Start-up Consultation and Guidance
TRACES is the central platform and first point of contact for anyone interested in setting up a business, seeking start-up advice or pursuing entrepreneurial projects at the University of Stuttgart. Whether you have just an initial idea or a concrete plan, this is where entrepreneurial journeys begin at the University of Stuttgart. As part of the Transfer Centre TRACES, our services are aimed at members of the university as well as interested individuals from Stuttgart and the surrounding region.
An Introduction to Founding a Business at the University of Stuttgart
I want to found a start-up: Free AI tools to discover start-up opportunities, test ideas and sort out funding
Do you have a start-up idea or would you like to develop a business idea? Use our digital tools to discover opportunities, test ideas and assess funding options – step by step.
Our tools also support rapid prototyping and experimentation with AI (‘Vibe Coding’) – without the need for any programming knowledge.
The TRACES GPTs guide you step by step through typical questions relating to start-up, validation, funding and transfer. They help you sort through ideas, highlight critical assumptions and prepare the next steps for a meeting with TRACES.
Note on the use of external AI tools
The linked AI tools are operated by external providers, not by the systems of the University of Stuttgart. The University of Stuttgart has no access to the content entered. Please do not enter any confidential research content, information relating to intellectual property rights, EXIST application texts, trade secrets or personal data. Where possible, use anonymised or abbreviated descriptions and check the data protection and account settings of the relevant provider.
1️⃣ Discover opportunities. Find start-up ideas.
Opportunity Radar for new business models
Analyses technological developments, markets and real-world challenges, and identifies opportunities for innovation, research transfer or new start-up business models. Particularly suitable for researchers and PhD students who wish to explore the transfer potential of their work. Developed by TRACES, University of Stuttgart · free of charge · ChatGPT login
2️⃣ Test an idea – Test start-up ideas using AI
Validation Co-Pilot
Helps you assess whether an idea’s problem, target audience and business model are viable — ideal for initial self-reflection before seeking start-up advice. Developed by TRACES, University of Stuttgart · free of charge · ChatGPT login
3️⃣ Assess funding
Start-up Financing Navigator
Shows which support programs, EXIST grants or funding options are suitable for a project. Developed by TRACES, University of Stuttgart · free of charge · ChatGPT login
Next step: a personal consultation
👩🏻💻 Personalised start-up advice
Do you have a specific idea, or would you like to discuss your next steps?
☕ Guidance and networking at Founders Coffee
Get answers to your initial questions and find out more about the start-up ecosystem. No registration required.
👉 Thursdays, 1 pm–2 pm at Café Freiraum, Campus Vaihingen
Submit a general enquiry by email
👉 startupcoaching@traces.uni-stuttgart.de
We help you to develop viable business models from initial ideas, assess market potential and realistically prepare applications for suitable funding schemes (e.g. EXIST). Together, we will determine which steps make sense for your project and what a possible path to spin-off might look like.
EXIST, grant funding and start-up financing explained
Are you looking for funding for a start-up, a research transfer project or a spin-off at the University of Stuttgart? Then start with TRACES Start-up Coaching.
We help you get an initial overview of funding opportunities such as EXIST, work with you to assess the maturity of your idea and clarify which next steps make sense.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Initial self-assessment using the Startup Financing Navigator
2. Discuss the results and requirements during a start-up consultation
3. For suitable projects, prepare the next steps with partners such as the TTI
👉 Assess your funding options with the Startup Financing Navigator
👉 Book a start-up consultation
Preparing for funding programs (e.g. EXIST)
Funding schemes such as the EXIST Start-up Grant or the EXIST Research Transfer programme require intensive preparation in terms of content.
Experience shows that teams need:
- around 3 months’ preparation for an EXIST Start-up Grant application
- around 6 months’ preparation for an EXIST Research Transfer application
During this time, the business model, market understanding, team structure and technology or transfer strategy are further developed collaboratively. Seeking advice at an early stage helps to develop start-up ideas in a structured manner and to prepare funding programmes realistically.
Note for research-based start-up projects
If a start-up is based on research results from the University of Stuttgart, questions regarding intellectual property rights and rights of use may arise. In such cases, Department 1 – Research and Transfer provides support in clarifying the IP situation.
Particularly for technology-oriented or deep-tech start-ups, patents can represent a significant competitive advantage.
At the same time, our experience shows: Many ideas develop step by step. Often, the initial focus is on experimenting and understanding the problem.
Not every idea has to become a start-up straight away
Entrepreneurial activity can start in everyday life – for example, through services, digital offerings, workshops or small-scale business models.
Many people start on the side, test their ideas and, step by step, develop them into larger projects.
Possible ways to get started:
• Sharing knowledge (workshops, coaching, tutorials)
• Offering services (web, AI, social media, design)
• Developing digital products
• Testing ideas on a small scale
• Working as a self-employed person on a part-time basis
Even these first steps foster an entrepreneurial mindset and can serve as a starting point for larger start-up ventures.
Funding programs are one possible option – but not the only one.
Independent of EXIST, TRACES also supports spin-offs from the University of Stuttgart.
Spin-offs of the University of Stuttgart
If you are considering a spin-off based on research, your studies or university practice, TRACES can help you map out the next steps.
This includes, in particular:
- Developing and refining start-up ideas and business models
- Preparing for funding programmes and financing options, such as
- the EXIST Start-up Grant
- EXIST Research Transfer
- Young Innovators
- BW Pre-Seed
- Networking with suitable partners in the start-up ecosystem, e.g. TTI, ENI
If your start-up is based on research results from the University of Stuttgart, Department 1 will assist you with any queries regarding intellectual property rights and rights of use.
Would you like to discuss your idea?
You can book an appointment for start-up advice online here:
Book an appointment
Please send any general enquiries to:
startupcoaching@traces.uni-stuttgart.de
Found out more about successful start-ups from Uni Stuttgart
Other programs and initiatives within the TRACES ecosystem
In addition to advisory services, the University of Stuttgart offers various programmes and initiatives designed to support entrepreneurial thinking and start-up projects.
Many of these programmes have their own application deadlines or selection processes.
We’d be happy to help you find out which programmes suit your idea and your current situation.
- SHAPE Catalyst
Enables PhD students and undergraduates, particularly those from the humanities and social sciences, to explore entrepreneurial thinking and translate societal challenges into solution-oriented projects.
- Inspire2Start
Promotes a start-up culture and innovation skills at universities through awareness-raising, training and networking.
- Start-up BW Women Lab
Supports female founders in Baden-Württemberg and raises the profile of female entrepreneurship.
- EXIST Women
Supports women on their journey from idea to potential start-up and facilitates access to funding programmes.
Entrepreneurship Newsletter: Information on events, competitions, start-ups and developments in the start-up scene – emailed every two weeks (in german only).
Further support services within the University of Stuttgart’s start-up ecosystem
Together with various organisations, the University of Stuttgart supports start-up enthusiasts and innovation projects.
Depending on the topic, we collaborate with partners from the start-up and technology transfer ecosystem.
The following sections provide an overview of further support services.
The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI) offers courses and programmes focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation and business model development.
Students and researchers can develop entrepreneurial skills here, refine their own ideas and explore topics such as innovation, technology transfer and start-ups.
The range of offerings includes, amongst other things:
• Courses and key skills in the field of entrepreneurship
• the RISE programme – Research, Innovation, Science & Entrepreneurship for early-career researchers
Further information and current programmes can be found on the ENI website.
An idea for a start-up? Let’s take a look at it together.
Do you have an idea – perhaps from your studies, your research, a practical project or simply from your own observations – and would you like to know whether it could lead to a business or a start-up?
Are you wondering whether your idea is viable, what the next sensible steps are, or whether a funding programme (e.g. EXIST) might be suitable for you?
Whatever your field of expertise, we’ll help you structure your plans, test your assumptions and develop well-founded next steps.
Our services are free of charge and confidential.
Your options for getting started
☕ Founder Coffee
Orientation and initial discussion
Open group drop-in session – no booking required.
📍 Every Thursday, 1 pm–2 pm at Café Freiraum, Vaihingen Campus.
Here you can ask questions without obligation, discuss initial ideas and find out about the support services available at the university.
The Founders Coffee is designed to provide guidance and is not a substitute for individual counselling.
🧠 Validation Co-Pilot
Reflect on your ideas independently – gain clarity before you book an appointment
With our digital validation checker, you can structure and assess your idea – or several approaches – on your own. Particularly helpful for initial ideas, side projects or start-up ventures.
The tool helps you to
- clearly identify the underlying problem
- compare ideas with one another
- critically examine assumptions
- and recognise potential weaknesses or areas for development.
Use of the tool is voluntary and not a prerequisite for a one-to-one consultation. The Validation Checker is particularly suitable for very early stages or for structured preparation for a consultation.
👉Test your idea and get clarity in 15 minutes → Get started now
(free of charge · ChatGPT login required)
💰 Start-up Financing Navigator
Guidance on EXIST, grants and funding options
Our Financing Navigator helps you assess which funding routes are suitable for your project and whether securing funding makes sense at this stage.
The tool is particularly useful in the early stages, when questions arise about EXIST, grant schemes or investor readiness.
The tool helps you to
• assess whether your project is ready for funding
• understand suitable grant and funding options
• understand the requirements and expectations (e.g. EXIST)
• recognise common misconceptions about funding
• realistically consider team, commitment and time factors
Use of the tool is voluntary and is not a prerequisite for an individual consultation. The Navigator is particularly suitable for preparing for a consultation or for initial guidance.
👉 Explore funding options and gain a better understanding → Get started now
(free of charge · ChatGPT login required)
🤝 Personalised start-up consultancy (1:1)
In-depth support and strategic guidance
If you’d like to develop your idea in more detail or explore funding opportunities, we recommend a personalised consultation with our start-up coaches.
During this session, we will work together on:
- Refining your problem definition and target audience
- Validation strategy (e.g. interviews, pilot projects, collaboration partners)
- Business model structure and monetisation
- Clarifying team roles and responsibilities
- Strategic assessment of suitable funding or accelerator programmes (e.g. EXIST)
The assessment of funding programmes is based on your current stage of development and business model. We also welcome ideas that are still in the early stages. The aim is to turn potential into a robust basis for decision-making regarding your start-up or project development.
Technologie-Transfer-Initiative GmbH (TTI) is a key partner for technology-oriented spin-offs from the University of Stuttgart.
Through what are known as technology and start-up enterprises (TGU), TTI provides start-up teams with an institutional framework during the early stages. Put simply, teams can work on their spin-off under the umbrella of TTI before the start-up is fully independent.
This is particularly relevant when university resources are required for prototyping, development or initial implementation steps – for example, equipment, facilities, premises or IT infrastructure. Sponsorship agreements can also play a role here, for instance in connection with funding programmes such as EXIST or independently of any specific funding programme.
When it comes specifically to TGU, sponsorship agreements or the use of university resources, the TTI is the right point of contact. The specific use and arrangements are clarified with the TTI and the institutions involved.
If you would first like to check whether EXIST, EXIST Research Transfer or another funding programme is suitable for your project, start with TRACES Startup Coaching. We can assist with the pre-check, assessing the project’s maturity and preparing the next steps.
If a start-up is based on research results from the University of Stuttgart, the University may hold rights to those results. Department 1 provides support in clarifying these rights for a spin-off.
Typical areas include, for example:
- Checking whether patents or other intellectual property rights exist
- Clarifying whether and how these can be used by a start-up
- Agreements on the licensing or transfer of IP
- Coordination between the start-up team, the University and external partners
The aim is to find a legally sound and practicable solution so that research findings can be successfully transformed into products, companies or collaborations.
The legal framework governing the handling of intellectual property is clearly defined at the University of Stuttgart:
Research results constitute intellectual property (IP) and, in principle, belong to those who have developed them. The University of Stuttgart has set out the handling of this intellectual property in an IP strategy and in the relevant implementation guidelines.
Department 15: Knowledge and Technology Transfer, within Division 1, provides support in identifying intellectual property rights and assists with the start-up process. Individual agreements on the use of intellectual property (IP) enable legally sound solutions for staff and students.
Im Cafe frei[raum] kann in gemütlicher Atmosphäre an Startup-Ideen gearbeitet werden. Wenn mehr Platz benötigt wird, bietet die Technologie-Transfer-Initiative (TTI GmbH) im Technologiezentrum (TZ) kostenfreie Coworking Spaces in direkter Nachbarschaft zu den Startup Coaches von TRACES und TTI.
Um erste Ideen umzusetzen können die zahlreichen Makerspaces und Werkstätten auf dem Campus der Universität Stuttgart genutzt werden.
Significantly fewer women found start-ups than men. That is why there are special funding programmes that support women in their start-up projects.
Female Accelerator
Female entrepreneurship is an important driver of innovative business models, but remains underrepresented. The pilot project ‘Start-up BW Female Accelerator’ specifically strengthens the visibility of female founders in Baden-Württemberg as part of the state's Start-up BW campaign and promotes their participation in the start-up scene.
EXIST Women
EXIST-Women offers women at universities who are interested in entrepreneurship the chance to explore the topics of start-ups and self-employment early on. The new EXIST funding programme includes events, mentoring, and support services, as well as financial grants for aspiring female founders.
Within the faculties, start-up ambassadors help to raise the profile of start-ups, innovation and knowledge transfer. They help to identify potential at an early stage and embed the concept of entrepreneurship within the departments.
If you’re developing an initial idea, refining a project, exploring funding opportunities or seeking support on your path to setting up a spin-off, start right here at TRACES Startup Coaching. We offer digital tools, Founders Coffee and personalised start-up advice – and, where necessary, refer you to suitable partners such as TTI, D1, ENI or other services within the start-up ecosystem.
Support programmes for start-ups - EXIST, Junge Innovatoren and Co.
Many teams start by asking whether EXIST, Young Innovators, BW Pre-Seed or other funding programs are suitable for their project. TRACES helps with the initial assessment, works with you to review key eligibility criteria, and assists in further refining your idea, team, validation and business model.
If a project is eligible for funding and sufficiently prepared, we coordinate the next steps together with suitable partners – in particular with the TTI GmbH.
The EXIST start-up grant supports students, graduates and researchers from universities and non-university research institutions who wish to realise their start-up idea and turn it into a business plan. The funding includes, amongst other things, a living allowance and coverage of material expenses up to €30,000.
The EXIST Research Transfer program supports start-up teams at universities and research institutions in preparing to launch start-ups based on particularly high-risk and complex development work, the results of which form the economic basis for a growth-oriented business start-up. The funding covers, amongst other things, living expenses and material costs of up to €250,000.
TRACES supports start-up projects on their path to securing an EXIST start-up grant and EXIST Research Transfer funding. Preparing an EXIST application requires an in-depth examination of the content – TRACES provides structured support throughout this process.
Experience has shown that teams need:
– around 3 months’ preparation for the EXIST start-up grant
– around 6 months for the EXIST research transfer programme
During this time, we work together to further develop the business model, market understanding, team structure and technology strategy. On request, TRACES can also put you in touch with TTI GmbH, which acts as the sponsoring organisation for EXIST applications at the University of Stuttgart.
→ Schedule a consultation
Support programme for the targeted preparation of business start-ups, including academic staff at the university.
Target group:
- Academic staff who have not interrupted their work at the university for more than one year
- Applicants who are completing a PhD, at the earliest from submission of the dissertation
- Applicants who have received upstream federal funding (e.g. EXIST funding)
Requirements
- Innovative product or process
- Submission of a detailed business concept (business plan)
- Supervision by a university lecturer
Förderung
- Securing the living costs for the duration of generally two years (in the event of a successful interim assessment)
- Free use of the university's premises and technical infrastructure
- group/individual coaching for business management skills
Companies can use innovation vouchers to buy support on the national and international research market. The programme supports SMEs in the planning, development, implementation and further development of innovative products, services or production processes.
With the funding programme ‘Validation of the innovation potential of scientific research - VIP+’, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to tap potential for innovation. This potential lies in academic research at universities, non-university research institutions (which are jointly funded by the federal and state governments) and federal institutions with R&D tasks.
Promotion of the innovative strength of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the motto ‘Impulses for growth’:
- Cooperation projects (ZIM-KOOP): Promotion of cooperation projects between SMEs and between SMEs and research institutions
- Individual projects (ZIM-SOLO): Funding for individual R&D projects by SMEs
- Network projects (ZIM-NEMO): Funding of external management and organisational services for the development of market-oriented networks of innovative SMEs
Incubator and accelerator programs
Awaken your entrepreneurial spirit - the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI) offers you the opportunity to unfold your creativity and turn your ideas into reality by developing a start-up.
You deal with relevant customer problems and customer insights, work in heterogeneous teams and learn innovative methods - from design thinking to agile development methods. During the course, everything you learn is put into practice immediately: Your product ideas are brought to life and exposed to direct feedback in the prototyping process.
In the following phase, you will continue to work on your startup idea in diverse teams, design suitable business models and refine your start-up pitch. Finally, you will have the opportunity to present your startup concepts to a jury of experts from the startup world and receive valuable feedback that can lay the foundation for your own startup.
The module is organised around the ongoing lecture blocks to show that you can already pursue your own start-up projects during your studies.
AWAKE takes place every semester in close cooperation with ASAP BW.
Language: English
STARTUP AUTOBAHN is a joint project of Daimler AG, the startup accelerator and investor Plug and Play Tech Center, the research campus ARENA2036, and the University of Stuttgart.
STARTUP AUTOBAHN is an innovation platform that serves as an interface between industry-leading corporations and emerging technology startups. At the core of the six-month programs, corporate partners and startups collaborate as equals to explore potential partnerships, test technologies, and pursue the ultimate goal — successful, production-ready implementation.
Rather than being a typical startup accelerator, STARTUP AUTOBAHN offers a comprehensive ecosystem for effective collaboration. This approach promotes a cultural shift in mindset and the exchange of best practices within a neutral environment, driving digitalization across corporate structures and value chains.
Frequently asked questions
Is TRACES the right place to take my enquiry?
TRACES is a central point of contact for those interested in starting a business and for entrepreneurial projects at the University of Stuttgart. We help you find your way and, where necessary, put you in touch with the relevant departments. As part of the Transfer Centre TRACES, we combine advice, guidance and networking within the university’s start-up ecosystem.
Is TRACES the right place for me, or should I go straight to ENI?
TRACES is the right first step. ENI offers courses and funding programmes — TRACES provides personalised advice on your specific project and, where necessary, refers you directly to ENI, TTI or Department 1. You do not need to decide for yourself which department is responsible.
Do you also provide support for setting up start-ups in Stuttgart?
Yes. We offer advice on setting up start-ups and support you with the next steps.
Can I come along without a specific idea?
Yes. The advice is also suitable for the early stages of exploring your options.
How can I test my start-up idea for free and anonymously?
With TRACES’ Validation Co-Pilot, those interested in setting up a business can structure and test their idea independently and free of charge — without needing to register with TRACES. The tool helps to clearly identify the underlying problem, critically examine assumptions and recognise potential weaknesses. Developed by the TRACES Entrepreneurship Team at the University of Stuttgart. Get started now
Who is the right point of contact for start-ups at the University of Stuttgart?
TRACES – Transfer Centre at the University of Stuttgart – is the central first point of contact for anyone interested in setting up a business. TRACES offers free and confidential advice on start-up ideas, spin-offs and funding programmes such as EXIST.
Do you provide support with funding programmes (e.g. EXIST)?
We help identify and prepare applications for suitable funding programmes such as the EXIST start-up grant, Young Innovators and others.
How can I assess a start-up idea?
Tools such as the Opportunity Radar and the Validation Co-Pilot can be used to analyse and test ideas in a structured way.
What funding is available for university-based start-ups?
Programmes such as EXIST support start-up projects arising from research and higher education.
Is the advice free of charge?
Yes. The Transfer Centre’s services are free of charge and confidential.
Can I come along even if I don’t have a fully formed idea yet?
Yes. TRACES supports you through every stage — from initial guidance right through to submitting an EXIST application. Even a vague idea or a professional interest in self-employment is a valid starting point.
Who can use this service?
Students, researchers, staff and alumni of the University of Stuttgart.
I’m not sure who to contact.
You can contact startupcoaching@traces.uni-stuttgart.de at any time.
When should I book a consultation?
If you’d like to discuss your idea in detail, clarify the next steps or explore funding opportunities.
How can I assess my start-up idea?
→ With TRACES’ digital tools, you can analyse, validate and further develop your idea in a structured way – from the initial concept right through to securing funding.
What support does the University of Stuttgart offer to those interested in starting a business?
→ TRACES is the central point of contact and offers guidance, digital tools for evaluating ideas, and personalised start-up advice.
TRACES is the official first point of contact at the University of Stuttgart for anyone interested in starting a business — regardless of their field of study or how far along their idea is. Whether you have just a rough idea or a concrete plan, this is where entrepreneurial journeys begin at the University of Stuttgart. We advise, guide and refer you to the right department within the ecosystem: ENI, TTI GmbH or Department 1.
Together with the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI), Technologie-Transfer-Initiative GmbH (TTI) and Department 1 – Research and Transfer, we organise start-up support at the University of Stuttgart.
TRACES guides initial ideas, supports the development of viable business models and helps identify suitable funding opportunities.
Specific queries, such as those relating to intellectual property rights, patents and licences, are answered by our colleagues from Department 1 – Research and Transfer.
Our aim is to promote the significant start-up potential at the University of Stuttgart – as a driving force for innovation in one of Europe’s most start-up-friendly regions.
