Faces of TRACES

1. Please give us a brief introduction — who are you and what do you do?

I'm Michael Heimrich — designer, founder, and innovator at the TRACES Transfer Center of the University of Stuttgart. In my role, I build bridges between science, business, and society — particularly by supporting students and university staff who are passionate about entrepreneurship and want to turn their founding ideas into reality. I look for innovative topics and people who want to shape the future with their vision. As a team, we make sure that potential doesn't stay in a drawer but gets out into the world. I draw on my background in design and innovation consulting and my network within the innovation ecosystem.

2. How did you come to work in the field of entrepreneurship?

My journey started with a question: how can good ideas create real impact? I found some first answers during my time at IDEO, a design firm that combines entrepreneurial thinking with creativity. Since then, creativity and entrepreneurship have never been ends in themselves for me — they are tools for shaping the future: pragmatic, user-centred, and effective. What drives me is the spark in the eyes of founders who are convinced that their dedication and passion will make our future a better one.

3. What advice would you give to students who are keen to start their own venture?

Don't think in products too early — think in problems first. The best ideas emerge where there is real friction. Get out there, talk to people, observe behaviour, recognise patterns. And then: test small, learn fast, stay curious. Starting a company isn't a straight path — it's more like climbing in the fog. Visibility is low, but every handhold counts.