Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Centre GründES!

	GründES!, the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, is the central hub for all matters related to entrepreneurship and innovation. We foster entrepreneurial spirit and responsible entrepreneurial action — closely connected to people and technology — through international projects, hands-on workshops, and events. We support students, staff, alumni, and start-ups from the initial idea all the way to the implementation of their entrepreneurial ventures.

What we do at GründES!

Who is our program for?

Latest news

exist-Woman

Do you have a start-up idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into reality yet? And would you like to be part of a strong community while learning from the experiences of other female founders?

Then the EXIST-Women program is exactly right for you!

Program start (tentative): April 2026
Application deadline: March 1, 2026

Unser Team

Our programs for the Summer Semester 2026

	We offer a wide range of workshops and programs focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and prototyping. Through hands-on workshops and interactive innovation formats, you will learn new methods, further develop your own ideas, and put them directly into practice. Whether you are just getting started with an idea or already working on a concrete project — join us and actively shape your future. Sign up now!

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Our spaces

Our spaces provide the ideal environment to develop ideas, collaborate, and bring innovation to life. At the MakerSpacES!, you can build prototypes, explore new technologies, and turn your concepts into practical solutions. The co-working space is dedicated to our start-up teams and offers room for focused work, exchange, and team meetings in an inspiring atmosphere. This is complemented by the GründES! office, where you receive personal guidance, support with funding programs, and individual coaching on your journey from idea to start-up.

Förderprogramme

Mehr über unsere Förderprogramme erfahren

Newsletter

You want to be always up to date and know more about GründES! and our events?

Then sign up for our newsletter right now!

Newsletter

GründES! Podcast

The GründES! Podcast is all about innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold ideas. We believe that students, alumni, and staff at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences hold enormous entrepreneurial potential — and we aim to make it audible.

Look forward to inspiring conversations with founders, experts, and thought leaders from business, academia, and the start-up ecosystem. We talk about entrepreneurial journeys, innovative projects, funding opportunities, and how ideas turn into sustainable companies.

Whether you are looking for inspiration, practical insights, or concrete tips for starting your own venture — the GründES! Podcast supports you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Listen now

Jobs

At GründES!, we are convinced that the minds of students, alumni, and staff at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences hold enormous potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. As the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, we foster entrepreneurial thinking and action at the intersection of people, technology, and the environment.

Through a diverse range of services — including consulting, education, and events — from start-up talks and the Entrepreneurship School to individual start-up advisory and coaching, we support people in turning ideas into sustainable ventures and innovations.

Would you like to actively shape entrepreneurship, drive innovation, and become part of a dedicated and passionate team?

More information

Frequently Asked Questions

Who we are at GründES!

GründES! is the central hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-up support at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, providing guidance through programs, workshops, and individual consulting.

Who can use GründES!’s services?

Students, staff, alumni, start-ups, as well as external aspiring founders and companies can take advantage of our programs and consulting services.

How does GründES! support funding applications?

Our team provides guidance on relevant funding programs, application processes, deadlines, and assists with preparing all necessary documentation.

Does GründES! offer access to entrepreneurial networks and collaborations?

GründES! connects founders with regional, national, and international partners, start-ups, experts, and industry representatives.

Can external founders or companies also participate in GründES!’s programs?

Yes — in addition to students and alumni, GründES! explicitly also addresses external aspiring founders and companies.

How can I stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, and programs?

Stay informed by subscribing to the GründES! newsletter and following our social channels for the latest news on events, programs, and funding opportunities.. Subscribe now