Welcome to the International Startup Office!

Who We Are

The International Startup Office (ISO) is a collaborative initiative of Leipzig University, Jena University, and Halle University, working hand-in-hand with various university departments and external partners inbusiness and science. 

The International Startup Offices (ISO) are your local access point to support you.
As an integral part of the university startup services of the International Startup Campus University Alliance, we provide comprehensive support to international students, graduates and researchers in transforming their ideas into successful Startups and to integrate them into the Startup ecosystem of Central Germany. 

Additionally, we provide assistance to foreign young firms and Startups in exploring and settling in the German market.
 

Services We Offer

We provide a range of services, comprehensive resources, tailored support, and valuable connections to enable your entrepreneurial journey.  

We believe that language should never be a barrier to entrepreneurial success. By offering all our services in English, we ensure that you feel welcome and supported to implement your business ideas and thrive in the Central Germany's Startup ecosystem.

TRAINING

We regularly offer workshops and seminars on various topics essential for startup success such as: visa and legal aspects, business idea development, business plan writing, marketing strategies, intellectual property rights, pitching, and more - tailormade to the need of international founders.
 

COACHING

Our dedicated coaches provide personalized guidance throughout your Startup journey. Through one-on-one sessions we assist you in every aspect, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, such as the highly sought-after EXIST grant. 
 

CO-FOUNDER MATCH

If you have a business idea in mind but are seeking a co-founders to complement your team, we've got you covered. Our exclusive co-founder matchmaking service connects you with talented individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. 

 

COMMUNITY PLATFORM

We favour your connection with local players from the startup ecosystem in Central Germany. Through monthly meetups, international students and researchers have the opportunity to meet companies and stablished Startups lead by international founders. They present their founding and growth history and, in some cases, bring the topic of intrapreneurship closer to them through jointly designed challenges/competitions.

Can't be on site? Then connect with your new startup community online, anytime through our platform Talque.
 

BORN GLOBAL STARTUP FESTIVAL

Annual gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers who aim to kickstart their business in Germany. This festival encompasses engaging talks with international founders, workshops and serves as a vibrant hub for knowledge-sharing and networking with like-minded individuals. Here we embrace and celebrate the international community in Central Germany.
 

INTERNATIONAL INNOVATORS AWARD

Annual initiative where innovative entrepreneurs present their business plans with potential for implementation in Germany. Winners get the chance to travel and explore the market in Central Germany and forge valuable business connections.
 

FOREIGN STARTUP SETTLEMENT

We support foreign young firms and Startup teams in creating a legal entity in Germany. Our comprehensive support includes assisting with identifying potential clients, finding the perfect location, and connecting you with legal experts for advice.
 

Startups at the International Startup CampusBeim Klick werden externe Inhalte von Website/Hoster/Anbieter nachgeladen. Dadurch werden personenbezogene Daten an Drittanbieter übermittelt.

Stay up to date and join our ISO events

2024-24-05 15:45–2024-30-05 18:00

Born Global Startup Festival Week 2024

JoinEvent/Festival | Networking | Workshop
Get ready for an exciting journey for those interested in creative career planning, entrepreneurship and global business. We have a packed schedule from May 24 to May 30, 2024, featuring events in Jena and Leipzig – organized in cooperation with International Startup Campus.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz:
EN | DE
2024-24-05 15:45–2024-26-05 14:30

Born Global Startup Festival' 24 - Startup Preschool

JoinNetworking | Workshop | Informationsveranstaltung | Diskussion
Die dreitägige Preschool in Jena für internationale Gründungsinteressierte wird vom Werkhaus Inklusion und Startup Migrants organisiert. Hier tauchst du in die Welt der Gründung ein, entwickelst deine Idee, lernst das lokale Gründungsökosystem kennen und vernetzt dich mit anderen Gründern und bestehenden Unternehmern.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz: Jena
EN
2024-28-05 | 10:00–22:00

BORN GLOBAL STARTUP FESTIVAL'24 - Empowering Internationals

JoinWorkshop | Event/Festival | Matching | Networking
Die Teilnehmer erwartet ein spannendes Programm mit erfolgreichen internationalen Gründern aus Leipzig, die in einer inspirierenden Podiumsdiskussion ihre Erfahrungen als Unternehmer in Deutschland teilen. In drei parallelen Sessions gibt es rechtliche Aspekte der Gründung, Finanzierungsprogramme und Prototyping-Möglichkeiten in Mitteldeutschland. Zudem feiern wir den Start der Co-Founder-Plattform.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz: Leipzig
EN
2024-28-05 16:00–2024-27-05 18:00
Deadline: 2024-24-05

Born Global Startup Festival'24 - Creative career development

JoinEvent/Festival | Networking | Workshop
Panel and workshop with a focus on formats like makeathons for creative solution, entrepreneurship and opportunities to become part of a global start-up ecosystem. Discover how you can participate in makeathons and stimulate an entrepreneurial mindset.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz: Jena
EN
2024-29-05 10:00–2024-30-05 18:40

Born Global Startup Festival' 24 - @MACHN Festival

JoinEvent/Festival | Diskussion | Feedback | Informationsveranstaltung | Networking | Workshop
Triff uns und Startups aus unserem Umfeld beim @MACHN Festival an unserem Stand!Dieses Festival feiert maschinelle Innovation und Hardware-Vernetzung und bietet einzigartige Einblicke in die Zukunft von technologiegetriebenen Unternehmen.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz: Leipzig
EN | DE
2024-04-06 15:00–2024-05-06 15:00

Networking mit japanischen Unternehmen und Startups

JoinDiskussion | Informationsveranstaltung | Matching | Networking | Präsentation
Knüpfe Kontakte zu japanischen Unternehmen und präsentiere deine Innovationen einem internationalen Publikum. Ziele: Strategische Partnerschaften: Treffe Entscheidungsträgern japanischer Unternehmen, die nach neuen Technologien und Ideen suchen. Entdecke Möglichkeiten der Zusammenarbeit.Marktinformationen: Gewinne Einblicke in japanische Markttrends, um deine Strategien zu verfeinern. Beteilige dich an wertvollen Gesprächen.
International Startup Campus
Präsenz: Jena
EN
University of Leipzig
University of Jena
University of Halle-Wittenberg

Find Us In Our Region

Do you want to learn more about the specific opportunities offered by each International Startup Office (ISO)? Get In Contact!

 

ISO Leipzig

SMILE – Die gründungsinitiative, University of Leipzig 
smile.uni-leipzig.de/international-startup-office/   |  Write an email  

 

ISO Jena

Servicezentrum Forschung & Transfer, University of Jena
International Startup Office (uni-jena.de) |  Write an email

 

ISO Halle

Transfer- und Gründerservice, University of Halle-Wittenberg
transfer.uni-halle.de/   |   Write an email 

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ISO Team members in your region

Jazmín Ponce Gómez
University of Leipzig
+49 341 97 33765

Jazmín is an entrepreneur, PhD candidate and works as a project manager for SEPT Competence Center (SME Promotion and Training) at the University of Leipzig.
 

+49 341 97 33765
Kristin Hesche
University of Jena
+49 3641 9 402141

Kristin Hesche is an employee in the start-up department of the University of Jena and has many years of professional experience in…

 

+49 3641 9 402141
Steffen Ahrens
University of Halle-Wittenberg
+49 345 55 22958

Steffen Ahrens is an experienced advisor at the Transfer and Founder Service of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, advises people interested…

+49 345 55 22958