Start-up Focus Centers.NRW

Research in North Rhine-Westphalia is constantly generating knowledge to drive forward tasks such as the climate-neutral transformation of the economy or the efficient use of artificial intelligence. Suitable support is needed at universities to turn research-based expertise into innovative, market-ready solutions. With the "Start-up Fokuszentren.NRW" funding call, the state is promoting the establishment of specialized centers that provide targeted advice and support for start-ups.

The aim is to increase the quality and number of start-ups from universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The focus is on start-ups that contribute to the climate neutrality of the economy and society as well as in the field of artificial intelligence. After all, jobs and competitiveness can only be secured in the long term if the transfer of sustainable ideas from research to industry works.

Universities can apply for funding for one of three possible "Start-up Focus Centers". The thematic priorities of the three "Start-up Focus Centers" are:

• Foundations by female academics
• Foundations with a contribution to the climate neutrality of the economy and society
• Foundations in the field of artificial intelligence

A "Start-up Focus Center" is not a research center; the focus is on the generation, distribution and use of application-oriented knowledge and know-how by members of the university for the purpose of supporting start-ups within the university.

The focus centers analyze the status quo and challenges on a topic-specific basis, formulate recommendations for action and support the exchange between universities. The services of the "focus centers" are to be understood as cooperative and supportive offers to the universities in NRW. The aim is therefore to increase the competence of university start-up support at all universities.

A total of €4.5 million is available from EU and state funds to support projects. Applications can be made for funding of up to 500,000 euros per year and up to 1.5 million euros per project for a period of up to three years. An own contribution of at least 10% of the total eligible project expenditure must be borne by the funding recipients.