Kickstart

The goal is to easily test initial ideas and concepts that could eventually lead to the establishment of a business (idea proposals). During the 6-month funding period, for example, a “proof of principle” can be demonstrated, a prototype can be built, or a market or feasibility analysis can be conducted.

It is a prerequisite that the goal is to establish a business. A project idea must be in place at the time of application, but the business must not yet have been established.

Eligible for funding:

• Ideas from doctoral studies / Thesis / Study Project (whether a product or service)
• Preliminary work for EXIST funding or similar
• Provision of proof-of-principle
• Development of demonstrators, including MVP
• Focus on scientific and technical issues

Not eligible for funding:

• Product is already on the market
• No intention to start a company
• Company has already been founded

Funding is available for individual entrepreneurs or teams within the university. The entrepreneurs may be students, staff members, or doctoral candidates at TH OWL. All members of a team must have or establish a legal relationship with the university, i.e., they must be studying, working, or pursuing a doctorate at TH OWL.

Once funding is approved, the founders receive a total of 7,500 euros in financial support. This is not direct funding; the funds are administered by TH OWL and are provided over a maximum period of six months.

In addition, grant recipients benefit from coaching, known as the “sprint.” The one-week sprint marks the start of the funding period and is mandatory upon approval of the grant. The start of the funding period is based on the application period and begins on the first day of the Sprint. It cannot be chosen freely.

1. To submit an application for the Kickstart@TH scholarship, you must complete a specific, detailed concept paper.
2. StartupLab staff will conduct a preliminary selection of teams based on the submitted concept paper. Selected founding teams will be notified and invited to a pitch presentation.
3. The decision on funding is made by a qualified jury drawn from the OWL startup network. The jury makes its selection based on a personal presentation (pitch, approx. 7 minutes) in which the founders present their concept and team. Immediately afterward, the presenters have the opportunity to answer specific questions from the jury (15 minutes).
4. The jury’s decision on funding will be made promptly. Following approval by the BMBF, the selected founders will be personally informed and can begin the 6-month funding period.
5. During the funding period, in-kind contributions can be acquired by the university and made available to the teams or individuals. A one-week sprint takes place, and the StartupLab team is available to the founders as coaches at any time.

The €7,500 can be used to fund necessary materials, the procurement of specialized parts, or specialized consulting services. The university will handle the procurement, and written documentation must be provided to verify that the funds were used for their intended purpose. Personnel expenses or funds to cover living expenses cannot be funded. Additional examples of possible procurements:

The following may be funded:

• Materials
• Rental or purchase of specialized equipment (to remain at the university)
• Manufacture of special parts
• Specialized consulting
• Software licenses for the university
• Possible outsourcing (consultation with the project sponsor required)

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Support staff (personnel expenses)
• Standard lab equipment, e.g., laptops
• Personalized software licenses
• Marketing expenses and shop setup

The grant of €7,500 does not need to be repaid even after the 6 months.

This intensive coaching program takes place at the start of the summer break and is supported and guided by professors and coaches from the startup team. The sprint’s schedule is tailored to the specific business idea and the current status of the project. The following topics will be covered over the course of the 5 days:

• Evaluating needs (6-month goals, developing a milestone plan, etc.)
• Understanding customers (market and target group analysis, etc.)
• Developing the offering (communicating benefits, USP, positioning, etc.)
• Planning the product (patents, trademarks, developing the launch product, etc.)
• Presenting and launching ideas (legal structures, financing, pitching, etc.)

If the initiative is successful, the next step following the idea test should be to pursue the startup idea further. This can be done, for example, by applying for additional startup funding, such as the Gründerstipendium.NRW or the EXIST program, or by founding a company.

Receiving funding from Kickstart@TH OWL does not preclude the possibility of receiving additional funding in the future, such as the Gründerstipendium NRW or, if applicable, the EXIST grant.

The concept paper requires a rough cost estimate. We want to see what you plan to do with the money and how much you need to test your idea. You don’t need to obtain formal quotes; a rough estimate of the expenses and a breakdown of the €7,500 is sufficient for the application.

Even though the university supports you both conceptually and financially with your idea, you are and remain the creator of your idea and retain the rights to it. We do not claim any rights to your idea; rather, we want to support you in starting your own business.

The prototypes you design and build, as well as any consumables purchased with the grant funds, remain your property even after the grant period ends. Only the equipment purchased must remain at the university and is the property of TH OWL.

If you advance to the next round, you will be invited to give a pitch presentation. You will have 7 minutes to convince the jury of your idea. The presentation will take place in person at the Startup Center in Lemgo, and you are free to structure the 7 minutes as you see fit. It’s up to you whether you want to show presentation slides, speak off the cuff, or bring something for people to touch or try. Try to base your content on the completed idea sheet. It’s important that everyone on your team is present.