Hey, Max Planck Changemakers:
Ready to Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential?
MAX!mize is more than just an incubation program
It is a space for exchange, learning, growth, and networking – exclusively for Max Planck Scientists.
It is a structured path from early-stage idea to start-up.
Here, a community is created where you collaboratively develop entrepreneurial thinking and turn your Max Planck research into a scalable start-up with tailored support.
Tech Innovation
Social Innovation
We empower researchers from across disciplines – from life to physical to social sciences – to turn their insights into application.
MAX!mize is a selective incubator program
3 days
6 months
max. 18 months (Market Track) or from 18-30 months (Development Track)
COACHING
NETWORKING
CURRICULUM
FUNDING
TEAM
A minimum of two individuals is required for incubation in MAX!mize.
MAX PLANCK AFFILIATION
Only Max Planck–affiliated team members can receive funding, so at least one team member must have a Max Planck affiliation.
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FIRST PROOF OF CONCEPT
A first PoC offers initial insight into your start-up idea, reduces risks and resource use, and provides a solid basis for decision-making.
Shining Start-up Stories
Teams in
Phase 1
10
Teams in
Phase 2
16
Max Planck Institutes
15 +
MAX!mize Spin-offs
10
Program Feedback from MAX!mize Teams
Feedback on the Bootcamp from the Batch #5 teams in response to the question:
What was the single most valuable thing you learned during the Bootcamp?
"This experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone, forcing me to break down complex ideas, craft a compelling narrative, and deliver it with clarity and confidence."
"It made me realize that bridging the gap between deep science and real-world impact is not just possible, but essential for driving innovation."
"I learned how the idea of founding a company can be translated into concrete steps and an action plan."
"Be dynamic and flexible, find out more about what customers need, not what you currently have."
Contact us.
Where are you right now in your start-up journey?
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Let's figure it out together and take the next steps.
