Become a Changemaker

If you are applying for the MAX!mize incubation program for the Max Planck Society with a technology-based start-up idea, a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 is required. This means that you should demonstrate at least a Proof of Concept.

We will be happy to help you find out whether you already fulfil this requirement or support you in reaching this level.

If you would like to participate in the incubator with a social science project, this rule does not apply to you.

Don't be afraid. If the jury does not consider your application to be promising and does not admit you to the Bootcamp, you will always have another chance to apply for future Batches.

We therefore recommend that you simply apply. We will give you feedback and tips and will also be happy to help you with any questions you may have during the application process. Just do it! We look forward to hearing from you and your start-up idea.

As there are 84 Max Planck Institutes throughout Germany and therefore various research fields with different needs, we would like to support you as much as possible with your start-up idea and your topic.

Market Challenge Track | max. 18 months

All teams pursuing a topic where the market risk is generally higher than the technological risk are eligible for the Market Challenge in Phase 2.

It should also be noted that the way to reduce the technological risk is known or can be estimated and that less research and development is required in terms of time and budget.

Development Challenge Track | from 18 - 30 months

In order to participate in the Development Challenge Track, it is important to know that these must be risk projects based on scientific discoveries.

Projects that have a high market and technology risk, as well as a fuzzy path to reduce the technology risk and a significant need for research and development in terms of time and budget can be expected, are predestined for the Development Challenge Track in Phase 2 of the MAX!mize Incubation Programme for Max Planck Scientists. It should also be noted here that external grant funding is required for the Development Challenge Track.

We believe that ‘alone you have power, together you have force!’. Even if it sometimes seems as if you can get certain things done faster on your own, working in a team has proven to be more successful. this is also evident in various surveys. If you want to establish your own company in the long term, it's valuable to have a team around you. This has the advantage that you can motivate each other and combine expertise at the same time.

The MAX!mize Incubator events are currently taking place at two different locations.

The boot camp takes place south of Munich. The special feature here is that all teams have the opportunity to sleep on site. Three days of full concentration on your start-up idea! Three days of entrepreneurial spirit with many experienced trainers, experts and many other motivated sciencepreneurs. And of course a lot of fun!

During the two-day check-ins, we will meet in the north of Munich. On the fifth floor of a new building, you can look forward to a light-flooded loft atmosphere.

Of course, you can leave the incubator for Max Planck Scientist early to officially found your company. Should this be the case, please let us know in advance in order that we can plan better and support you accordingly.

The Bootcamp lasts 3 days.

During Phase 1, which lasts six months, you can expect 4 two-day Check-ins on site in Munich.

You can also expect three webinars during Phase 1, each lasting around one hour.

In Phase 2, which can last either 18 or up to 30 months depending on the Track you choose, you can expect two-day Check-in events every six weeks in Munich.

Depending on the jury's decision, your team can receive up to €50,000 in funding for Phase 1 of the incubation program for Max Planck scientists.

This funding can be used to cover personal costs as well as travel expenses, for example to the MAX!mize events.

We are delighted that you already have an initial idea for a science-based start-up.

We would be happy to help you develop your idea further. Contact the MAX!mize team directly via email at maximize@max-planck-innovation.de or our colleagues at Max Planck Innovation via email at info@max-planck-innovation.de. Depending on your needs and the support you would like to receive, we will put you in touch with the contact person who can best help you.

The start-up incubation program MAX!mize is organised by Max Planck Innovation. Max Planck Innovation is responsible for technology transfer from the research institutes of the Max Planck Society and is the central service unit for patenting, licensing and start-up support. All services are free of charge for Max Planck scientists.

Max Planck Innovation GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Max Planck Society.

During the Bootcamp, we require the full presence of the team. Because we would of course like to get to know all members of your start-up team at the kick-off event.

The Check-ins should be attended by at least half of the team. Of course, it is better if you are all together on site at all times so that you can work on your start-up in a focussed manner and take in all the valuable content of the curriculum.

There is currently a 70 - 80 % chance of being accepted into the Incubator Bootcamp for Max Planck scientists after a promising application. What we have noticed, however: The better known our incubation program becomes, the more applications we receive. Of course, we are very pleased about this, but it reduces the chances for teams that want to take part. So our tip is: apply as early as possible to increase your chances.

The reason for pitching to the jury again if you choose the Market Challenge Track in Phase 2 is that, unlike the Development Challenge Track, you do not need external funding. This means that teams in the Development Challenge Track previously had to pitch in order to receive external funding such as Exist or GoBio Next.

Same conditions for everyone. Therefore, the pitch will be conducted within the fourth Check-in in Phase 1 during the MAX!mize program.

Here are a few examples of topics covered within the incubation program for the Max Planck Society: Market

Understand the competitive landscape

Develop a sales process and marketing strategy

Product

Conduct and process customer interviews

Incorporate insights into product development

Team

Manual of me - get to know you and your personality

Reflect & plan roles

Discuss & negotiate conflicts

Strategy

Stakeholder Management

You can discover the feedback here.