Helmholtz Enterprise
Helmholtz Enterprise funds Helmholtz scientists to validate markets and launch research-based spin-offs through financial support, training, and expert mentoring.
Funder: Helmholtz Association
Due Dates: March 27, 2026 (Spin-off Program & Field Study Fellowship) | September 25, 2026 (Field Study Fellowship next intake)
Funding Amounts: Up to €25,000 (Field Study Fellowship, max. 3 months, no co-funding required) | Up to €250,000 (Spin-off Program, max. 14 months, 25% co-funding by Center required)
Summary: Supports Helmholtz scientists to explore market needs and launch research-based spin-offs through targeted funding and entrepreneurial training.
Key Information: Only employees of Helmholtz Centers are eligible; companies must not be founded at time of application.
Description
Helmholtz Enterprise is an internal funding program of the Helmholtz Association designed to foster entrepreneurship and spin-off creation among researchers at Helmholtz Centers. The program consists of two independent modules: the Field Study Fellowship, which supports early-stage market validation and customer discovery, and the Spin-off Program, which funds the development and launch of research-based start-ups. Both modules provide financial support, training, and access to expert mentoring, with the aim of translating scientific innovations into impactful ventures.
