
“Great entrepreneurial support from the three worlds of science, founders and start-up programs!” We connect you with other start-up enthusiasts, expand your network in the startup community and help you develop your business ideas further. |
Why you should join?
DEVELOPMENT
Develop your business idea together as a team in a targeted manner and take it to the next level.
NETWORKING
Become part of our strong ecosystem and get in touch with other like-minded peers.
SUPPORT
Our experienced start-up experts and coaches support you in every phase of development.

No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll help you take the next step!
Who can apply?
You are a team with an innovative and/or impact idea or already a bit further along in the founding process and looking for support to bring your idea to life? Then you’ve come to the right place! |
TEAM
You should already have started working on your idea with a team of 2 to 6 team members.
CONNECTION
You are at least one member/graduate of our seven universities of the Entrepreneurial Innovation Hub.
EARLY-STAGE
You have not yet founded your company (no entry in the commercial register).
How do we go along?
At the beginning, each team will show where they are in the founding process, will then ruthlessly identify critical success factors and figure out which are the most important and urgent next steps to take. Each team will be individually coached by an experienced team and start-up coach. A prototyping budget of 600 Euro and a series of workshops complete the accelerator program. Additionally, each team has the unique opportunity to receive individual support on their organizational setup from the highly experienced business developers at Company Builder LZE GmbH. ![]() To provide you with targeted support, we use the innovation process “Dynamic Innovation – Change the patterns. Change your thinking” developed by the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship (SCE): ![]() |


Our common goal: Overcoming hurdles together and turning an idea into reality.
What is the goal?
In just twelve weeks our Start-up Track provides you with everything you need for your start-up or impact project: conceptual development, expert knowledge, support for practical implementation, a strong network and a motivated community. |
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The overall aim of the program is to support your early stage start-up in its formation and professionalization in a structured process.

And afterwards?
We won’t leave you out in the rain after the program ends. You can choose from a number of different support options: |
We get you “business plan ready” like…
We assist you with applying for financial grants like…
We open the doors to our regional incubators like…
Stay conntected with the right university spin-off experts.
Explore what our national and international innovation network can do for you.
Deep dive/start being the shadow of successfull startups.
It’s your decision – we‘re just here to help along the way. |

SCHEDULE
EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | TIME |
Kick-off | Fr, 19.09.2025 | d.hip Erlangen | 9 am to 7 pm |
Teamwork Workshop | Tu, 23.09.2025 | MVC Erlangen | 4 pm to 6 pm |
Entrepreneurial Support Landscape Overview | Tu, 07.10.2025 | Online | 6 pm to 8 pm |
Business Model and Coaching Workshop | Sa, 25.10.2025 | d.hip Erlangen | 9 am to 5 pm |
Mid Term Review | Tu, 04.11.2025 | Online | 5 pm to 8 pm |
Start-up Meet & Match | Th, 13.11.2025 | Nuremberg | 6 pm to 10 pm |
Presentation Test | Mo, 01.12.2025 | Online | 30 min each team |
Entrepreneurial Demo Day | Fr, 05.12.2025 | Leonardo Zentrum Nuremberg | 12 pm to 6 pm |
Next Steps & Strategy | January 2026 | With Team & Start-up Coach | Each team individual |
FAQs
How does the application process work?
Simply apply here by July 20th midnight. We will then contact you by email and ask you to submit documents and a short application video. 10 teams will then be selected by our jury until the end of July.
Can I apply without a team?
The program is aimed at early stage startups with a clear intention to found a company. Participation as an individual is therefore not possible.
Will I receive ECTS for participation?
The program is extracurricular, there are no ECTS credits awarded.
In which language does the program take place?
The language will be English, although a basic understanding of German is required.
How much time should I plan for each week?
You should plan at least 5 hours a week and be able to take part in all our workshops. In addition, you should have the motivation to stay involved in the program and become an active part of our community.
Are there tools available during the program?
During the program, a modern learning platform is available on which you have access to expert knowledge, helpful frameworks and additional tools for reflection and collaboration.
Are there any additional events and promotional offers?
You will get access to other events and funding offers from the participating universities for those interested in founding a company and start-ups as optional components, such as the Franken Finance Festival or applying for relevant funding programs.
Does our team get support?
Each team has a dedicated start-up coach who will offer feedback and support whenever needed. In addition, each team will be provided with a prototyping budget for validating the business ideas.
What are the completion requirements?
All participants will receive the Start-Up Track community certificate from the EIH program FAU assuming the following conditions are met:
- the team was present together at the kick-off, the interim, and the final presentation
- 80% of the mandatory workshops and events were attended by at least one team member.
- each team has met with their assigned team coach at least three times and has been together at least once with our team coach
What are the program guidelines?
An application for possible participation is required by the deadline via the application form.
Participation in the Start-Up Track Program does not entitle participants to any further claims (e.g. no expenses or fees) apart from those listed under ‘Program end & completion requirements’.
The program can be cancelled by the organisers (HSA, THN, FAU) at any time without giving reasons. In addition, the planned dates may vary in location, date and length at short notice.
The organisers guarantee that the ideas and data submitted to will be treated confidentially during the entire application phase. The business concepts submitted to will be forwarded by the organisers to the jury.
The business concepts submitted by the rejected teams will be deleted immediately.
The organisers guarantee that the business concepts will not be passed on to other third parties even after the program without the consent of the participants. The organisers oblige the mentors and jurors accordingly.
All data will be used by the organisers to organise the event, but will not be passed on to third parties without consent. All participants will receive information on business start-ups and technology and knowledge transfer in the future. Participation in the program constitutes consent for participants to be contacted by fax, e-mail or telephone. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Participants indemnify the organisers against all conceivable third-party claims that could be derived from any infringements of copyrights, industrial property rights, trade secrets or other third-party rights by the submitted documents.
By participating in the StartUp Track programme, the teams do not relinquish any rights to their intellectual property. The universities participating in the program have no interest in the transfer of intellectual property to the universities.
The organisers assume no liability for statements made by coaches, jury members, start-up mentors and other persons involved in the competition.
The program will be held in English and the handouts are written in English.
If you apply, you must agree to FAU’s privacy policy.
Ready to apply? If this program is right for you then just apply!