Starting a Business
This is where tomorrow's startups are born.
From the lecture on starting your own business: We provide the freedom, infrastructure, and network needed to turn theory into real innovation.
gründen is the university’s central resource for topics related to self-employment, entrepreneurship, and starting a business -for students, researchers, faculty, and alumni. Through workshops, seminars, personalized startup and funding advice, and an extensive network, we support members of the university community interested in starting a business.
Your Startup Support at HSO
Advice & Support
From idea to concept: Do you have a flash of inspiration but don’t know where to start? Our Startup Office will guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you thoroughly evaluate your business model, assist you with bureaucratic hurdles, and pave the way for you to access exclusive startup grants such as the exist funding programs.
Semester Pitch
Your Idea on the Big Stage: At the university’s internal Semester Pitch, university members present their innovative concepts to an expert jury. This is your chance to secure valuable feedback and exclusive access to validation budgets—such as the KickStart grant—or workspaces in the gründen-Lab, and to make your first connections within our network.
The application process consists of three steps:
Contact us to clarify any initial questions.
Submit your project idea using our application form (PDF) for the preliminary selection.
Present and discuss your idea before the jury, which consists of representatives from the advisory board.
The gründen-Lab
Your space for innovation: Coworking, creative exchange, and high-tech—all in one place: In the central gründen-Lab on campus, you’ll work side by side with other teams. For hands-on work, you’ll use the MakerSpace for rapid prototyping (3D printing, etc.), and for specialized needs, the university’s labs and institutes are at your disposal.
Entrepreneurship Education
Entrepreneurial spirit during your studies: The best ideas emerge where different disciplines intersect. That’s why we think and work across faculties at HSO. Flexibly integrate entrepreneurship into your schedule through elective courses such as the Entrepreneurship lecture series, or hone your skills in hands-on workshops offered by our Career Center. Work on your own startup during your internship semester or write your thesis on your project.
Our Network
Your connection to global market leaders: The Ortenau region is home to many “hidden champions.” Through our membership in the Mittelbaden Technology and Business Foundation and our close networking and partnerships with Black Forest Innovation, foundersnet, BadenCampus, the Southern Upper Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Freiburg Chamber of Crafts, and regional companies, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the economic ecosystem. Here, you’ll find the perfect mentors, collaboration partners, and investors right from the start.
Other Programs Offered by Hochschule Offenburg
OGFLab: The OGFLab serves as a launchpad for starting a business at the University. It is a coworking space, makerspace, and incubator.
Entrepreneurship Chair: As part of the Entrepreneurship Chair, there are various programs focused on entrepreneurship
Career Center
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