Important: If you are interested, please block the following dates in your calendar now! The programme includes three mandatory workshops at Leuphana University:
- 17 and 19 April 2026: Kick-off block
- 20 and 21 June 2026: Summer workshop
- 24 and 25 October 2026: Final workshop
- 27 November 2026: Final pitch event
There is also a mandatory ‘Founder’ seminar in Berlin (2 days; in-person event in Berlin; exact date can be determined jointly); followed by a 2-hour online follow-up session after 3 months.
Background
scaleF is made possible by funds from the EXIST-Women funding line from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The aim of the program is to expand start-up support for female entrepreneurs and founders from the scientific community. Women at universities and research institutions who are interested in founding a company and have an affinity for start-ups are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the topic of start-ups at an early stage. They are encouraged to venture into entrepreneurial independence so that more women will act as managing directors and shareholders of innovative start-ups in the future. The EXIST funding line offers events, advice and support as well as a financial grant for prospective female founders.
The programme at Leuphana is organized by the Junior Professorship for Business Administration, in particular Digital Transformation, the Start-up Service, the Equal Opportunities Office, the Graduate School, the Professional School and Human Resources Development for Academic Staff.