Darmstadt, April 28, 2025 – With an inspiring kick-off workshop, the EXIST Women program officially launched yesterday at TU Darmstadt. Around 30 participants from TU Darmstadt, Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da), and Goethe University Frankfurt took the opportunity to meet in person for the first time and exchange their business ideas.
Organized by Simone Lühl from the Innovation and Start-up Center HIGHEST, the event offered participants a first glimpse into the program ahead: a year full of workshops, individual coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities as part of EXIST Women.
At the heart of the kick-off was personal exchange: Who already has an idea? Who is still looking for a team? Who is ready to take the first steps towards founding a business? An open and dynamic atmosphere quickly developed, fostering cross-disciplinary conversations between students and researchers.
A special impulse came from Claudia Miebach (Mentoring Hessen), who gave a short talk offering practical advice on how participants can best prepare for the mentoring process – a central pillar of the program.
Simone Lühl shared her excitement:
“It was wonderful to see how much potential and motivation was already evident at this very first meeting. We are very much looking forward to supporting the participants on their entrepreneurial journeys over the coming months.”
Over coffee, cake, and a final pizza session, the afternoon also provided ample space for personal conversations and the building of initial networks.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to our cooperation partners from Hochschule Darmstadt (YUBIZZ), Goethe University Frankfurt (Unibator), and EXIST – it is only together that we can create lasting momentum for more female entrepreneurship in the region.
Because: Together, we are stronger.
Background:
With EXIST Women, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action supports women at universities and research institutions who are interested in founding a company. The program accompanies participants over the course of twelve months, helping them to develop their entrepreneurial personalities and business ideas.
