A stylized rocket, formed from blue mesh lines, rises above a polygonal structure on a dark background.

Start-ups & Entrepreneurs

Science meets entrepreneurship

Start-ups are an effective way of transferring findings from basic research into practice. When researchers set up their own companies, they not only drive technological innovation forward—they also generate direct social and economic impetus and take control of their own careers. Here are some current examples of company spin-offs:

The illustration shows Stellaris, the stellarator fusion power plant that will feed fusion power into the grid. It has the shape of a twisted dough ring.

Proxima Fusion

Sustainable energy & environmental technology
The start-up is working on a magnetic fusion reactor type called the Stellarator. By 2031, the company aims to build the ‘Alpha’ fusion reactor, which will generate more energy than it consumes. This will be followed by the first fusion power plant to feed electricity into the grid: ‘Stellaris’.
The image shows a standard battery and a Batene fleece-based battery cell, each containing the same amount of active material, but emitting different levels of light. Batene GmbH replaces the metal contact foils commonly used in batteries today with metal fleece. This makes it possible to manufacture electrodes that are up to ten times thicker than those used today. Thanks to the thicker electrodes, the energy density of batteries increases by at least 30 percent, with up to 80 percent possible. At the same time, the metal fleeces simplify manufacturing and could reduce the cost of a battery by up to 40 percent. The start-up is cooperating with well-known automobile manufacturers and is currently planning a pilot plant to demonstrate that fleece electrodes can be manufactured on an industrial scale.

Batene

New approach to battery technology 
The start-up replaces the thin contact foils used in conventional batteries with fleece made of fine metal wires, known as Batene fleece. Batteries can store up to 80 percent more energy when they use Batene technology. Simplified production also reduces manufacturing costs by up to 50 percent.
The heart of the quantum computer: the photo shows an exhibit from planqc depicting a glass cell in which atoms are controlled.

Planqc

Neutral atoms as information storage
planqc develops quantum computers that store information in individual atoms, known as qubits. The technology aims to achieve rapid progress in the development of industry-ready quantum computers. Planqc uses quantum machine learning to work on climate simulations and the development of efficient batteries for electric vehicles.
Multicolored rectangles arranged in a dynamic circular pattern, creating a sense of movement.

Lucid Genomics

AI in biomedicine
This start-up is unlocking previously undiscovered parts of human DNA. They are revolutionising healthcare with AI-powered solutions that translate 100% of genetic information into valuable insights for better patient care and accelerated drug discovery.
A moment before division: The human egg prepares to partition its DNA.

Ovo Labs

Improved fertility treatments
Ovo Labs develops novel therapeutics to improve the quality of human egg cells. The active ingredients are designed to help women remain fertile longer and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and artificial insemination.
The image shows a female boxer with her trainer on the left side of the image and images of their avatars on the right side.

Meshcapade 

Winner of the Stifterverband Start-up Award 2022
Meshcapade has built the foundation for all applications to transport the physical reality of people — talking, moving, interacting with the world — into the digital space. With this, Meshcapade is now developing the world's first and only 3D human behavior engine to power human-like interactions and behaviors for AI characters, virtual beings and humanoid robots.

All start-ups supported by Max Planck Innovation GmbH

at a glance

Become a MAXpreneur

Max Planck Innovation GmbH supports scientists at the Max Planck Society in taking this step: from the initial idea to the implementation of a research-based business model – with comprehensive advice, targeted funding and access to a strong network of investor companies, businesses and industry partners.

A collaborative meeting in a modern office environment featuring participants with notebooks, glasses, orange lanyards, and visible office materials.

Starting a business as a career option through MAXpreneurs

The Planck Academy offers researchers interested in founding a company an initial insight into knowledge and technology transfer with its Industry Track. Those who wish to explore the topic of founding a company further can participate in the MaxPreneurs Start-up Journey, which includes start-up schools, information events and networking opportunities provided by the Max Planck Foundation. 
Two laptops on a wooden desk; hands of two individuals are writing notes on printed documents, focusing on collaboration.

Coaching 

From the initial idea to financing: Max Planck Innovation supports scientists at the Max Planck Society with its many years of experience on the path to successful spin-offs. The interdisciplinary team offers sound advice and opens doors to a broad network of investors and industry partners – so that research can be turned into viable businesses.
Numerous sticky notes in bright colors, such as yellow, red, and blue, adorn a glass wall in an office environment, suggesting an organized planning or creative process.

MAX!mize – The incubation programme for those interested in starting a business

Researchers with start-up ambitions benefit from individual support, practical workshops and webinars, financial support and numerous networking opportunities in the two-stage MAX!mize programme. Experienced figures from the worlds of entrepreneurship, investment and consulting are on hand to assist them and provide concrete support in transforming innovative ideas into successful start-ups.
Detailed view of a laboratory setup featuring multiple metal rings and rods, with a light source illuminating the scene from behind.

Funding opportunities

Max Planck Innovation offers researchers at the Max Planck Society targeted programmes for further developing research results and strengthening innovation capabilities. The team provides individual, practical and needs-based advice on selecting the right funding instrument – some of these programmes were developed in-house. They enable thorough preparation for the next steps in the innovation or start-up process.
A diverse group of scientists in lab coats stands confidently in a laboratory, with various lab equipment and a whiteboard in the background.

Startup-Accelerator 

The Max Planck Startup Accelerator supports deep tech startups with a connection to Max Planck – for example, through patents, licences or alumni – with a tailored programme during the initial growth phase, including financing.

Contact

Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Arnulfstr. 58
80335 Munich
Germany


Phone: +49 89 29 09 19 - 0

Web-View
Print Page
Open in new window
Estimated DIN-A4 page-width
Go to Editor View