The LMU Innovation Incubator

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

The LMU Innovation Incubator is now part of LMU’s Entrepreneurship Catalyst

The LMU Innovation Incubator becomes part of the permanent offering from the LMU under the leadership of Annie Weichselbaum. Since April 1, 2026 the program became directly integrated into the university’s administration Entrepreneurship Division under Vice President Dr. Philipp Baaske.

The LMU Innovation Incubator team is happy to further strengthen the ties within the university to provide a more robust and stronger startup support together with the Spin-Off service. We are immensely grateful to the LMU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center’s team and their Leads, Prof. Dr. Jelena Spanjol, Prof. Dr. Albrecht Schmidt, Prof. Ali Gümüsay, and Dr. Dominik Domnik for closely supporting and enabling the program to succeed.

We look forward to a more comprehensive startup support ecosystem within the university, and to continue to support excellent and innovative research- and knowledge- based startups coming from the LMU.

Innovation Incubator – Program information

Audience
Teams of researchers, advanced students, staff, and alumni with at least one member affiliated to any of the LMU faculties
Duration
4 Months
Start
October
Cost
Free
Format
Hybrid (On-site Masterclasses, Workshops & Online Coaching)
Language
English
Admission
Via application

Apply Now

Applications are open for the LMU Innovation Incubator Cohort #8

Application deadline: July 31, 2026

Whether you already have an innovative startup concept, an early-stage research-based idea, or simply want to explore the potential of your work through entrepreneurship — we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to learning more about your ideas and welcoming the next generation of founders and innovators into the LMU entrepreneurial community.

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.

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

Application

Who can apply to the LMU Innovation Incubator?

  • You have a research-based idea that addresses a real-world problem with clear application potential
  • Your project is at an early stage (pre-seed, concept, or prototype)
  • You are motivated to explore market opportunities, customers, and business models
  • You can commit the time and active participation required throughout the program
  • You apply as a team of at least two people, and at least one member affiliated to LMU
  • You are a PhD candidate or researcher
  • Master’s students are eligible if
    • their thesis is submitted before the program starts, or
    • their thesis is directly related to the startup idea

Important to know

  • IP clarity is required before joining the program
  • If external funding is involved, you must be willing to discuss IP and share relevant information confidentially

Process

Application for the program is officially open during the designated period from May to September.
To apply, you will need detail your startup idea using our provided one-pager template.
An additional application form will be made available during this period in this webpage.


Successful applicants will be notified via email a couple of weeks before the start of the program.

When you are eager to take part of the program you can pre-register all year round.

You can fill out the pre-registration form here.


If you have pre-registered, and your idea has evolved by the time official applications are open, you will have opportunity to update you application.

Doubts?

If you are still unsure if you can take part of the LMU Innovation Incubator program or have any other doubts, please feel free to get in touch with us!

You can send us an email to Annie Weichselbaum and CC the incubation team

Program Benefits

Münchener Universitätsgesellschaft Grant

Awarded to the startup team(s), who display a high degree of knowledge transfer and impact entrepreneurship

MCML Partnership

Be part of MCML network.

Bayern Kapital: VC Consultation for LMU Startups

With Felix Schoppa

Entrepreneurs from the LMU ecosystem can book a short consultation with Felix Schoppa (Bayern Kapital) to receive feedback on fundraising strategy, investor readiness, or venture development.

You do not have to have been part of the incubation program to apply for this opportunity.

How to request a slot:
Please send an email to incubation@som.lmu.de including:

  • Your name and LMU affiliation
  • Startup name and a short description of what you are working on
  • Your topic, and why you would like to speak with Felix

Events

Incubator News

Partners

Contact

Annie Weichselbaum

Incubation Lead

a.weichselbaum@lmu.de

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