Program Overview

Introduction to the LMU Innovation Incubator

The LMU Innovation Incubator is a transformative program designed for teams of researchers, advanced students, staff, and alumni with at least one member affiliated to any of the LMU faculties. The program aims to unleash the transformational power of science and create positive impact through innovation.

Program Information

Audience

The program is open to teams of researchers, advanced students, staff, and alumni with at least one member affiliated to any of the LMU faculties.

Duration

The program duration is one semester.

Start

The program starts in October.

Cost

The program is free.

Format

The program format is hybrid, consisting of on-site masterclasses, workshops, and online coaching.

Language

The program language is English.

Admission

Admission to the program is via application.

About the Program

What is the Program About?

The LMU Innovation Incubator is a 6-month part-time startup journey that explores and validates ideas at the intersection of academia, science, and business. The program is designed for aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs and serves as a gateway to success.

Program Objectives

The program objectives are to:

• Equip participants with the skills to innovate and build a business from the ground up.
• Help participants merge their academic expertise with a founder's mindset and skillset.
• Guide teams 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 participants.

Application

Who Can Apply

To apply for the LMU Innovation Incubator, teams must:

• Have a research-based idea that addresses a real-world problem with clear application potential.
• Be at an early stage (pre-seed, concept, or prototype).
• Be motivated to explore market opportunities, customers, and business models.
• Be able to commit the time and active participation required throughout the program.
• Apply as a team of at least two people, with at least one member affiliated to LMU.
• Be a PhD candidate or researcher, or a Master's student who has submitted their thesis before the program starts or has a thesis directly related to the startup idea.

Important to Know

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

Process

The application process for the program is officially open from May to September. To apply, teams need to detail their startup idea using a provided one-pager template and submit an additional application form. Successful applicants will be notified via email a couple of weeks before the start of the program.

Program Benefits

The program offers several benefits, including:

• Münchener Universitätsgesellschaft Grant: Awarded to the startup team(s) that display a high degree of knowledge transfer and impact entrepreneurship.
• MCML Partnership: Be part of the MCML network.
• Bayern Kapital: VC Consultation for LMU Startups: 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.

Partners

The LMU Innovation Incubator has several partners, including:

• LMU Spin-off Service
• LMU Referat Transfer (IP)
• EXIST Gründungsstipendium
• LMU Graduate Center
• CDTM
• LMU School of Management
• Bio M
• Munich Center for Nano Science
• Hochsprung
• BayStartup
• Werk1
• Innovationswettbewerb der Stadt München
• GATE Garching
• Max Planck Innovation
• Frauenhofer Venture
• START with Business Modelling - for Startups
• MCML
• MUG