Do you feel your research could have a greater impact?
Perhaps you are:
- the sociologist who sees injustice and thinks: “Someone should do something about this.”
- the political scientist who feels responsibility but doesn’t know where to begin.
- the ethnologist who hears stories that call for change.
- the philosopher exploring how questions can turn into action.
Wherever you come from — maybe the same thought is guiding you:
“I want to make a difference. But I’m not sure how.”
This is exactly where Catalyst supports you:
Catalyst is a low-threshold program that shows you how to turn thoughts, ideas, or research into meaningful societal impact — without start-up pressure, profit focus, or business jargon.
Why your research is essential:
Humanities and social sciences make an impact where technology reaches its limits:
- in relationships
- in language
- in culture
- in politics
- in social structures
- in understanding people
Catalyst strengthens precisely these perspectives — gently, thoughtfully, and effectively.
What the program offers you:
Catalyst allows you to dive in at the depth and pace that feels right for you — without pressure or performance expectations:
Experience inspiring impulses, real examples, exchange, and discussion — your first touchpoint.
Timing: expected April 2026
Explore topics like: How do projects emerge? How do I tackle real societal problems? How do I test my idea and find collaborators?
Timing: expected from May 2026
Dive deeper, learn how to develop an impact-driven business model, approach potential users, and receive tailored coaching from experts.
Meet motivated people with similar questions, doubts, and values — and experience how collaboration at eye level creates real impact.
Your advantages:
You won’t receive a finished start-up recipe — but something far more valuable:
✅ A new language for impact — for projects, initiatives & knowledge transfer
✅ Clarity about how your research can create real societal change
✅ Courage to think beyond academic boundaries
✅ The entire program is free of charge
✅ Access to a network that supports impact and engages critically
✅ Visibility for your topic, if you want it — e.g., at events or exchange formats
Why you can rely on Catalyst:
Catalyst is a unique initiative that offers people from the humanities and social sciences a simple but powerful introduction to impact-focused entrepreneurial thinking.
Your solid foundation:
- Official program of the University of Stuttgart
- developed with transfer and impact experts from the SHAPE Impact Collective (UK)
- based on proven SHAPE innovation approaches in the UK
- guided by Sebastian Donath, who has supported more than 100 impact-oriented projects, and Marcel Fortwingel, founder of an impact start-up himself.
Real examples that show impact:
▪️A therapist creates EatAppie — simple support for families dealing with eating disorders.
▪️A family builds YouCan — meaningful support for children with cancer.
▪️A philosopher uses shame research to transform how police interact with affected individuals.
Who should participate?
Students, PhD researchers, and early-career academics from the humanities and social sciences (e.g., philosophy, cultural studies, media studies, education, and related fields) who:
- sense something that moves them
- don’t know where to start
- want to explore and experiment
- want to create impact without immediately founding a start-up
If this resonates with you: Catalyst is designed for you.
How you can join:
The program is open to students, PhD researchers, and early-career academics at the University of Stuttgart. There is no pressure to achieve predefined outcomes — your ideas and perspective take center stage.
Simply sign up without obligation and free of charge using the following form:
➡️ Register now
We will notify you before the program begins (scheduled to start in April 2026).
The entire program is free for you.
You’ll find answers in our FAQ section below.
Yes. Catalyst is designed for orientation and inspiration — you may develop ideas along the way, if you want.
No. Many impact initiatives emerge without tech: education, society, public policy, culture, consulting, or social initiatives.
No. Your critical stance is explicitly welcome. We believe reflection strengthens innovation.
Only if you want to and not at the beginning. We use clear, accessible language rooted in your academic background.
No problem. Participation is voluntary and flexible.
No. Participation for researchers and students of the University of Stuttgart is free.
Your contact person
Marcel Fortwingel
Head of Start-up BW Female Accelerator & Catalyst GER