Science.  And Startups.

Whether you’re a leading scientist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone with a groundbreaking science-based idea:

Science & Startups empowers individuals with diverse backgrounds from Berlin and all over the world to transform their innovations into companies that will shape our tomorrow.

For a world that still thrives 100 years from now.

Entrepreneurship offers a unique avenue to make a global impact beyond traditional scientific roles. Embracing a shift from specialization to a more generalist perspective is crucial in driving innovation, with collaboration playing a key part. Science & Startups fosters a dynamic ecosystem for collaboration between students, scientists, and entrepreneurs.   

This ecosystem, facilitated by Berlin’s major universities, provides invaluable resources like research access, mentorship, and funding to support impactful ventures. Ultimately, the shared goal is to drive economic success while addressing global challenges.

Science & Startups Jobs

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!

Get in touch

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.