01.10.2026 | 16:00 – 17:00 Uhr

Incubation Kick-off Workshop

Name: Incubation Kick-off Workshop
Start: 2026-10-01T16:00:00+02:00
Location: MAFINEX, TechLab

The kick-off workshop marks the joint start of the incubation program. The participating teams get to know one another, receive an overview of the program’s structure, content, and goals, and have the opportunity to ask initial questions. At the same time, expectations, needs, and common ground rules are established. This creates clear direction from the very beginning and lays a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Incubation Workshops @ TechLaB

Step by Step Toward a Stronger Foundation for Your Startup

A good business idea is just the beginning; however, the successful growth of a startup requires many other building blocks. In the Incubation Workshops @ TechLab Teams can develop their startup fundamentals in a practical, step-by-step manner.

This workshop series offers concise insights, practical methods, and opportunities to ask individual questions. It focuses on topics that are particularly relevant to teams in the pre-launch phase: from business models to prototyping and pitching, all the way to financing, operations, AI tools, and team development.

What can participants expect?

The teams will receive:

practical insights from experienced experts,
Methods and tools for direct application in your own startup,
Feedback and new perspectives,
the opportunity to network with other startup teams,
Ideas for the next steps in development.

When and where will the workshops take place?

The Incubation Workshops will take place from October 1 through December 10, 2026 in the TechLab at the MAFINEX Technology Center will take place. Registration is open until September 24, 2026 possible.

Address:
1 Julius-Hatry Street
68163 Mannheim

We’re looking forward to a hands-on series of workshops, dedicated teams, and many concrete next steps on the journey from the initial idea to a viable startup.

If you have any questions about registration, organization, participation, or the program, please contact:

Maja Boscher
Program Coordination
boscher@next-mannheim.de

Eva-Maria Markutzik
MAFINEX Center Manager
markutzik@next-mannheim.de

Overview of all Incubation Workshops:

October 1, 2026, 4:00–5:00 p.m.:

Kick-off Workshop
Getting to know the participating teams, introducing the program, and clarifying expectations.

October 1, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m.:

AI Tools and Automation
A practical introduction to AI tools and automation options for startups.

October 8, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Prototyping and User Testing
How can you develop the right prototype and test it with real users?

October 15, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Business Model Development
Development and refinement of the business model using the Business Model Canvas.

October 22, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Pitch & Storytelling
Developing a clear and compelling three-minute story for your own startup.

October 29, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Business Case Development
Make business assumptions transparent, develop realistic scenarios, and refine the business case.

November 5, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Funding Story and Financing Strategies
An overview of financing options, such as business angels and venture capital, as well as the development of an initial funding story.
Location: Meeting Room A3

November 12, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Tax, Operations & Business Processes
Fundamentals of taxes, accounting, organizational structures, and operational business processes.

November 26, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Team Building and Leadership
Strengthen teamwork, clarify roles, and reflect on leadership during the early startup phase.

December 10, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:

Reflect, Learn, and Celebrate
A joint review of the workshop series, key takeaways, and next steps.

Incubation Kick-off Workshop

Incubation Workshops @ TechLaB

Step by Step Toward a Stronger Foundation for Your Startup

Overview of all Incubation Workshops:

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Contact our centers.

Incubation Workshops @ TechLaB

Step by Step Toward a Stronger Foundation for Your Startup

Overview of all Incubation Workshops:

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