This page was translated automatically using artificial intelligence (DeepL). The German version is binding. More information about automatic translation
Success stories start at SAXEED
Events
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme 2026/2027
12 October - 13 November 2026
Idea&Beer Sprint ā Your Ideas Workshop | SAXEED
27 October 2026 | 17:30 to 18:45 Gerhard-Neumann-Bau (Haus 5)
Find your Co-Founder (in-person) | SAXEED
27 October 2026 | 19:00 to 20:30 Gerhard-Neumann-Bau (Haus 5)
From Research to Innovation: Grants and Funding | SAXEED
6 November 2026 | 13:30 to 17:30 Ludwig-Hilmer-Bau/Zentrum Medien und Soziale Arbeit (Haus 39)
Mittweida Start-up Forum | SAXEED
25 November 2026 | 17:30 to 21:00 Werkbank32/Blockchain Competence Center Mittweida (Haus 32)
Copywriting for LinkedIn | SAXEED
27 November 2026 | 13:30 to 17:30 Ludwig-Hilmer-Bau/Zentrum Medien und Soziale Arbeit (Haus 39)
Research Canvas: Shaping Research Together | SAXEED
21 January 2027 | 13:30 to 17:30 Ludwig-Hilmer-Bau/Zentrum Medien und Soziale Arbeit (Haus 39)
Become self-employed with SAXEED
From building expertise through to finding solutions and integration into a strong innovation ecosystem: SAXEED is the start-up network of the four universities in south-west Saxony ā Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau.
As well as providing start-up advice for students, research staff and alumni, we offer lectures and workshops on start-up-related topics. Some of SAXEEDās courses count towards degree requirements and are practically oriented towards entrepreneurial thinking and action.
What do we stand for?
We regard entrepreneurial thinking as a key competence for entrepreneurship, linking ideas, resources and implementation. Through our work at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, we prioritise the development of the following key competences among our target group:
Mindset development: recognising opportunities, the ability to act in the face of uncertainty, creative thinking and taking responsibility
Innovative thinking and action: rapidly transforming knowledge into solutions, utilising technologies and trends, developing and improving prototypes, and ensuring scalability
Ecosystem: We see ourselves as an active hub within a regional, Saxony-wide, and nationally and internationally networked innovation ecosystem. One in which academia, business and public administration work together and are complemented by networks for knowledge transfer, skills development, funding and scaling.
Start-up advice
With our start-up consultancy, weāll guide you step by step towards launching your own start-up:
- Assessment of the business idea
- Development of the business model
- Search for suitable forms of financing
- Drawing up the business plan
- Drawing up a market entry strategy
- Support with the formal and legal framework for setting up a business
2-minute idea check
Do you have an interesting solution to a problem, a concrete business idea, or simply a crazy idea youāre excited about? Great! Feel free to share your idea with us and take it a step further.
Simply fill in the fields below and get feedback on your ideas from our SAXEED start-up advisers. Go for it! It doesnāt have to be perfect just yet, and it wonāt take more than 2 minutes:
Fancy starting your own business? Then get in touch with us!
EXIST Research Transfer
ā
The EXIST Research Transfer programme supports research-based and technology-oriented start-up projects from universities and research institutions that involve challenging development work. Funding is initially provided to research and start-up teams and, in a second phase, to the resulting companies, with the aim of successfully transforming innovative research findings into marketable products and businesses.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Advice on the application and funding criteria
- Help with business and financial plans
- Preparation for the progress review meeting with the PtJ
- Support throughout the application and project
- Up to 75% of the funding for the first phase -> max. ā¬180,000
EXIST-Women
ā
EXIST-Women specifically supports women on their path to self-employment. The programme offers personalised advice, training opportunities and networking initiatives ā specially tailored to female entrepreneurs at universities.
Support at a glance:
- Personalised one-to-one advice & coaching
- Workshops & networking events
- Access to the nationwide network for female entrepreneurs
- Available free of charge via SAXEED
Conditions:
- Specifically for women at HSMW
SAXEED programmes
At the Ideas Camp, we work together throughout the semester to develop solutions to socially relevant or research-oriented issues. In doing so, we guide participants through the entire innovation process ā from the initial definition of the problem, through the development of potential solutions, to brainstorming and the creation of a prototype. Youāll also have the chance to learn how to create a pitch video to present the ideas and prototypes youāve developed effectively.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Fundamentals of Design Thinking
- Challenge Day ā evaluating problems
- Ideation ā Finding ideas and solutions
- Creating personas and interview techniques
- Pitch Day
The masterclass is aimed at anyone who is serious about developing their start-up idea further. Through a series of compact workshop sessions, youāll learn about the most important tools ā from market analysis and business planning right through to your first pitch to real investors. Practical, intensive and immediately applicable.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Structured support from the initial idea right through to the pitch
- Workshops on business models, finance and marketing
- Direct feedback from start-up experts and investors
- Access to the SAXEED network of coaches and mentors
- Certificate that counts towards your degree
Forget the traditional work placement. At InnoAcademy, youāll work on your own projects ā alongside professionals from business and industry. No rigid guidelines, no making coffee. Instead: real responsibility, real results, a real network. The best bit? Itās completely free for you.
Hereās what you get:
- An innovative compulsory work placement ā which counts towards your degree
- Support from experienced mentors with real-world experience
- The freedom to work independently on your own projects
- Open to all degree programmes at HSMW
- Fully funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs
The EXIST Bootcamp is the most intensive preparation you can get before submitting an EXIST funding application. In just a few days, youāll get your project down to the essentials ā business model, financial plan, application documents. SAXEED will support you every step of the way, from the very first page right through to submission.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Compact preparation for the EXIST funding application
- Support with your business plan and financial planning
- Direct advice from the SAXEED team
- Pitch training in front of experienced experts
- Personal support right through to the submission of your application
Funding schemes
Saxonyās start-up support for your business idea. Anyone with an innovative idea and the courage to put it into practice can apply via futureSAX for a monthly start-up grant.
SAXEED Mittweida provides targeted preparation for your application and pitch.
Hereās what youāll receive:
- Monthly start-up grant: ā¬1,050 for 12 months
- Additional child allowance available
- Pitch preparation by SAXEED Mittweida
- Networking & personalised support
Conditions:
- Open to all start-up founders in Saxony
Saxon funding for technology-based start-ups. The grant from the SƤchsische Aufbaubank supports young, innovative companies in promising technology sectors ā provided they have clear prospects of success.
Hereās what youāll receive:
- Maximum grant: up to ā¬108,000
- Personalised grant
- Support from SAXEED Mittweida
Conditions:
- For technology-oriented start-up ideas
- Applications via SAB Saxony
The EXIST start-up grant is aimed at students, graduates and researchers at universities and non-university research institutions who wish to further develop their start-up idea and turn it into a viable business plan. SAXEED Mittweida offers regular information sessions and a SAXEED bootcamp to help you with your application.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Submission of a preliminary outline followed by feedback from the PtJ in preparation for the application
- Advice on suitability
- Feedback on the concept
- Funding in the form of a scholarship
The ERDF/JTF ā Forschung InfraProNet funding programme supports universities and public research institutions in application-oriented research and development projects, as well as in the expansion of modern research infrastructures. SAXEED helps you to promote innovation and strengthen the transfer of scientific knowledge from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences to industry.
Hereās what youāll get:
- Advice on suitability
- Feedback on your concept
- Staff and material resources, equipment, external services, and the registration and acquisition of intellectual property rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SAXEED for? Is it only intended for students at HSMW?
No, SAXEED is the start-up network for all four universities in south-west Saxony: Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau and Schneeberg University of Applied Sciences. All students, graduates and academic staff at these universities can use our services free of charge.
Does the advice provided by SAXEED cost anything?
No, start-up advice at SAXEED is completely free of charge for all students and graduates of the partner universities. SAXEED is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Free State of Saxony.
How does the initial consultation at SAXEED work?
The initial consultation lasts around 60 minutes and takes place in person or via video call. You present your idea, even if itās still very vague. We then discuss the first steps together, any unanswered questions and which SAXEED services are relevant to you. No preparation is needed.
Can I come to SAXEED if my idea is still very vague?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our founders came with just a rough idea and a general direction, without a fully formed concept. This is exactly the right time: before you invest too much time in a direction that might not be viable.
Does SAXEED continue to support me even after Iāve set up my business?
Yes, our support doesnāt end with your entry in the commercial register. As an alumnus, you remain part of the SAXEED network, have access to events and contacts, and can continue to seek advice. Growth is an ongoing process.
Do I need to have an idea before I come for a consultation?
No. Even if you just feel like you want to start a business, youāre welcome to come along to an initial consultationā¦ even without a concrete plan! Often, itās precisely this conversation that helps turn a vague interest into a first step in the right direction.
Which legal structure is right for my start-up?
That depends on your situation:
- How many founders are there?
- How high is the liability risk?
- Do you need external funding?
For student start-ups with limited start-up capital, the UG (with limited liability) is often a good first step, though it is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. Weāll discuss whatās right for you in a meeting.
When is the right time to set up a business?
Thereās no such thing as the perfect time! If you wait for it, youāll usually never get started!
It makes sense if you have an idea that solves a real problem and youāre ready to give it a go. Many start-ups at SAXEED are launched whilst students are still studying, because university life offers time and flexibility that become scarcer afterwards.
What is a business plan, and do I really need one?
A business plan provides a structured overview of your business model, your target market, the competition and your finances. Itās usually a requirement for funding applications (e.g. EXIST) and meetings with banks.
But itās also useful for you personally: when you write your plan down, youāll quickly realise where you havenāt thought things through properly.
How much start-up capital do I need?
That depends very much on your idea. If youāre launching an app or a service, a few hundred euros will often suffice. Product- or hardware-based ideas sometimes require significantly more.
There are funding schemes available for both:
- EXIST Start-up Grant
- InnoStartBonus Saxony
- the EXIST Research Transfer Programme
We can help you assess whatās realistic for you.
What is the EXIST start-up grant and who can apply for it?
The EXIST start-up grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs supports innovative, technology-oriented start-up projects originating from universities. It covers your living costs for up to 12 months whilst you prepare to launch your business. Students, graduates and researchers are eligible to apply. You must always apply jointly with a university as the applicant. SAXEED can help you with your application.
Can I apply for funding whilst Iām still studying?
Yes, many programmes are specifically aimed at students. EXIST and InnoStartBonus also support start-up projects that have not yet officially been established as a business. It is important that your university degree or your last employment at a university was obtained no more than five years ago.
What is the InnoStartBonus Saxony?
The InnoStartBonus is a Saxon funding programme specifically for innovative start-ups from universities and research institutions. It pays ā¬1,050 per month for up to 12 months and is a grant that does not need to be repaid. Funding is awarded through a competitive process via futureSAX.
Are there any funding schemes specifically for female founders?
Yes. EXIST-Women supports women at universities who are interested in starting a business by offering a training programme and financial support. SAB Saxony also offers the Female Founderās Grant (ESF Plus Gender Equality) to boost womenās participation in self-employment. We can advise you on all the options.
What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
A grant does not have to be repaid. It is, in effect, a direct gift from the funding body. A loan (subsidised loan) must be repaid, but often on more favourable terms than a bank loan. For start-ups in the early stages, grants such as EXIST or InnoStartBonus are usually the better choice, as they involve no financial risk.
ā
ā
ā
SAXEED is funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF Plus), as well as by the Free State of Saxony, in collaboration with the participating universities and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, as part of the exist programme.