About us

After successfully implementing the Startup and Innovation Campus Mittelhessen (StartMiUp), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Philipps University Marburg, and the University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen have joined forces again to boost innovation and transformation with a unique initiative

In a dynamic economic world, promoting entrepreneurial innovation is crucial for competitiveness, new market potential and long-term success. Innovations are usually the result of the interaction between excellent research and business expertise.

However, too little use has been made of this synergy. The StartMiUp universities now want to change this by collaborating with companies in the StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life as part of the lighthouse competition "Startup Factories".

Our Initiative

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In cooperation with regional business partners, the three universities in Mittelhessen – Justus Liebig University Giessen, Philipps University Marburg, and the University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen – are planning to establish the StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life as a public-private partnership.

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The StartMiUp Factory aims to bring together start-ups, universities, and companies in the regional focus areas of Biotech & Pharma, MedTech & (Digital) Health, Efficient Materials & Manufacturing, Agritech & Food, and Sustainable Infrastructure.

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An industry focused accelerator is to be set up for growth-oriented start-ups in the field of sustainable life. Business partners provide not only their expertise, but also resources such as production capacities and market access. Through focused mentoring and coaching, cross-technology innovations are specifically promoted that create economic added value and open up new growth prospects for the participating start-ups.

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With this initiative, we are entering the EXIST lighthouse competition „Startup Factories“ after submitting the application by April 30, 2025. The competition offers each project a chance to double the private seed funding by the federal government, up to 10 million euros.

hessischer-gruenderpreis-ausschnitt-copyright-Maria Jahn

Our Goals

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Establishment of an internationally leading startup ecosystem in the field of Sustainable Life

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Attraction of national and international startup talents to Mittelhessen

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Support for long-term business development, market entry, and expansion

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Increase in the number of spin-offs from the Sustainable Life sector in the next five years

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Acceleration of innovation and founding phases

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Securing growth funding

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Qualification of national and international startup talents together with partners from academia and business

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Promotion of cross-technology innovations

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Achieving societal impact

Our Implementation

In close collaboration with academia and industry, we are developing an industry-focused accelerator program designed to accelerate innovation processes and maximize network effects. Our initiative has already attracted renowned companies from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, optics, food, and manufacturing industries, ensuring active participation and valuable expertise.

Additionally, we are establishing clear legal frameworks to address intellectual property (IP) considerations throughout the various innovation phases, ensuring a structured and secure approach to managing ideas and technological advancements.

By building on existing regional startup infrastructures and organizational structures, we create a seamless integration into the innovation ecosystem. The Lokschuppen in Marburg serves as our central hub, offering a dynamic and creative environment for collaboration and growth.

Our Benefits

for Start-ups

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Industry-focused accelerator

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Growth prospects

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Market entry into Germany and the European Union

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Access to Know-how and research expertise in our focus areas

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Support with settling into the region

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Expansion of your network through connections to:

- Investors
- Regional hidden champions
- Themed networks, e.g., universities and research figures
- Like-minded startups and alumni
- Coaches, mentors

for Business Partners

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Direct point of contact for innovation-related questions in the company

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Inspiring formats – from design sprints to hackathons

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Insights into cutting-edge technologies and market developments

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Talent pipeline

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Flexible design of the accelerator program

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Access to leading experts from research, industry, and financial market

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Opportunity for strategic involvement in promising startups

Become a Partner

The Project Team

Prof. Dr. Thomas Nauss
President of
Philipps University Marburg

Prof. Dr. Jochen Frey
Vice President of Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

Franziska Deutscher
Head of Transfer,
Justus Liebig University Giessen

Vanessa Kuhl
Head of Transfer,
Philipps University Marburg

Dr. Iris Stallkamp
Head of Transfer, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

Prof. Dr. Michael Stephan
Professor for Technology & Innovation Management, Philipps University Marburg

Prof. Dr. Vivien Procher
Professor for Entrepreneurship & Innovative Business Models, Philipps University Marburg

Prof. Dr. Monika Schuhmacher
Professor for Technology, Innovation & Startup Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen

Dr. Eva Aulich
Managing Director Research Campus of Central Hessen (FCMH)

Patricia Kuhr
Managing Director Startup and Innovation Campus (StartMiUp)

Christian Rötz
Project Coordinator, StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life

Sarah Krecker
Project Manager Public Relations & Events, StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life

Holger Sommerlad
Project Coordinator, StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life