Spin-off Program
ForecastedInternal — Helmholtz Association only
Spin-off Program supports Helmholtz Center scientists in developing spin-off projects, forming founding teams, and building entrepreneurial skills to establish businesses and strengthen research transfer.
Funder: Helmholtz Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to €250,000 over 14 months, with Center co-funding of at least 25% of total project costs
Summary: Supports Helmholtz Center teams in developing spin-off projects, building founding teams, and strengthening entrepreneurial skills.
Key Information: Helmholtz Centers apply through their transfer offices; already-founded companies are not eligible.
Description
The Spin-off Program is part of Helmholtz Enterprise, the Helmholtz Association’s internal program for spin-offs, funded through its Initiative and Networking Fund. It supports scientists in working entrepreneurially and establishing well-thought-out businesses while strengthening the transfer culture at Helmholtz Centers. Funding supports start-up team formation, implementation of start-up projects, externally recruited team members where needed, and development of entrepreneurial competencies.
The program combines project funding with expert advice, individual coaching, and accelerator participation. Its scope includes technology spin-offs and certain service, nonprofit, and life-science transfer projects. The separate Field Study Fellowship can help teams understand customer needs before applying, but completing that fellowship is not required. Teams entering the Spin-off Program must already understand the problem their potential customers need solved.
