Inspire2Start – Shaping Entrepreneurial Culture Together

With the Inspire Hubs, the state of Baden-Württemberg promotes innovative startup ecosystems at universities. Six strong networks support students, researchers, and founders – from the initial idea to spin-off. The goal is to make entrepreneurial dynamism, knowledge transfer, and sustainable innovations visible and tangible throughout the state.

More information: Beteiligungsportal Baden-Württemberg

As part of Inspire2Start, five universities in the Stuttgart region are pooling their strengths:

• University of Stuttgart
• University of HohenheimStuttgart
• University of Applied Sciences (HFT)Esslingen
• University of Applied Sciences

• Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences for Business and Environment (HfWU)

The University of Stuttgart serves as the project lead for Inspire2Start and coordinates the close collaboration among all partners.

A key objective is to create synergies both among the universities and with business and society. By combining their expertise, the partners are building a dynamic and sustainable startup ecosystem for the entire region.

The universities build on a proven foundation of collaboration and are now strategically expanding it through Inspire2Start – evolving from initiatives such as Startup Campus 0711, which is now being succeeded by Inspire2Start, and EXIST Women.

Inspire2Start builds on the targeted combination of each university’s strengths:

• University of Stuttgart: Engineering, Simulation Sciences, Quantum Technology
• University of Hohenheim: Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, Economics
• HFT Stuttgart: Sustainable Construction, Smart Technologies, Urban Development
• Esslingen University of Applied Sciences: Engineering, Social Work, Business Administration
• HfWU Nürtingen-Geislingen: Business, Environment, Design, and Therapies

Inspire2Start aims to drive sustainable innovation and provide comprehensive support for founders – from the first idea to well beyond the spin-off stage. A particular focus lies on impact and female entrepreneurship to create a diverse and future-oriented startup ecosystem.

At its core, Inspire2Start is built on collaboration – fostering new synergies and encouraging bold, forward-looking ventures.

You can imagine Inspire2Start like a well-connected irrigation system:
Each university contributes its own spring. Through smart connections, fertile fields full of new ideas and startups emerge. Without these synergies, each well would only reach a small area – but together, the entire landscape flourishes.

In summary:
Inspire Hubs = state-wide startup support.
Inspire2Start connects universities in the Stuttgart region.
The University of Stuttgart leads the project.
Creating synergies is the central goal.

Together with our partners, we are currently developing:

• Cross-university courses and workshops
• Joint mentoring programs, pitch events, and co-founder matching
• Access to maker spaces, laboratories, and co-working spaces within the university network
• Support with funding applications (EXIST, Young Innovators, etc.) and connections to industry partners

Through this close cooperation, we are building an ecosystem that provides optimal support for students, researchers, and founders – accelerating the transfer of innovation into practice.