Become an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs from science know about the potential of their research results. Planning comprehensively and adopting a strategic approach help them to successfully launch their company and anticipate risks.


Your Research, Your Impact, Your Start-up

Take control of the future of your research: Turn your findings into marketable products or services – with our support. We’ll guide you through financing, business planning, and connecting you to the right network to make your idea a success.

Got an idea with market potential? We’ll support you every step of the way – from the initial concept to a successful spin-off.

Schedule your initial consultation now

Why start a business?


Starting a company allows researchers to maintain control over the development of their technology. As a founder, you can turn your vision into reality: Greater autonomy and flexibility make it easier to drive your research and innovations forward.

Jülich spin-offs show that it's possible: Explore current spin-offs

What are the benefits?


✅ You bring your research into practice.


✅ You gain access to funding & networks.


✅ You get to make your own decisions as a founder.


✅ You have experienced support by your side.


Join us at Startup Week AC

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4 July 2025 // 09.45 a.m. // Gründerzentrum FH AC

Join our Startup Week AC Workshop

Think it. Shape it. Start it.

a case study guided ideation workshop

Thinking about starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? In just 2.5 hours, this hands-on ideation workshop gives you the tools to move from spark to concept — guided by a real case study and packed with creative methods to kickstart your journey.

Whether you’ve got a half-formed idea or are starting from scratch — this is your first real step towards something big.

Join us and register for the workshop

How we support you each step of the way

Let's talk: Schedule a consultation

At FZ Jülich, our Innovation Management team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll craft detailed business plans to help you convince investors of your spin-off's potential and guide you through the entire process if needed.

Often, the first step in any spin-off journey comes from a one-on-one consultation.

Meet the Innovation Management Team at FZ Jülich

Evaluate Your Idea
Create Your Business Plan
Secure Your Funding
Clarify Legal Questions
Learn, Connect, Launch

On their way to launch a start-up

Drought Analytics

Drought Analytics develops data-driven solutions for accurate drought and water scarcity forecasting. Using innovative climate data analysis, the team aims to support companies, authorities, and farmers in identifying risks early and developing sustainable management strategies.

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Clean H2eat

How can hydrogen be used without producing CO₂ or nitrogen oxides? Simon Hahn, a chemical engineer from Jülich, has an answer: he replaces the flame with a catalyst and is developing a technology that delivers emission-free process heat. His upcoming spin-off aims to benefit both industry and the environment.

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MiBioLab

The spin-off project MiBioLab develops a platform to analyze and optimize microbiological production processes faster and more efficiently — automated, scalable, and sustainable. It is ideal for companies looking to advance biotechnological processes or bring them into industrial application.

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Drought Analytics develops data-driven solutions for accurate drought and water scarcity forecasting. Using innovative climate data analysis, the team aims to support companies, authorities, and farmers in identifying risks early and developing sustainable management strategies.

More

Partners, Programs, and Networks for Founders

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For Young Researchers: Free and Hands-On

From Idea to Application: Learn the Basics

Identify transfer potential, develop business models, and take the first steps toward founding your own company: Learn from experts, connect with like-minded individuals, and move your research toward the market.

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For All Helmholtz Researchers

Practical Training for Transfer & Innovation: HAFIS Academy

Develop new skills and practical transfer strategies, business models, and collaboration approaches for your research.

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Internationale Entrepreneurship Plattform

Entrepreneur First

Entrepreneur First is a global platform that matches ambitious individuals to international co-founder teams - and specifically matches them with investors and partners in new start-ups.

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Young Entrepreneurs in Science Initiative

YES Programme

The YES Initiative's training programs provide young scientists with new career perspectives, even during their doctoral studies. YES offers workshops, mentoring, funding opportunities, and networking platforms to support their professional development.

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Jülich Start-up Accelerator for Green-Tech

Zebra Startups

Startup programs for zebra companies: The Startup Village at Brainergypark supports early-stage startups in the GreenTech and impact entrepreneurship sectors throughout their founding journey.

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Mistakes Do Happen

Venturing into the world of startups is a bold move, and Vitali Weißbecker, founder of Jülich-based spin-off company Precors, knows this firsthand.

Read the interview

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Sustainable Home for Start-ups

Jülich Startup Village

At Startup Village Jülich, founders, startups, and SMEs benefit from a unique ecosystem with support and modern infrastructures that foster sustainable ideas and innovations.

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Regional start-up support

GründerRegion

The GründerRegion Aachen supports start-ups from the region. The information and advisory services are largely free of charge and practice-oriented.

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Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Existenzgründungsportal

The Existenzgründungsportal (Start-up Portal) of the BMWK brings together resources, media, and services for founders. The Expertenforum (Expert Forum) provides a platform to directly address specific questions and seek expert advice.

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Setting the course: Funding for start-up projects

Get an overview of the most important funding programmes for spin-off projects

Discover funding opportunities in science

More information

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FAQ: Innovation and Transfer

Get answers on frequently asked questions

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Spin-offs at FZ Jülich

Discover innovative start-ups at FZ Jülich

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Intellectual Property

Protect your scientific discoveries

Last Modified: 03.06.2025