International Startup Office

Welcome to the International Startup Office at Jena University!

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The International Startup Office (ISO) acts as a central contact point for international students and academics from different backgrounds who want to found a startup or start their own business in Central Germany.

We as the team of the International Startup Office provide support, consulting and a supportive environment to help you turn your innovative ideas into reality!

The International Startup Office is integrated to the K1-Startup Service of the University of Jena and is located in the middle of Jena's dynamic innovation ecosystem. It was established as part of the International Startup Campus projectExternal link, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the development of startups.

OUR SERVICE

We provide a range of services, comprehensive resources, tailored support, and valuable connections to enable your entrepreneurial journey.

We believe that language should never be a barrier to entrepreneurial success.

We want you to feel welcome and supported to implement your business ideas in the Central German startup ecosystem and offer all our services in English.

Image: Universität Leipzig

TRAININGExternal linkde We regularly offer workshops and seminars on various topics essential for startup success such as: visa and legal aspects, business idea development, business plan writing, marketing strategies, intellectual property rights, pitch training, and more - tailormade to the needs of international founders.
Image: Universität Leipzig

COACHINGExternal linkde Our passionate coaches provide personalized guidance throughout your startup journey. Through one-on-one sessions we assist you in every aspect, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, such as the highly supportive EXIST grant.
Image: Universität Jena

CO-FOUNDER MATCHExternal linkde If you have a business idea in mind but are seeking a co-founders to complement your team, we've got you covered. Our co-founder matchmaking service connects you with talented individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Image: Universität Jena

COMMUNITY PLATFORMExternal linkde We foster your connection with local players from the startup ecosystem in Central Germany. Through meetups, international students and researchers have the opportunity to meet companies and stablished startups lead by international founders. They present their founding and growth history and bring the topic of intrapreneurship closer to them through jointly designed challenges/competitions.

Can't be on site? Then connect with your new startup community online, anytime through our platform Talque.
Image: Marco Warmuth

BORN GLOBAL STARTUP FESTIVALExternal linkde The annual gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers who aim to kickstart their business in Germany. The festival includes exciting talks with international founders, workshops and serves as a vibrant hub for knowledge sharing and networking with like-minded individuals. Here we welcome and celebrate the international community in Central Germany.
Image: Michelle Cole Fotografie

SET UP: JENAExternal linkde Set up : Jena is organized by the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Ernst Abbe University Jena.
Every year, researchers and people interested in founding companies meet here to exchange ideas and network on the topics of research cooperation, founding and transfer.
Changing exciting topics make it an annual highlight for the science and start-up community as well as interested parties.