Question 1

Who can I contact if I have an idea that is not fully developed yet?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at MAX!MIZE via maximize@max-planck-innovation.de,(mailto:maximize@max-planck-innovation.de) or email our colleagues at Max Planck Innovation at info@max-planck-innovation.de.(mailto:info@max-planck-innovation.de) We’ll connect you with the right contact person for your project.”

Question 2

Where do MAX!mize events take place?

Accepted Answer

The initial Bootcamp, which selects participants for Phase 1, takes place 30 minutes south of Munich at IHK Feldkirchen-Westerham, a secluded venue.

Subsequent Check-Ins are held at a venue in northern Munich.

Question 3

Can I leave the MAX!mize program early to incorporate my company?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you can leave the MAX!mize program early. If you plan to do so, please let us know in advance.

Question 4

What costs are covered for the Bootcamp.

Accepted Answer

Max Planck-affiliated team members will be fully reimbursed for the Bootcamp. Non-Max Planck scientists, however, will need to cover their own travel costs for the Bootcamp.

Question 5

What costs are covered by Phase 1 Funding?

Accepted Answer

If a team is accepted into Phase 1 of MAX!mize, it can receive up to €50,000 in funding. This funding may be used to cover personnel costs as well as travel expenses to MAX!mize events, for example. Please note that this funding is only available to Max Planck-affiliated team members.

Question 6

What is the role of Max Planck Innovation?

Accepted Answer

Max Planck Innovation organizes MAX!mize and is responsible for technology transfer from the research institutes of the Max Planck Society. It serves as the central unit for patenting, licensing, and start-up support, and all services are free of charge for Max Planck scientists.

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

Question 7

How probable is my project to be accepted into the Bootcamp?

Accepted Answer

If you submit a strong application that meets all the requirements, there is about an 80% chance of being invited to the Bootcamp. Submitting your application early can also improve your chances.

Question 8

What topics are covered by MAX!mize?

Accepted Answer

MAX!mize gives participants in-depth insights into key dimensions of building a start-up, including market, product, team, strategy, pitch, and finance. These topics are explored through keynote speeches, workshops, and one-on-one consultations with your start-up coach.

For example:
 • Market: Understanding the competitive landscape, developing a sales strategy
 • Product: Product development with consumer insights, conducting market research
 • Team: Manual of Me, clarifying roles and decision-making
 • Strategy: Stakeholder management

Question 9

Which start-ups need to have a TRL 3?

Accepted Answer

Especially technology-based ideas require a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3. TRL 3 means that a proof of concept must be demonstrated. This requirement does not apply to start-up projects from the social or human sciences.

Question 10

Does the whole team have to attend the events in the Munich area?

Accepted Answer

During the Bootcamp, the full team is required to be present, as we would like to meet all members of your start-up at the kick-off event.

For Check-Ins, at least half the team should be present, though it’s best if the whole team can join to fully benefit from the program and work on your start-up together.

Question 11

What happens if my application isn’t successful the first time?

Accepted Answer

No need to worry. Not being accepted into the Bootcamp doesn’t mean you won’t have a chance to participate in MAX!mize in the future.

We recommend refining your project and applying again for the next batch. Of course, we will provide feedback and advice so you can submit an improved application.

Question 12

What if my Max Planck Institute (MPI) director does not support my participation in MAX!mize?

Accepted Answer

Both your MPI director and Head of Administration must approve your participation in MAX!mize and sign the required Memorandum of Understanding.

Without the approval of both, participation is not possible.

Question 13

Do I need to be a full-time employee of a Max Planck Institute to have my travel costs reimbursed for the Bootcamp?

Accepted Answer

No, a part-time role is also eligible. However, you must be under contract during the Bootcamp.

Question 14

Will MAX!MIZE receive equity or future shares in my project?

Accepted Answer

No, MAX!mize does not take equity. However, the Max Planck Society will receive a 10% equity stake in your start-up once you incorporate your business. This is because the institutes license their technologies to start-ups and receive shares as compensation.

PROGRAM

Tech Innovation

Social Innovation

The 3 Steps of the Program

3 days

6 months

from 18 months (Market Track)
to 30 months (Development Track)

Our Tailored Services

COACHING

NETWORKING

CURRICULUM

FUNDING

Contact us.

Upcoming Dates

until
Feb 2026

20 April
2026

until
July 2026

14-16 April 2026

06 July
2026

27-29 October
2026

Who can I contact if I have an idea that is not fully developed yet?

Where do MAX!mize events take place?

Can I leave the MAX!mize program early to incorporate my company?

What costs are covered for the Bootcamp.

What costs are covered by Phase 1 Funding?

What is the role of Max Planck Innovation?

How probable is my project to be accepted into the Bootcamp?

What topics are covered by MAX!mize?

Which start-ups need to have a TRL 3?

Does the whole team have to attend the events in the Munich area?

What happens if my application isn’t successful the first time?

What if my Max Planck Institute (MPI) director does not support my participation in MAX!mize?

Do I need to be a full-time employee of a Max Planck Institute to have my travel costs reimbursed for the Bootcamp?

Will MAX!MIZE receive equity or future shares in my project?

FAQ: Your Questions – Our Answers

PROGRAM

Tech Innovation

Social Innovation

The 3 Steps of the Program

3 days

6 months

from 18 months (Market Track) to 30 months (Development Track)

Our Tailored Services

COACHING

NETWORKING

CURRICULUM

FUNDING

Contact us.

Upcoming Dates

until Feb 2026

20 April 2026

until July 2026

14-16 April 2026

06 July 2026

27-29 October 2026

Who can I contact if I have an idea that is not fully developed yet?

Where do MAX!mize events take place?

Can I leave the MAX!mize program early to incorporate my company?

What costs are covered for the Bootcamp.

What costs are covered by Phase 1 Funding?

What is the role of Max Planck Innovation?

How probable is my project to be accepted into the Bootcamp?

What topics are covered by MAX!mize?

Which start-ups need to have a TRL 3?

Does the whole team have to attend the events in the Munich area?

What happens if my application isn’t successful the first time?

What if my Max Planck Institute (MPI) director does not support my participation in MAX!mize?

Do I need to be a full-time employee of a Max Planck Institute to have my travel costs reimbursed for the Bootcamp?

Will MAX!MIZE receive equity or future shares in my project?

FAQ: Your Questions – Our Answers

from 18 months (Market Track)
to 30 months (Development Track)

until
Feb 2026

20 April
2026

until
July 2026

06 July
2026

27-29 October
2026