Helmholtz Enterprise
Helmholtz Enterprise funds Helmholtz researchers to validate market potential and launch spin-offs by supporting market research, team building, and entrepreneurship training.
Funder: Helmholtz Association
Due Dates: March 27, 2026 (Spin-off & Field Study Fellowship) | September 25, 2026 (Field Study Fellowship, next cycle)
Funding Amounts: Field Study Fellowship: up to €25,000 for 3 months | Spin-off Program: up to €250,000 for 14 months (requires at least 25% co-funding from Center)
Summary: Supports Helmholtz scientists in market validation and launching spin-off companies via funding for market research and start-up team development.
Key Information: Only employees at Helmholtz Centers are eligible; applications via ProMeta platform; Center support required.
Description
This internal funding program from the Helmholtz Association is designed to help researchers at Helmholtz Centers develop entrepreneurial skills and translate research into successful spin-off companies. The program is divided into two independent modules:
- Field Study Fellowship: Provides short-term funding for personnel and material costs to conduct customer interviews and market research, validating the commercial potential of research ideas.
- Spin-off Program: Offers more substantial funding to assemble and support start-up teams, including external members, and covers entrepreneurship training and other costs necessary for establishing a new venture.
Both modules aim to foster a strong culture of innovation and technology transfer within the Helmholtz Association.
