The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the largest research organization for application-oriented research in Europe, thus standing for development and innovation. Since the late 1990s, the organization has supported its employees not only during their actual research work, but also afterward, with Fraunhofer Venture, when the innovation is ready to be brought to market. External founders can also find support here. We wanted to learn more, so we asked...
Please introduce yourselves briefly.
In order to promote the transfer of scientific knowledge to society and to support the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the Fraunhofer Institutes In order to meet these requirements, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft established the department Fraunhofer Venture Fraunhofer Venture now consists of a team of 22 people.
Fraunhofer Venture supports Fraunhofer employees in the commercialization of their technologies, from an initial rough idea to a validated business model and the optimization of the business plan. The drafting of contracts and the search for financial and cooperation partners also play an important part in the support service.
Support for external founders
Who do you support: only Fraunhofer spin-offs or also external founders and startups?
The focus so far has been on supporting internal startups. Through our two BMBF-funded projects »VentureConnect" and "TechBridge« Since October, we have also opened our Fraunhofer networks to external founders and SMEs.
Through "VentureConnect« the cooperation between the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and SMEs is to be further expanded, taking into account the needs of both sides and establishing the necessary transfer infrastructure.
The Initiative »TechBridge« brings external technology startups together with Fraunhofer researchers and Fraunhofer IP.
How exactly do you support startups?
Our range of services includes complete support and advice before, during and after the start-up phase.
The "Fraunhofer Venture Lab" pursues the mission, even at a very early stage, of making entrepreneurial thinking and action tangible and applicable, and of supporting researchers on their path to becoming intrapreneurs or entrepreneurs. Numerous offerings have enabled processes and methods to be established that sustainably strengthen the entrepreneurial and start-up culture and accompany projects from the initial idea to the validated business model. In addition to workshops, events, and networking activities, an accelerator program (FDays®) has been established that is tailored to the specific requirements of Fraunhofer and provides employees with the necessary tools and resources to further develop their initial business models.
In addition, the initiative »Fraunhofer supports entrepreneurs« (FFE) Fraunhofer institutes have been provided with financial resources to further develop existing research results to market maturity and to refine the business plan.
In addition, the founders receive »Fraunhofer promotes management« (FFM) Support from a management specialist.
Focus on individual care
What do you focus on when working with startups?
We place great importance on providing personalized support to each team. We offer support through workshops and individual coaching sessions as needed. Startups also have access to our network.
“To be successful, a startup must…”
… consist of a good mix of team members, both in terms of their expertise and personality.
Biggest mistake: Many founders’ infatuation with technology
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
The biggest mistake we see in our high-tech projects is the technology obsession of many potential founders. Therefore, we support our teams in putting the "market lens" on projects early on, understanding market needs in detail, and fine-tuning the market offering accordingly.
In addition, external “business designers” support our technologists with the necessary business know-how.
The trend of the year is…!
Digitalization
What characteristics make the Munich startup scene so special?
Focus on tech, B2B, collaboration between universities and companies, competent qualification programs for talents…
Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
On our website All team members are listed here, including their areas of expertise. Feel free to contact us.
