The LMU Innovation Incubator

Unleash the transformational power of science. Create positive impact through innovation.

Are you the next Sciencepreneur? Get to Know the LMU Innovation Incubator!

Join us for our upcoming online info session on the 10th of July at 12:00 PM.

During this session, you will be provided with an in-depth description of the program, its benefits, and the application process. It will also be an excellent opportunity to address any questions you might have regarding the program.

📅 Info Session Details:
🗓 Date: 10 July 2025
🕧 Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
🌐 Format: Online
🔗 Register here: https://lu.ma/3a0n1uyl

If you’re ready to explore how your research can come to life in the real world, this is your moment.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Apply Now

Be part of the upcoming LMU Innovation Incubator Edition #7

Applications can be sent in now until 31 August 2025.

  1. Ensure you cover the incubator requirements
  2. Download our One Pager form here (PDF, 190 KB) and fill it out
  3. Send it to a.weichselbaum@lmu.de
  4. Complete the application form here

Program information

Audience
Teams of researchers, advanced students, staff, with at least one alumni of all LMU faculties
Duration
One semester
Start
October
Cost
Free
Format
Hybrid (On-site Masterclasses, Workshops & Online Coaching)
Language
English
Admission
Via application

About

What is the program about?

The LMU Innovation Incubator invites you to embark on a transformative 6-month part-time startup journey. This exclusive program is designed to explore and validate ideas at the intersection of academia, science, and business you're an aspiring or early stage entrepreneur our incubator is your gateway to success.

Benefits for the participants

  • Masterclasses and workshop modules to learn and implement startup methods and tools to turn your research/idea into an innovative business.
  • Tailored advisory and individual coaching sessions.
  • Modules from IEC’s Impact Readiness Program to create impact with your research/idea.
  • An LMU Incubator Certificate in recognition of your successful participation.
  • Innovation and startup-related keynotes and webinars from experts and fellow LMU founders.
  • Co-working space and access to our LMU Startup Community.
  • Individual advisory with our partners at LMU Spin-off Service and LMU Transfer Referat.

Program objectives

  • Equip you with the skills to innovate and build a business from the ground up.
  • Help you merge your academic expertise with a founder's mindset and skillset.
  • Guide your team on the journey to prepare for market entry, attract investors, and make a significant impact.
  • Foster startups and spin-offs.
  • Ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within you.

Program Overview

Lab 1

  • Understand your Startup Toolbox: Startup ABC & Agility
  • What’s your purpose? Set up your Strategic Core
  • Reflect on your Teams strenghts and roles and see who is still missing
  • Working Session & Founders‘ visit

Lab 2

  • Explore your market possibilities and define potential market segments for your innovation.
  • Understand your customer to validate your idea, and build a prototype to gain customer insights
  • Use AI to raise efficiency within your Startup journey
  • Working Session & Founders‘ visit

Lab 3

  • Craft an impactful business model or refine an existing one with IEC's Business Impact Canvas.
  • Uncover the best financing strategies and funding opportunities
  • Map out the next steps for your venture
  • Working Session & Founders‘ visit

Lab 4

  • Learn to effectively pitch your idea to co-founders, stakeholders, and investors.
  • Thrive and Survive as an Entrepreneur: create a (resilient) Founders‘ mindset
  • Working Session & Founders‘ visit

Application requirements

You possess research findings that address and solve a clear real-world problem.

Your idea/product/service demonstrates clear applicability.

You are in the early stages of your idea/product (pre-seed, prototype).

You're eager to explore market opportunities, define customer segments, and establish a suitable business model for your idea/product.

If your ideas and/or innovations are funded by external investors, you must be willing to clarify IP issues and share confidential information with us.

You have the time and are fully committed to participating actively in the program and diligently working on advancing your idea (attendance and progress documentation within the program are mandatory).

Resolve intellectual property matters before joining the incubator, as external investment requires clarity on IP issues.

To be eligible, teams must consist of a minimum of two members.

You are a PhD student or Researcher.

Master’s Degree Students can apply when:

  • You have submitted your Master’s thesis before the start of the incubation program, or
  • Your Master’s thesis is directly related to your startup idea.

Application process

Application for the program is during the designated period from May to September. Please fill out the one-pager detailing your startup idea using our provided template.

When the application period is open, the one-pager template is available on this webpage.

Successful applicants will be notified via email.

Bringing science into action since 2022: IEC Incubation Teams

Our experts & Startup Coaches

LMU IEC Demo Day 2023

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6 Mar 2024

Price for best team sponsored by Münchner Universitätsgesellschaft

© MG

We are delighted to announce an exciting collaboration between the LMU Innovation Incubator and the Universitätsgesellschaft (MUG).

In line with our dedication to recognizing the transformational power of science from within LMU , we are proud to share that MUG is sponsoring a funding prize for knowledge transfer and impact entrepreneurship, which will be awarded to one of our Incubation program participant teams. The award aims to honor pioneering start-up projects that demonstrate remarkable potential for impact and entrepreneurship. We want to thank Münchner Universitätsgesellschaft for sharing our passion to support LMU startups and research transfer.

Contact

© IEC

Annie Weichselbaum

Incubation Lead

a.weichselbaum@lmu.de

Impressions

© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© jan greune
© jan greune
© jan greune
© jan greune
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad
© Muneeb Saleem Muhammad

Incubator Event Calendar

© Munich Innovation Ecosystem

Stay updated on upcoming IEC Incubator events! Here you can find all the events hosted by the LMU Innovation Incubator.

Event Calendar Link

Incubator News