing companies.
• you are able to competently accompany a startup process.
• you can also help shape new business models in larger companies.
• you are optimally prepared for the challenges in business.
• a wide range of career opportunities are open to you in your own company, in consulting or in management.

Learn more

Five days, four teams, one common goal

Ideationweek is a teaching event (block event) that is comparable to a hackathon. The goal is to develop new and innovative ideas, products or services based on a real task from a partner company within just five days. We use design thinking as a method. The participants work in interdisciplinary teams of up to six people and are accompanied by experienced coaches and experts from the company. Ideationweek is offered across all faculties for all students at Hof University of Applied Sciences.

Target Group / Objectives: 

The Ideationweek is held across all faculties in German (individual impulse contributions may be held in English). The aim of the Ideationweek is to teach the participants the Design Thinking method and its individual process steps based on a concrete example from practice and to develop innovative solutions. After the course, participants will be able to identify relevant target groups, understand their needs, develop creative ideas and solutions based on these, as well as produce initial prototypes and test them immediately.

Examination Credit / ECTS:

Up to 6 ECTS can be awarded depending on the respective course of study (see FAQ). Please clarify in advance with the course director. Previous knowledge is not mandatory. However, it is recommended to have completed at least 60 ECTS in the Bachelor's program. There are no restrictions for Master students.

Depending on the number of ECTS awarded, the examination includes compulsory participation in the Ideation Week (5 days), a final presentation (for 3 ECTS) and a seminar paper (project documentation, for 5/6 ECTS).

for 3 ECTS: obligatory participation in the Ideationweek (5 days) and final presentation
for 5/6 ECTS: as above + term paper / project documentation (for 6 ECTS with additional scientific part in term paper/documentation)

Application / Enrollment:

The number of participants is limited. A short online application is required for participation. Please use the online form exclusively for the application. You will receive feedback as to whether you will be admitted to the course within a few days of submitting your application. Self-registration in Moodle is not possible. The registration is done by the organizers. You can find the link to the application form here: ATTENTION: the next Ideationweek will take place in summer semester 2023. 

Your contact person:

Jörg Raithel
Project Coordinator Startuplab

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof

+49 (0) 9281 / 409 4682
joerg.raithel.2(at)hof-university.de

The course Start-up Management contains important building blocks for a successful start-up. We look at conditioning factors for entrepreneurial ecosystems on a global, national and regional level and form an opinion on startup culture. We discuss the economic importance of startups, derive different roles of entrepreneurs from theory, and explain the emergence of entrepreneurial opportunities. In particular, we will delve into the entrepreneurial personality and the success factors of teams as well as forms of financing. We will focus on start-up specific financing with private equity such as venture capital, crowdinvesting or angel financing. For the most important topics of the course, we invite competent guest authors and let the events of the Einstein1 enrich us. 

Parallel to the theory, you will immediately apply your knowledge by working on your own (small) business cases in groups. As a tool we work here with the Business Model Canvas by Alex Osterwalder. You are free to also work on ideas from external people or your friends in the course. If promising projects emerge, this course will be the ideal interface to the module "Developing and Designing Business Models" (winter semester), where these can then be further developed into your own company with full force.

Your contact person:

Prof. Dr. Michael Seidel
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Management
Scientific Director Digital Start-up Center Einstein1

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof 

+49 (0)9281 409 /4250
michael.seidel(at)hof-university.de

This course builds systematically on "Start-up Management". Business models map the logical relationships with which a company generates revenue. Especially for startups, a good business model design is important to convince customers, investors and other stakeholders. In the course, you will learn important tools to develop innovative business models and to design them in a revenue-oriented way. At the same time, you will apply this knowledge directly by developing a concrete business idea in interdisciplinary teams parallel to the course and pitching it to a group of experts on a demo day at the end of the course. You will be coached by the expert network of the digital start-up center Einstein1. Whether you later start up or not, the learnings of this course are equally valuable for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.

Your contact:

Prof. Dr. Michael Seidel
Professor for Entrepreneurship and Regional Management
Scientific Director Digital Business Incubator Einstein1

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof 

+49 (0)9281 409 /4250
michael.seidel(at)hof-university.de

The entrepreneur simulation game TOPSIM - Startup simulates the start-up of a business using the example of a fitness studio. Here, the typical phases of a business startup are depicted:

• Idea generation and development of a business model
• Creation of a business plan 
• Negotiation with investors about financing 
• Management of the company after market entry. 

With tools such as the Business Plan Assistant, participants are supported in the start-up process and must ultimately succeed with their company on the market. Here, it is necessary to react to market movements and still remain true to one's own strategy. The business game imparts basic knowledge of business management and serves as an introduction to the start-up topic even for participants without prior commercial knowledge. 

Contents:

• Methods for developing business ideas and business models
• Market analysis
• Structure of a business plan
• Raising capital (loans, equity capital)
• Personnel planning and capacity utilization
• Basics of business valuation
• Basics of investment appraisal 
• Basics of internal and external accounting

Application:

• Foundation focus in the study program BW and BW dual
• Business management seminar in the study program BW and BW dual

Your contact person:

Prof. Dr. Heinz Göhring
Professor of Economics / Business Administration

Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof 

+49 (0)9281 409 /4180
heinz.goehring(at)hof-university.de

Further information will follow.