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Impact Incubator at the University of Potsdam: Working together for sustainable start-up ideas

Media information 13-11-2024 / No. 106

Eine Glühbirne auf der Erde mit einer kleinen Pflanze im Inneren
Photo : pexels@singkham

Start-ups that tackle social and environmental challenges in a special way are now receiving targeted support from Potsdam Transfer, the centre for start-ups, knowledge and technology transfer at the University of Potsdam: In the new ‘Impact Incubator’ with topic-specific labs for ClimateTech, GreenTech, FoodTech and Social Impact, start-up ideas for sustainable companies are to mature and be put into practice. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) are funding the programme with over 1.8 million euros over the next three years.

‘As one of Germany's leading start-up universities with a clear focus on research, innovation and transfer, we are creating a platform with the Impact Incubator that makes an essential contribution to the sustainable development of our society,’ emphasises University President Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. “We are thus taking another important step towards a more sustainable and inclusive start-up culture,” adds Johannes Zier, Head of Startup Services at Potsdam Transfer. ‘The close collaboration with our strong partners in the field will ensure that the start-up teams have access to valuable resources, networks and expert knowledge. Together, we want to develop innovative solutions for social and global challenges.’

The Impact Incubator offers targeted programmes and workshops that cover the specific needs of start-ups. ‘The planned measures include boot camps on sustainable and social business models, individual consultations and industry-specific networking opportunities with experienced companies and experts,’ explains Sascha Thormann, Managing Director of Potsdam Transfer. The project is being realised in cooperation with renowned partners such as the Falling Walls Foundation, LEAG, Acker Impact, KitchenTown, the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL), the Institute for Innovation and Technology (VDI/VDE), the HPI School of Design Thinking and regional consulting firms such as Dimler & Karcher, Knuth Consulting and manus ordinans. Together, these players create a supportive environment in which committed start-ups can emerge, grow and bring about long-term positive change.

Since 2011, Potsdam Transfer's Startup Service has already helped 412 startups on their way. The success of numerous sustainable and social enterprises such as Acker e.V., Helferbär GmbH or valupa GmbH shows how positively such start-ups develop. Interested founders and companies are invited to visit the Potsdam Transfer website for more information or to apply for the Impact Incubator now: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/potsdam-transfer

Kontakt: Johannes Zier, Leiter des Startup Service bei Potsdam Transfer, Universität Potsdam
Telefon: 0331 977-1720
E-Mail: johannes.zieruni-potsdamde

Media information 13-11-2024 / No. 106

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Johannes Zier
Campus Griebnitzsee, Haus 7, Raum 1.23
14482 Potsdam
Phone +49 331 977-1720

Online editorial

Josephine Arnold