Join

We support the settlement and growth of international founding teams and startups in Central Germany.

Join the startup ecosystem in Central Germany

We give access to the extensive experience and knowledge cumulated at our universities. Our local teams open doors to the regional startup and innovation ecosystem of Central Germany and pave the way to your international growth path. 

Our services are designed for

1. Founding Teams and Startups

You are a startup or a team building a company in Central Germany? Benefit from our experienced support team with diverse backgrounds in our International Startup Offices. They are part of the local startup support network. You can access the whole service portfolio of the International Startup Campus and its partners.

2. Students and Researchers

The team of the International Startup Office serves as a one-stop agency for your questions about starting your own business in Germany. The office is an integral part of your university startup service and brings in a solid network to other relevant departments that support international students and researchers and opens doors to other partner networks. 

In case you are just interested in supporting entrepreneurship initiatives, you can become one of our international entrepreneurship ambassadors.

3. Startup Supporters

Your professional experience and passion for supporting founding teams and startups is highly welcome. Just join one of our public events or contact one of our local offices.

 

Meet like-minded people at various events and get inspired at the Born Global Startup Festival!

 

Unsere Community and Startup Events

2025-30-06 | 11:30–13:00

Starting a business as a chance for international students

LearnInformationsveranstaltung | Workshop
You are (or were) an international student in Leipzig? Now you have a business idea, and you want to start a company or get self-employed? We will discuss in this session some legal issues concerning international students. At the same time, we develop a first business model for your idea and check the financing options.
SMILE
Präsenz: Leipzig
EN
2025-10-07 | 18:00–20:00

Freelancing in Germany

LearnInformationsveranstaltung | Workshop
Thinking of going freelance or starting a business in Germany?In this session, you’ll get practical insights into the first steps you need to take — including how to apply for a tax number, register with relevant authorities (like pension insurance), and understand the types of taxes that may apply to you.
SMILE
Präsenz: Leipzig
EN
2025-24-07 | 16:30–18:30

Grants and funding opportunities to kick-off your business idea in Germany 

LearnWorkshop | Beratung | Präsentation
Learn what public grants are available for your startup and what you need to apply for them successfully. Get an overview of possible combinations of a variety of funding opportunities. Different funding volumes for different projects are available on city-level, state-level and federal level, learn with us how to find and use them.
International Startup Office
Präsenz: Leipzig
EN
2025-21-08 | 17:30–20:00

Import Business in Germany: How to start as an international?

LearnBeratung | Präsentation
Are you interested in starting an import business in Germany? This workshop is designed to provide you with crucial insights into the legal and administrative aspects involved to set up an import company in Germany. This session provides you with insights and practical guidance on import procedures.
International Startup Campus
Online:
EN

Our locations

We offer access to different programs, free office space or co-working space to build your startup.

Leipzig University
Jena University
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg

Freiraum - Meeting Room

Jena University

Office Space

All universities
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg

Any questions? Just ask.

Kerstin von Nordheim
University of Jena
+49 3641 9 401515

Kerstin Zippel has a wide range of international experience and works for both the international office and the start-up service of the University of Jena…

+49 3641 9 401515
Jazmín Ponce Gómez
University of Leipzig
+49 341 97 33765

Jazmín is an entrepreneur, PhD candidate and works as a project manager for SEPT Competence Center (SME Promotion and Training) at the University of Leipzig.
 

+49 341 97 33765
Steffen Ahrens
University of Halle-Wittenberg
+49 345 55 22958

Steffen Ahrens is an experienced advisor at the Transfer and Founder Service of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, advises people interested…

+49 345 55 22958
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