Helmholtz Enterprise

Helmholtz Enterprise is a Helmholtz Association initiative to support spin-offs from its Centres. Setting up a successful spin-off requires careful planning and preparation. It is particularly important that they are set up in conditions which allow them to grow. Other significant factors include clarifying intellectual property rights and agreeing a solid distribution strategy.

Helmholtz Enterprise funding aims to provide support in an area critical to the success of almost every spin-off  the staffing situation in Helmholtz Centre institutes. More specifically, the Helmholtz Enterprise Fund finances additional personnel at the institute while the spin-off is being set up. That provides new resources and allows entrepreneurs to concentrate on developing their spin-off project.

The funding can cover up to 36 person-months of personnel costs and pay for various other kinds of support, such as consulting for the business plan, the patent, and market research or training in distribution and market entry strategies. This support helps entrepreneurs to draw up strong business plans, optimise their business models and keep their eye out for strategic partners.

In each case, the funding amounts to up to €200,000. Half of this is financed by the Helmholtz Association’s Initiative and Networking Fund and the rest is provided by the relevant Helmholtz Centre. The funding is available for one year. Helmholtz Enterprise funding is allocated via a competition. Scientists planning to start up a spin-off can apply via the technology transfer point at their Helmholtz Centre. The applications are assessed by external experts and, after a presentation by the team behind the spin-off project, they decide whether the venture should be put forward for funding.

The programme funded 55 projects between 2005 and mid-2010, and so far has helped to set up 25 new businesses, which together employ over 100 people. This funding programme for spin-offs has been well received and in 2009 Helmholtz Enterprise helped to finance six out of the eight Helmholtz spin-offs established that year.