1. Please briefly introduce yourself and your current job.
I am Michael Heimrich, designer, founder and innovator at the Transfer Center TRACES at the University of Stuttgart. In my role, I build bridges between science, business and society - in particular by supporting students and employees of the university who are enthusiastic about start-ups and their start-up projects. I look for innovative topics and people who want to shape the future with their vision. In our team, we ensure that potential does not disappear in a drawer, but comes into the world. To do this, I use my experience in design and innovation consulting and my network in the innovation ecosystem.
2. How did you get involved in entrepreneurship?
My journey began with the question: How can good ideas have a real impact? I found my first answers during my time at IDEO, a design company that combines entrepreneurial thinking with creativity. Since then, creativity and entrepreneurship have not been an end in themselves for me, but tools for shaping the future - pragmatic, user-centered and effective. I am driven by the fire in the eyes of founders who are convinced that their performance and passion will make our future a better one.
3. What tip would you give to students who are enthusiastic about founding a company, or who have already taken the first steps towards self-employment?
Don't think in terms of products too soon - think in terms of problems first. The best ideas arise where there is real friction. Go out, talk to people, observe behaviour, recognize patterns. And then: test small, learn quickly, stay curious. Founding is not a straight path, it's more like climbing in the fog - visibility is low, but every move counts.
Contact
Hanna Dewes
Research Associate