Start-up service

Welcome to the site! Nice that you have found your way here.

We are the StarterWerk start-up service at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and part of the “Thuringian University Start-up Network”. Do you have an initial idea and want to take it further from a business model to a potential start-up? Then you've come to the right place!

We are at your side free of charge and offer support in the following areas

• Reviewing the business idea
• Support with the creation of a business plan
• Advice on a suitable legal form
• Funding opportunities
• Advice on the Exist start-up grant and Exist research transfer 
• Networks and contacts
• Competitions and much more

Whether students, alumni or employees of the university. In a team or individually. We pick you up exactly where you are with your project.

 

September 2, 2025 – How to prototype (almost) anything

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with Ilmkubator at TU Ilmenau

Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Format: Online
Speaker: Matthias Testa, Coach & Scout at TU Ilmenau
🔗 Register and find more information
Language: German

💡 About the session:
Fast, creative, tangible: In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into prototypes – whether digital products, physical objects, or abstract concepts.
You’ll get a hands-on introduction to the basics of prototyping, explore useful tools & methods, and try out how to test ideas quickly.
Perfect for designers, makers, and anyone curious to try something new.

 

October 7, 2025 – Financial Planning for start-up entrepreneurs

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and Hike
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Format: Online
Speaker: Oliver Kahl
🔗 Registration Link follows
Language: German

💡 About the session:
Good financial planning is the foundation for the success of any business idea. Learn how to realistically calculate your capital requirements, secure liquidity, and achieve economic goals. Practical approaches and clear strategies will help you to implement your ideas with confidence. Discover how exciting and important solid financial planning can be!

 

November 11, 2025 – Innovate4Impact

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with dem K1 Gründerservice
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Format: Online
Speaker: Kristin Hesche and Ede Möser
🔗 Registration Link follows
Language: German

💡 About the session:
What impact do you want to achieve with your start-up idea? In this interactive workshop, we will look at the Golden Circle and the “why” behind your idea, among other things. We will learn more about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the PHINEO Impact Ladder, and reflect together on potential areas of impact that your start-up idea could specifically address. And what does Sanpo Yoshi actually mean?

 

December 2, 2025 – Creative with AI, inspiration for idea development and innovation

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with der Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena
Time: 13:00–14:00 Uhr
Format: Online
Speaker: Karsten Jahn and Isabel Weiß (Modelfabrik Virtualisierung des Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Ilmenau)
🔗 Registration Link follows
Language: German

💡 About the session:
In this practical online seminar, you will learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can support creative processes and provide new impetus for idea development. Using concrete examples and interactive exercises, you will learn how to use AI in a targeted manner to develop innovative solutions and enrich your creative work—even in the digital space.

 

More events in the StarTH now series coming soon and you can always find them here!
Stay tuned and don’t miss out on upcoming topics around entrepreneurship and self-employment.