Program

Learn more about the MAX!mize processes and how our start-up incubation program works.

MAX!mize is the official start-up incubation program for the Max Planck Society by Max Planck Innovation GmbH.

The 3 steps of MAX!mize: Bootcamp, Phase 1 & Phase 2

Idea stress test | 3 days

After registering online, we will check whether you are one of the most promising applicants and if so, you will be invited to the MAX!mize Bootcamp. Over three days, your start-up idea will be stress-tested. You will learn how to develop a convincing pitch, have the opportunity to meet other start-ups, experts and experienced founders and can work together with your start-up coach. On the third day, you will present your business model to the jury. If the jury's decision is positive, you can continue your start-up journey in Phase 1.

Validate your start-up idea | max. 6 month

After successfully completing the Bootcamp, your goal is to validate that you are addressing a relevant market need, that you have defined your technology and product roadmap and built a convincing team ready to drive the idea to market. Phase 1 ends with a jury session after max. six months where you present your project and action plan for the company building.

Build your venture and achieve investor readiness | up to 30 months

In MAX!mize Phase 2, you will get specific know-how support and need-based funding for a period of 18 to 30 months, depending on the individual challenges of your start-up idea. In both phases you will have regular check-in events to work on your start-up idea and to discuss it with peers and start-up experts.

APPLY NOW

Our services

Experts

Get access to experienced Start-up Coaches and Trainers.

Networking

Gain access to events with successful founders, partners and Max Planck entrepreneurs.

Funding

Receive need-based funding matching the nature of your start-up project.

Program Curriculum

Enjoy a structured curriculum based on the needs of science-based start-ups.

APPLY NOW

Feedback

Feedback on the Bootcamp from the Batch #4 teams in response to the question:
What was the single most valuable thing you learned during the Bootcamp?

Application Window for Batch #5 is open! Apply here.

Program

Learn more about the MAX!mize processes and how our start-up incubation program works.

MAX!mize is the official start-up incubation program for the Max Planck Society by Max Planck Innovation GmbH.

The 3 steps of MAX!mize: Bootcamp, Phase 1 & Phase 2

Our services

Feedback

"Our start-up coach helped me develop a pragmatic business model. It's a breakthrough!"

"Believing in being able to do it!"

"Always be ready to pitch your project."

"The business model canvas."