This program is designed to empower researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including life, physical, and social sciences, to translate their insights into practical applications. It offers a start-up incubation program specifically for researchers from all 84 Max Planck Institutes who are interested in founding a company. The initiative provides personalized coaching and tailored content to support each individual business idea, helping participants develop entrepreneurial skills, refine their business models, and transform their research into real-world impact.
Program Focus
• Tech Innovation
• Social Innovation
Program Structure
The program is structured in three distinct steps:
• Step 1 - Stress Test: A 3-day event to stress test the start-up idea. This is initially at the participant's own expense.
• Step 2 - Validation: A 6-month phase for validating the start-up idea with regard to market, team, strategy, and product. A jury may award need-based funding of up to €50,000.
• Step 3 - Incorporation: A phase for start-up incorporation, divided into two tracks. The Market Track lasts up to 18 months, while the Development Track can last 18-30 months. Flexible, need-based funding of up to €220,000 may be awarded by a jury, or teams can secure external grant funding.
Tailored Services
• Coaching: Participants work with experienced start-up coaches, experts, and trainers, receiving one-on-one advice tailored to their business idea.
• Networking: Access to start-up events with successful founders, partners, and fellow Max Planck entrepreneurs.
• Curriculum: A structured curriculum based on the specific needs of research-based start-ups in both social and tech fields.
• Funding: Opportunity to receive need-based funding that matches the nature of the start-up project.
Upcoming Dates
• Batch #7 Selection Process: Ongoing until February 2026
• Batch #7 Bootcamp: April 14-16, 2026
• Batch #8 Application Window Opens: April 20, 2026
• Batch #8 Application Deadline: July 6, 2026
• Batch #8 Selection Process: Ongoing until July 2026
• Batch #8 Bootcamp: October 27-29, 2026
Program Details and FAQ
• Program Topics: The curriculum offers in-depth insights into key dimensions of building a start-up, including market, product, team, strategy, pitch, and finance. These are explored through keynotes, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. Topics include competitive landscape analysis, product development with consumer insights, clarifying team roles, and stakeholder management.
• Technical Requirements: Technology-based ideas require a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3, meaning a proof of concept must be demonstrated. This requirement does not apply to projects from the social or human sciences.
• Event Location: The initial Bootcamp is held at IHK Feldkirchen-Westerham, 30 minutes south of Munich. Subsequent Check-In events take place at a venue in northern Munich.
• Attendance Policy: The full team is required to be present during the Bootcamp. For subsequent Check-Ins, at least half the team should be present to fully benefit from the program.
• Bootcamp Cost Coverage: Travel costs for the Bootcamp are fully reimbursed for Max Planck-affiliated team members who are under contract during the event (part-time roles are eligible). Non-Max Planck scientists must cover their own travel costs.
• Phase 1 Funding: Teams accepted into Phase 1 can receive up to €50,000 in funding. This can be used for personnel costs and travel expenses for program events. This funding is only available to Max Planck-affiliated team members.
• Acceptance Probability: Strong applications that meet all requirements have approximately an 80% chance of being invited to the Bootcamp. Applying early may improve chances.
• Program Flexibility: Participants can leave the program early to incorporate their company, but are requested to provide advance notice.
• Equity Stake: The MAX!mize program itself does not take equity. However, upon incorporation, the Max Planck Society receives a 10% equity stake in the start-up as compensation for licensing its technologies.
• Role of Max Planck Innovation: Max Planck Innovation organizes the program and is responsible for technology transfer from the Max Planck Society's research institutes. It provides patenting, licensing, and start-up support services free of charge to Max Planck scientists.
To determine the next steps in your start-up journey or for inquiries about ideas that are not yet fully developed, interested parties can contact the program organizers. For specific questions about the MAX!MIZE program, email maximize@max-planck-innovation.de. For general inquiries, contact the team at Max Planck Innovation at info@max-planck-innovation.de.