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Studies... and then? Self-employment as a future prospect
Most university graduates find it difficult to imagine starting their own company. The risk appears too great, the hurdles involved insurmountable. However, it is at those very universities and colleges that the potential exists to reinforce and advance a region in transition, such as the Metropole Ruhr. Good, innovative product and business ideas generally do not fail for lack of expertise, which is undoubtedly present. A far greater stumbling block is the lack of business skills and access to information on the market and competitors. Naturally, the high financial requirements are also a restriction on the path to self-employment, but it is precisely here that a well-tailored individual finance plan can be of assistance, taking into account funding, investment capital and guarantees on an equal basis.
- [+] Uni Witten
A further significant factor is finding the right co-operation partners, individuals and institutions that provide support and know how, in some cases also the necessary capital.
The following selection of internet addresses provides access to information and contacts that are of particular use to those leaving universities and colleges with the intention of starting their own company.
BIZEPS
- Bergisch-Märkisch initiative for the promotion of start-ups, projects and structures
The BIZEPS network promotes the founding of new and innovative companies from universities and colleges in the Bergisch and Märkisch region.
www.bizeps.de
BMWA – Start-up contacts
The internet platform aims to provide students, undergraduates/PhD students, professors and all other academic professionals at German universities and colleges to present specific expertise, inventions, business ideas and projects from all fields in a forum for interested private sector companies or potential investors.
http://gruenderzeit.cmsarea.de
Brochures of the Ministry of Science and Research of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia
Numerous brochures on the subject of start-ups and universities can be downloaded here.
http://www.innovation.nrw.de/downloads/index.php
Start-up portal for students
provides extensive information on the subjects of obtaining capital, corporate planning, business ideas, franchise systems, etc.. Of particular interest to graduates planning a start-up are the experience reports; in the start-up forum it is possible to exchange experiences and information and discuss opinions. In addition, the extensive links also provide further important information and advice.
www.crlc.org
EXIST- start-up networks
With the establishment of regional networks, EXIST aims to improve the entrepreneurial climate at German universities and raise the number of corporate start-ups from academic establishments. Within this network universities collaborate with external partners in the fields of science, business and politics. EXIST is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.
www.exist.de
G-Dur – The start-up network for Dortmund universities
Raising the number of corporate start-ups from universities and research establishments in Dortmund over the long term and creating an entrepreneur-friendly climate within those institutions is the goal of the G-DUR project. The project receives support within the scope of the EXIST initiative (academic/scientific start-ups) of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.
www.g-dur-online.de
HOCHSPRUNG – Start-ups from university
This website offers useful links on the subject of corporate start-ups from universities and colleges.
www.hoch-sprung.de/index.php?Wissen
Initiative Campus-Start Essen (ICE)
The Campus-Start Essen project (ICE) is aimed at potential entrepreneurs at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Support is provided in the form of a range of training, coaching and networking instruments.
www.campus-start.de
rubitec
- Innovation and technology society of the Ruhr University Bochum
Rubitec provides support and advice to young entrepreneurs from the Ruhr University Bochum.
www.rubitec.de
STARTERCENTER
In April 2008 the STARTERCENTER opened a field office at the Technologiezentrum Ruhr technology centre on the campus of the Ruhr University. The campus STARTERCENTER is directed at students, PhD students and lecturers wishing to bring their knowledge and experience onto the market in the form of a product or service.
www.startercenter-bochum.de/campus
Index of start-up teaching chairs
This site is designed for pupils and students planning a future in self-employment after their studies that wish to prepare themselves for this. Start-up chairs at the universities are presented, together with their focal areas, contact partners, unique aspects, etc. In addition to an initial insight into the options available, the site also provides an extensive range of links with interesting and useful advice on the subject.
www.gruender-uni.info
Knowledge and technology transfer portal of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia
nrw-wissenstransfer.de is the internet portal of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Research and Technology of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in co-operation with the transfer offices of the North Rhine-Westphalian universities and colleges. nrw-wissenstransfer.de mediates co-operation partners from the field of science and academia, providing access to pioneering, state-of-the-art technologies. In addition, nrw-wissenstransfer.de provides information on national and international development programmes, research reports, university events and subjects such as entrepreneurial start-ups and patenting and utilisation. nrw-wissenstransfer.de mediates experts from a broad base of European researchers, provides direct answers to questions and offers highly-qualified, practice-oriented solutions.
www.innovation.nrw.de/wissenstransfer