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.