HPI launches incubator

The Hasso Plattner Institute is launching a Venture Builder. Anyone who would like to found a tech start-up can apply.

The School of Entrepreneurship at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) is launching an incubator. The school is setting up the "Venture Builder - The Incubator for Digital Engineers" program, which is set to launch in November 2022. The idea: the institute wants to support future tech founders in launching their start-up and developing a business idea.

Anyone who has an idea and would like to turn it into a tech start-up can apply to the incubator. According to the HPI, it is not just IT graduates who are in demand, but also students from other disciplines. Those who make it through the application process can take part in the twelve-week incubation program. According to the HPI, this includes lectures and workshops as well as support from experts and entrepreneurs. Mentoring is also included in the program.

Anyone who has developed a good idea and business basis after twelve weeks can theoretically even obtain initial funding, the HPI promises in a press release. This makes it possible to "obtain initial financing at attractive conditions". Until then, the program is free of charge.

"Many people interested in founding a company have developed great ideas and technologies, but don't know how to successfully turn them into products and start-ups - or don't trust themselves to take the path of founding a company," says Frank Pawlitschek, who heads the School of Entrepreneurship at HPI. "Our new program is now putting this into practice here in Potsdam."