PUSH! - Network of Partners for the support of university-based start-ups
Objectives
The PUSH! project aims to encourage the establishment of knowledge-based start-ups and spin-offs. A key objective is to foster an entrepreneurial culture at universities and research establishments, and to promote spin-offs offering new technologies and innovative services. The PUSH! network provides access to a variety of experts in the world of education, research and business, as well as to advisory services and government bodies.
Partners
The Association PUSH! e.V. has about 50 members from higher education, businesses, from counselling organisations, associations and public organisations.
The core partners are:
- Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WRS),
- University of Stuttgart,
- University of Hohenheim,
- The Applied Sciences Universities in Stuttgart, Esslingen and Nürtingen,
- three PUSH! CampusAgencies run by the university incubators TTI GmbH, IBH GmbH and Contact-As e. V.
Information to would-be entrepreneurs is provided via the three PUSH! CampusAgencies based at local campuses. The agencies offer a free initial consultation and put entrepreneurs in touch with the right partners. Teaching staff, governing bodies, on-campus business incubation centres, and the Centre of Entrepreneurship at the University of Hohenheim are all represented on PUSH! committees and actively involved in PUSH! projects. The central administrative office of PUSH!, which is located at the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation, is responsible for coordinating and enhancing the network's activities. In addition, the PUSH!-office offers a wide selection of online resources. In the Start-up! sourcebook, PUSH! partners describe the services they offer. The sourcebook also gives useful tips and checklists for those considering setting up their own companies.
Outcomes
The PUSH! initiative, founded by the WRS and a number of partners, provides support and services for young entrepreneurs, helping them to create new businesses, and injecting added dynamism into the local economy.
- Free initial consultation and help identifying the right partners
- Support from partners throughout the lifecycle - from initial concept to market entry
- Inclusion of business management topics in technology-driven courses of study
- Help in establishing contacts to business incubation/technology centres, investors and in securing grants
- Promotion of dialogue and exchange between universities.
As of October of 2006, some 650 spin-offs and start-ups have received support. The project has helped create many new jobs at young, innovative companies, and to strengthen the Stuttgart Region as a centre for high technology. The network has helped local universities and research establishments to become leaders in entrepreneurship, and contributed to the Stuttgart Region winning, for the third time in succession, the European Union's Award of Excellence for Innovative Regions.
Funding Stream
1998-2004: The EXIST University-based Start-up Programme operated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Since 2005: The Incubators Programme operated by the Ministry of Economy of the State of Baden-Württemberg (ifex) and financed by the European Social Fund
Contact
PUSH!-Office c/o Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation
Dr. Andreas Chatzis
Friedrichstr. 10, 70174 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 711 22835-50; Telefax: +49 711 22835-33
Email: verein@push-stuttgart.de ; andreas.chatzis@push-stuttgart.de
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