Startup Mannheim

Optimal launch and acceleration

Become part of Mannheim‘s STARTUP COMMUNITY – in one of a total of eight dedicated startup centers.

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WHY STARTUP MANNHEIM?

In Mannheim, startups turn great ideas into reality. Our STARTUP COMMUNITY is a strong community that shapes a mutual future.

People come together in the ecosystem of STARTUP MANNHEIM to create sustainable innovations. Branch-specific startup centers offer a modern platform for a successful start. In addition to business advicecontact mediation and financial support, the idea of a startup community is an important focus. This is a network of global brands with close ties to medium-sized companies and universities. 

TECH-COMMUNITY

The startup scene around the tech industry is a focal point - with a unique community. In Mannheim, startups find modern office space and competent contacts for all aspects of settlement and promotion. The MAFINEX TECHNOLOGY CENTER is a core element of Mannheim's startup support. The spotlight is on IT, Industry 4.0, IoT and Artificial Intelligence. The Startup Community offers founders an energetic network with international companies based in or near Mannheim, such as BASF, SAP, Roche, John Deere, Daimler-Benz, Bombardier, Bilfinger, MVV, ADM/Wild and many more. Interfaces to medium-sized companies and universities complete this unique infrastructure. The NEXT MANNHEIM startup ecosystem also offers numerous events including workshops, meet-ups, accelerator programs and hackathons.

MEDTECH

Mannheim is also a center of medical technology. In close cooperation with the medical technology cluster, the startup center CUBEX41 and the business development center CUBEX ONE (starting summer 2021) with a prominent location on the campus of the University Hospital and in the direct vicinity on the Mannheim Medical Technology Campus (MMT-Campus)offer the best conditions for starting up.

OFFICE SPACES

Starting a fashion label is something different than launching the next Facebook. Every startup needs a fitting and inspiring environment.

Each of the eight startup centers specializes in a particular industry or target group - from IT to medical technology and female entrepreneurship to fashion and textiles.

Our modern startup centres offer the ideal conditions with favourable rental conditions and variable spaces and runtimes. The centers communities are run by teams that know their way around the respective industry, providing advice and networking. In addition, we intensively promote cross-cluster innovations and support interdisciplinary exchange.

Information and links to the individual startup centers can be found here:

STARTUP CENTERS

C-HUB

Creative Industries Centre

Central and optimally networked: The creative industry centre C-HUB in Mannheim's harbour and trendy district Jungbusch.
More information

MUSIKPARK

Foundation centre for the music industry

The founding centre for start-ups from the music industry - perfectly networked in Mannheim's trendy Jungbusch district.
More information

MAFINEX

The Technology Centre

The start-up centre for tech founders* from the fields of IT, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, IoT.
More information

CUBEX41 & CUBEX ONE

Founding centres for medical technology

Two specialized centers for the sustainable growth of innovative medtech companies.
More information

ALTES VOLKSBAD

Foundation centre for the cultural and creative industries.

The creative industry centre in Neckarstadt-West is a hotspot for start-ups in the cultural and creative scene.
More information

TEXTILEREI

Foundation centre for fashion and textile industry

The TEXTILEREI offers tailor-made starting points for start-ups* in the fashion, textile and lifestyle industry.
More information

GIG7

Competence Center FeMale Business

A unique centre of excellence for Female Entrepreneurship - centrally located in the Mannheim squares.
More information

ACCELERATORS

LIFE SCIENCE ACCELERATOR BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG

The focus of this accelerator program is the early identification of scientific and technological startup ideas from the life science sector. Within the framework of an intensive qualification program, experts provide participants with a comprehensive toolbox with which they can successfully prepare and focus on the successful launch of their startup. The Accelerator was created through the joint commitment of Technologiepark Heidelberg GmbH as a founding member of Heidelberg Startups Partner e.V., the Business and Structural Development Department of the City of Mannheim as the office of the MAFINEX Gründerverbund e.V. and the Tübingen-based non-profit Foundation for Medical Innovations.

Contact and application:

Sonja Wilkens, Department of Economic Development of the City of Mannheim, Tel.: 0621 / 293 – 3665,  Mail: sonja.wilkens@mannheim.de

More Information: lifescience-bw.de

UP2B-ACCELERATOR

This accelerator is designed for B2B startups with a tech-based product, service or corresponding business model with a focus on IT, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things and Big Data. The team with the partners NEXT MANNHEIM, Technologiepark Heidelberg and InnoWerft Walldorf supports founders in their business plans in three different (free!) programs. In order to support fast growth, contacts to investors and business partners are provided. All three programs, which are aimed at startups from different development phases, are conducted several times a year.

Mehr Infos: up2b.io 

S-HUB ACCELERATOR

The S-HUB Accelerator is the 12-month program for changemakers in and outside of companies and organizations. Whether already with or still without an idea, in a team or still alone - social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs of tomorrow are systematically empowered to realize their own venture - from the idea to the real start-up.

Contact and further info:
Lilli Leirich, lilli@shub-mannheim.de, Mobile: 0176 214 66 857

https://www.shub-mannheim.de/accelerator

 

5-HT DIGITAL HUB

A successful corporate culture and internationally recognized research centers are key features of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The 5-HT Digital Hub Mannheim / Ludwigshafen which is part of the nationwide network de:hub, strengthens the topic of digitization specifically in the areas of chemistry and health. Numerous public and private venture investors ensure that innovative technologies and services are developed and available more quickly.

Focus: Digital Chemistry & Digital Health
Partners: NEXT MANNHEIM, BASF SE, SAP SE and PEPPERL + FUCHS.

 

CONSULTING

Why waste time? Simply speak directly to NEXT MANNHEIM professionals who will advise you individually on what to consider, do or rather not do when setting up a company. What is the right form of company, how do I find suitable spaces and how can I acquire funding? These and many other questions are resolved in compact or intensive consulting sessions.

Central point of contact for a general initial consultation:
Sonja Wilkens, Department for Economic Development of the City of Mannheim, Tel.: 0621 / 293 - 3665, Mail: sonja.wilkens@mannheim.de

Industry-specific advice:

You can get this in our centers (for contact persons, see directly there).

Free EXI consultations:
Partners in Mannheim offer free so-called EXI consultations for certain target groups as part of the state's EXI voucher support program. Information is available here: exi-gutschein-mannheim.de

Information on consulting services especially for female founders is available in the context of the workshops in the competence center for female business GIG7.

WORKSHOPS

Tailor-made, practice-oriented and competent: Our workshops offer a wide range of topics to enhance your expertise with important skills for your professional life. Ranging from Business Basics, Online Marketing to Female Empowerment – there is something for every founder, freelancer, startup, entrepreneur and female in business. Let yourself be inspired and take the next step forward for yourself and your business.

More information about current workshops and seminars can be found here. 

FINANCING

KREASOCTEC grant program

Starting up a business costs money. The Mannheim Department of Economic and Structural Development has therefore set up the KREASOCTECH grant program, which offers financial support for small and micro enterprises in the creative industries, the social economy or companies with a technology orientation. The funding can be up to a maximum of 50% of the eligible investments, the amounts are limited to a minimum of 1,000 and a maximum of 20,000 Euros.

More information here: www.mannheim.de/de/wirtschaft-entwickeln/unternehmensservice/zuschussprogramm-kreatech


City of Mannheim investment fund

The investment fund of the Mannheim Economic Development Corporation provides financing in the form of silent or open participations from 50,000 to a maximum of 200,000 euros. The standard participation period is 5 to 10 years. Support is provided for innovative, technology-oriented companies or companies from the creative industries that are in the so-called seed phase (max. 5 years after establishment). Currently the fund is fully distributed, so that unfortunately no applications are being accepted at this time.

More information can be found here.

Startup BW Pre-SEED

Startup BW Pre-Seed is a funding instrument that takes effect at an early stage. In this phase, institutional investors are cautious due to the increased risk and uncertain prospects of success of the startup project. In order to support promising startup projects, the state of Baden-Württemberg is providing 14 million euros for the Startup BW Pre-Seed programme. In addition to financial support, the funded startups will be supported by Startup BW Pre-Seed partners in working on their business models and in establishing their companies. They also provide assistance in the search for co-investors. 

More information is available here.

Questions about financing? Further information and advice is available from the Economic Development Department:  

Sonja Wilkens, Fachbereich für Wirtschaftsförderung der Stadt Mannheim, Tel.: 0621 / 293 – 3665,  Mail: sonja.wilkens@mannheim.de

NETWORK PARTNERS / REGIONAL KOOPERATION PARTNERS

MANNHEIM NETWORK PARTNERS

Wirtschafts- und Strukturförderung Mannheim

The Mannheim Economic Development Agency is the point of contact and "caretaker" for all matters relating...

The Mannheim Economic Development Agency is the point of contact and "caretaker" for all matters relating to the economy. The approximately 30 employees look after resident companies and companies interested in setting up in Mannheim, advise start-ups, network stakeholders in innovation clusters, promote talent and skilled workers, and market Mannheim as an innovative business location to the outside world. In the area of business start-ups, the Economic Development Agency coordinates the partners in the Exi-Gutschein Mannheim project, in which start-ups are advised in the pre-start-up phase. Questions are answered in compact or intensive consultations on the topics of: Preparation of a business and financial plan, contact mediation, search for space and subsidies.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Sonja Wilkens / Matthias Henel / Philipp Knell

Kontaktdaten
Rathaus E5
c/o Fachbereich für Wirtschafts- und Strukturförderung
68159 Mannheim
Telefon: 0621 293-2154
Email: matthias.henel@mannheim.de

Webseite
https://www.mannheim.de/de/wirtschaft-entwickeln/team-wirtschaftsfoerderung

MAFINEX Gründerverbund Entrepreneur Rhein-Neckar e.V-

The Gründerverbund promotes and supports innovative start-ups from the university sector as well as spin-offs from...

The Gründerverbund promotes and supports innovative start-ups from the university sector as well as spin-offs from companies. We are the first point of contact for start-up questions, provide support in applying for funding programs and arrange mentors, university resources and contacts from business and university networks. Our partner universities are: University of Mannheim, HS Mannheim, DHBW Mannheim, Popakademie BW and HS Heilbronn.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Sonja Wilkens (GF) / Matthias Henel

Kontaktdaten
Telefon: 0621 293-3665
Anschrift:
Rathaus E5
c/o Fachbereich für Wirtschafts- und Strukturförderung
68159 Mannheim
gruenderverbund@mannheim.de

Webseite
https://www.gruenderverbund.info

Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) / Universität Mannheim

The Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) is the interdisciplinary center for entrepreneurship and innovation...

The Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) is the interdisciplinary center for entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Mannheim. With our three core pillars of inspiration, entrepreneurship teaching and startup support, we help create a culture of learning, knowledge sharing, innovation and enthusiasm for startup development. We provide excellent networking opportunities for entrepreneurial students and startups, and support them in questioning, testing and developing their business models - with a strong focus on a can-do mentality and scaling.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Zybura, Nora / Hipp, Thomas

Kontaktdaten
nora@mcei.de, thomas@mcei.de

Webseite
https://mcei.de

thinc! e.V.

thinc! is the student initiative for startups and entrepreneurship at the University of Mannheim. Since 2004,...

thinc! is the student initiative for startups and entrepreneurship at the University of Mannheim. Since 2004, the initiative has made it its mission to spread the startup spirit in the Rhine-Neckar region and among the students of the University of Mannheim and to pave the way for the now more than 250 members to start their own business. Many thinc! members have already successfully founded their own startup. This goal is achieved through numerous offers: Founder Talks with successful founders from all over Germany take place once a week. In addition, thinc! offers its members interesting workshops on the topic of founding, the students have the opportunity to visit startups from the region as well as in Berlin and, of course, can pursue their own startup projects. In doing so, they always find support from thinc! and its wide network. This year, for the first time, the so-called thincubator will take place - the first incubator in Germany organized by students for students. A 14-day intensive program, which accompanies 30 selected participants from all over Germany from the idea to the elaboration to the pitch and receives support from top-class mentors and partners.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Pelka, Lara

Kontaktdaten
lara.pelka@thinc.de

Webseite
https://www.thinc-mannheim.de

MARS - Mannheim Runway for Startups

As a digitization and technology lighthouse in Mannheim, we not only offer in-depth studies at the...

As a digitization and technology lighthouse in Mannheim, we not only offer in-depth studies at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, but also support student-integrated start-ups: with recent federal funding, we have established a broad range of interdisciplinary start-up courses and set up appropriate spaces for experimentation and exchange, including a co-working space, digital innovation lab and start-up workshop. Our coaches and experts can thus support prospective founders in implementing their start-up ideas in a professional environment from the very beginning.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Prof. Dr. Karin Arregui / Prof. Dr. Oliver Hummel

Kontaktdaten
k.arregui@hs-mannheim.de
o.hummel@hs-mannheim.de

Webseite
https://www.startup.hs-mannheim.de/

SPACE - STARTUPLAB Hochschule Mannheim

As a digitization and technology lighthouse in Mannheim, we not only offer in-depth studies at the...

As a digitization and technology lighthouse in Mannheim, we not only offer in-depth studies at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, but also support student-integrated start-ups: with recent federal funding, we have established a broad range of interdisciplinary start-up courses and set up appropriate spaces for experimentation and exchange, including a co-working space, digital innovation lab and start-up workshop. Our coaches and experts can thus support prospective founders in implementing their start-up ideas in a professional environment from the very beginning.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Prof. Dr. Karin Arregui / Prof. Dr. Oliver Hummel

Kontaktdaten
k.arregui@hs-mannheim.de
o.hummel@hs-mannheim.de

Webseite
https://space.hs-mannheim.de

S-HUB Accelerator

The S-HUB Accelerator is the 12-month program for changemakers in and outside of companies and organizations....

The S-HUB Accelerator is the 12-month program for changemakers in and outside of companies and organizations. Whether already with or without an idea, in a team or still alone - social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs of tomorrow are systematically enabled to realize their own business - from the idea to the real foundation.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Dr. Leirich, Lilli

Kontaktdaten
lilli@shub-mannheim.de
Telefon: 0176 214 66 857

Webseite
https://www.shub-mannheim.de/accelerator

S-HUB Mannheim

The S-HUB Mannheim is the start-up center and coworking space for social entrepreneurship in Mannheim.

The S-HUB Mannheim is the start-up center and coworking space for social entrepreneurship in Mannheim.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Dr. Leirich, Lilli / Huber, Carsten

Kontaktdaten
hallo@shub-mannheim.de
Telefon: 0621 71309830

Webseite
https://www.shub-mannheim.de/

IHK StarterCenter Rhein-Neckar

Consulting under one roof with our partner network Business start-up / securing your existence / enterprise...

Consulting under one roof with our partner network
Business start-up / securing your existence / enterprise succession
Do you want to become self-employed? Do you need help to secure your company? Do you want to take over or hand over a business? The IHK StarterCenter Rhein-Neckar is your central point of contact and offers a comprehensive range of information and advice. The StarterCenter bundles numerous IHK-owned services and those offered by external cooperation partners.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Team StarterCenter

Kontaktdaten
Hans-Böckler-Straße 4
69115 Heidelberg
Tel.: 06221 9017-688
startercenter@rhein-neckar.ihk24.de

Webseite
https://www.rhein-neckar.ihk24.de/gruendung

Business & Bildung e.V.

The experts at Business & Bildung e.V. provide individual and personal advice to founders on the...

The experts at Business & Bildung e.V. provide individual and personal advice to founders on the development and implementation of start-up ideas. We answer your questions about self-employment and advise you precisely on your start-up project. We accompany you during the development of the business plan and qualify you process- and result-oriented. We support you in calculations, financing, vendor appearance, marketing, networking. Target group are business founders:

  • Small business founders - all industries
  • Cultural and creative industries
  • Freelancers and freelancers

With the EXI voucher, the consultation is free of charge.

  • Small-Business-Gründer*innen – alle Branchen
  • Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft
  • Freelancer und Freie Berufe

Mit dem Exi-Gutschein ist die Beratung kostenfrei.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Peter Ruderisch / Margot Römmich

Kontaktdaten
Windeckstr. 8
68163 Mannheim
Tel. 0621 1562703
mail@businessundbildung.de

Webseite
https://www.businessundbildung.de

MONEX Mikrofinanzierung Baden-Württemberg e. V.

Small loans for great ideas MONEX was founded in 2005 and accredited in August 2005 as...

Small loans for great ideas MONEX was founded in 2005 and accredited in August 2005 as one of the first microfinanciers in Germany and since then can grant microloans through the Microloan Fund Germany (BMAS and BMWI). As a European form of microcredit developed by Muhammad Yunus, we finance people who only need a small loan to realize a business idea or who have lost their "creditworthiness" with ordinary banks and, if necessary, also accompany them step by step in the implementation of their idea.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Silvestri, Giampaolo

Kontaktdaten
kontakt@monex-bw.de

Webseite
https://monex-mikrofinanzierung.de

PALATINA Business Angels Rhein-Neckar e.V.

PALATINA, the only business angels association based in the Rhine-Neckar-Palatinate region, has set itself the task...
PALATINA, the only business angels association based in the Rhine-Neckar-Palatinate region, has set itself the task of supporting startups with advice and action - especially with capital. Since the fall of 2020, PALATINA has held a pitch event every month (with the exception of December), where three to six young companies present themselves to business angels and other supporters in the region. The results, "connections, supports and capital," are already tangible, including through funding. The focus of the targeted investments is on "Pree-Seed" and "Seed". For closer networking, PALATINA cooperates with a number of other BA associations.

Ansprechpartner*innen
Neuhaus, Rolf

Kontaktdaten
Kopernikusstr. 66
68165 Mannheim
info@palatina-angels.de
0621 - 401 476 11

Webseite
https://www.palatina-angels.de

Pro Social Business e.V.

Pro Social Business e.V. is a center for start-up consulting and business development based in Mannheim...

Pro Social Business e.V. is a center for start-up consulting and business development based in Mannheim and Neustadt. Since 1998, start-ups have been receiving needs-oriented advice and support on their way to professional independence. Our experienced, multilingual team helps with the first steps into your own business and the resulting challenges by systematically interlocking offers. One focus is on start-ups from unemployment. Start-ups by migrants and refugees also receive special support.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Silvestri, Giampaolo

Kontaktdaten
g.silvestri@prosocialbusiness.de / kontakt@prosocialbusiness.de

Webseite
https://prosocialbusiness.de

REGIONAL KOOPERATION PARTNERS

Heidelberg Startup Partners e.V.

Heidelberg Startup Partners is a joint initiative of Heidelberg's leading research and educational institutions, the Heidelberg...

Heidelberg Startup Partners is a joint initiative of Heidelberg's leading research and educational institutions, the Heidelberg Technology Park and the Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An interdisciplinary and inter-institutional team supports founders and startups with scientific, technological and knowledge-based backgrounds in developing and validating business models, applying for funding and seeking venture capital financing. In addition to an extensive event portfolio, Heidelberg Startup Partners maintains an international network of experts and investors. Key topics are Bio-Tech, Med-Tech, Industry-Tech and Artificial Intelligence.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Dr. Thomas Prexl

Kontaktdaten
info@heidelberg-startup-partners.de
06221 71411-160

Webseite
https://www.heidelberg-startup-partners.de

Technologiepark Heidelberg GmbH

The Heidelberg Technology Park was founded in 1984 as Germany's first science park with a focus...

The Heidelberg Technology Park was founded in 1984 as Germany's first science park with a focus on life sciences. Through steady growth, it has been able to establish itself in biotechnology, pharmaceutical technology, environmental technology, and IT at a total of six locations. The technology park promotes the transfer between research and industry with the help of industry-specific accelerator programs and supports spin-offs from science with specific infrastructure. By cooperating with excellent partners - DKFZ, EMBL, International



Ansprechpartner*innen
Dr. André H. R. Domin

Kontaktdaten
technologiepark@heidelberg.de

Webseite
https://www.technologiepark-heidelberg.de

hei_INNOVATION

As the transfer agency of Heidelberg University, hei_INNOVATION stands for knowledge and technology transfer from university...

As the transfer agency of Heidelberg University, hei_INNOVATION stands for knowledge and technology transfer from university research results to society. Its central concern is to coordinate transfer activities across the university, to establish contact with specialized transfer departments of non-university institutions and industrial partners, and to make scientific innovation services available to society. Across disciplinary and institutional boundaries, hei_INNOVATION thus creates a platform for the further development of future-oriented ideas.



Ansprechpartner*innen
Dr. Raoul Haschke

Kontaktdaten
Universität Heidelberg
Stabsstelle hei_INNOVATION
Seminarstr. 2
69117 Heidelberg
Tel. +49 6221 54 12677
heiinnovation@uni-heidelberg.de

Webseite
https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/de/transfer

innoWerft Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Walldorf Stiftung GmbH

We are the Walldorf business incubator for innovative B2B startups from all over the world. We...

We are the Walldorf business incubator for innovative B2B startups from all over the world. We are a joint initiative of SAP SE, the city of Walldorf and the FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik Karlsruhe and support you in turning your business ideas into reality. Whether from the beginning or already in the middle, our shipyard makes your idea seaworthy. You benefit from our experience from accompanying hundreds of startups and more than ten years of expertise in startup support. We bring in our constantly growing network of co-founders, coaches, investors and potential customers and, in selected cases, invest ourselves. Together we board the market!



Ansprechpartner*innen
Sina Bisinger

Kontaktdaten
Adresse: Robert-Bosch-Straße 49, 69190 Walldorf
Telefon: 06227 89934 0
Telefax: 06227 89924 99
E-Mail: kontakt@innowerft.com

Webseite
https://www.innowerft.com

CONTACT

Fiona Preisler

Coordinator Accelerator Programs / Up2B Accelerator

Dr. Claudia Rabe

Deputy Managing Director / Head of Tech, Startup-Support, International

Sonja Wilkens

Department for Economic and Structural Development of the City of Mannheim
All Contacts