Science2Start

Baden-Württemberg has a reputation for invention and discovery – and this applies in particular to the STERN BioRegion. The region's creative minds show their inventive spirit not only in traditional disciplines, such as the mechanical engineering or automotive industries, but also in the life sciences laboratories of the STERN BioRegion, which are a source of countless inventive ideas with economic potential. However, all too often these ideas are not taken to the next level. They remain in a huge reservoir, just waiting to be fished out.

In 2008, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH established the Science2Start programme for researchers with brilliant ideas. This programme offers support in a range of areas – from developing the initial idea through to setting up a business. A central element of this programme is the annual ideas competition. All participants receive feedback from independent experts on their business ideas, with the three best suggestions being honoured at the summer party. The Science2Business programme brings potential founders in contact with business experts who are familiar with project financing and the market in question. The Science2Start Lounge provides scientists and young entrepreneurs interested in starting up their own business with a forum for exchanging ideas, experiences and tips on successful start-ups. And our family service helps young professionals strike a successful balance between career and family life.

Contact

Dr. Kathrin Ballesteros
E info [at] science2start [dot] de
T +49-711-870354-27

Supported by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs with funds from the European Social Fund.

Science2Start – an insight

The biotech scene in the STERN BioRegion is very fertile – the last few years have witnessed the development of numerous innovative and successful start-ups, with more promising businesses springing up all the time. And we are confident that it still holds enormous potential. The region's life sciences laboratories are a mine of creative ideas that can hold the key to many new companies.

But the process of founding a new company is not easy. First of all, the scientist must recognise the economic potential of an idea and draw up a plan. Writing funding applications, convincing investors of the feasibility of the idea and consistently gearing research towards product development – these all involve a steep learning curve and call for professional support.

BioRegio STERN Management GmbH founded the Science2Start project in 2008 to encourage the translation of good ideas into applications and help potential new business founders put their ideas into practice. It is designed to lend a hand to scientists in the STERN BioRegion who are interested in founding their own business. Science2Start offers support primarily in the early phase of the start-up process – at a time when new business founders most need help. The programme encourages scientists to translate their ideas into products and thus uncover the hidden potential that lies dormant in life sciences laboratories throughout the region.

Science2Start – ideas competition

A central element of the programme is the ideas competition. Each year starting in January, life scientists in the STERN BioRegion are called on to submit an outline of their ideas for new businesses to BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. The closing date for entries is 15May. Every outline is examined for scientific excellence and economic potential and participants are supplied with feedback. They are also invited to Science2Start Lounges, given the opportunity to participate in the Science2Business programme and are offered support from the team at BioRegio STERN Management GmbH.

The three best ideas are awarded a monetary prize. The prizes are presented each year at the BioRegio STERN summer party – in the presence of numerous decision-makers from business, research, politics and the financial sector.

Science2Start – Lounge

The Science2Start Lounge is a small and exclusive event for scientists and young entrepreneurs interested in founding new businesses. It offers discussion sessions, keynote speeches and plenty of opportunities for making contacts and benefiting from the experience of other new business founders. The meetings are open to anyone who is interested in founding a new business and who registers with Science2Start.

Science2Start – Roadshow

BioRegio STERN Management GmbH comes to where people interested in founding business work – at universities and institutes. We take the Science2Start programme – with stands, presentations and lectures – to wherever scientists and students are active in the field of life sciences. This makes it easier to establish contact and sharpens the focus on business activities. These events give potential new business founders the opportunity to contact us directly to find the help and support they need to implement their ideas.

We are also happy to arrange a one-on-one appointment with you. Simply get in touch with us!

Science2Start – Family service

Founding a company and a family should not be mutually exclusive activities! This is where the family service of BioRegio STERN Management GmbH comes in. It helps prospective new business founders find and select suitable childcare or organise nursing care for family members. We work hand in hand with pme Familienservice GmbH with a number of service packages. All founders in the STERN BioRegion can take advantage of our family service. By individual arrangement, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH can help subsidise the costs.

Your Contact

Kathrin Ballesteros Katemann, Dr. rer. nat.
E ballesteros [at] bioregio-stern [dot] de
T +49-711-870354-27

Downloads

• Flyer Science2Start