Science. And Startups.
Science & Startups is the joint startup service of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin, in partnership with Charité.
Whether you're a leading scientist, an entrepreneur or simply someone with a science-based idea, we empower people from Berlin and around the world to turn their ideas into companies.
Building startups that matter, today and for generations to come.
Entrepreneurship lets scientists make an impact beyond traditional research roles.
Science & Startups fosters collaboration between students, scientists and entrepreneurs from Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité.
Through this ecosystem, founders gain access to research, mentorship and funding to build ventures that address real-world challenges, from climate change to healthcare.
Join the Team!
Would you like to work with exciting startup teams and support them as part of our association? Get in touch with us to explore impactful roles!
Meet our team
Our team is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration in Berlin's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Volker Hofmann
Board, Science & Startups
Volker Hofmann leads Humboldt-Innovation GmbH, the Humboldt-Universitäts startup service. As an alumnus of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin himself, he is a member of various innovation support networks at the state and federal level. As a member of the Science & Startups Advisory Board, he brings expertise across knowledge and technology transfer, startup support, research cooperation, and consulting.
Torsten Marquardt
Administration Berliner Startup Stipendium
Torsten Marquardt works as a project administrator for the Berliner Startup Stipendium at Science & Startups. He manages contracts and documentation, ensuring that administrative processes run reliably and startups can focus on building their ventures.
Thomas Lorenz
Stakeholder Manager Finance & Alumni
Thomas Lorenz helps startups become investment-ready through 1-on-1 coaching, he organizes and facilitates mentoring and matching sessions and assists in connecting startups with suitable investors.
Sarah Bidoli
Coordinator Berliner Startup Stipendium
Sarah Bidoli supports startups in bringing structure to early-stage ideas and securing the resources they need to move forward. She works closely with founders within the Berliner Startup Stipendium, helping them stay focused and turn their ideas into viable solutions.
Ronja Kolls
Social Media & Communications
Ronja Kolls leads communications and marketing at Science & Startups. Her work focuses on making research-driven innovation understandable, increasing the visibility of university-based startups and positioning Science & Startups within Berlin’s deep tech and science entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Philipp Heinicke
Startup Consultant
Philipp Heinicke supports startup teams and connects them with the full Science & Startups network. He combines a deep understanding of public-sector support structures with the mindset of lean startups — acting as both a trusted sparring partner and a critical outside perspective.
Pepper
Senior Pawtnership Manager
As Senior Pawtnership Manager, Pepper is responsible for team morale, spontaneous check-ins, and well-timed interruptions. The 13-year-old New York native brings unmatched enthusiasm, a nose for good ideas, and the firm belief that every meeting is better with a dog in the room. And treats.
Ole Senkbeil
Launchpad Manager
Ole Senkbeil works with startups building sustainable technological innovations. Drawing on experience across startups, SMEs and corporates, he focuses on improving structures, addressing key challenges, and enabling the right connections to support long-term success.
With Passion @ Science & Startups
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