Since its inception, ESMT has remained steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation. As a neutral academic platform, we unite key stakeholders to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and catalyze breakthroughs in innovation and entrepreneurship.

We combine excellence in research and teaching with world-class startup programs that support ventures from early to late stages, including deep-tech initiatives, business model ideation, and social innovation. With our close collaboration with research institutions, multi-national companies, and investors, we contribute comprehensively to the ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation well beyond Germany.

For startups and aspiring entrepreneurs

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur seeking access to breakthrough technologies, a student ready to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions for the first time, or a startup with global ambitions, we build and enable world-class ventures.

For companies

Innovation is a key success factor for established businesses - from Mittelstand companies to large corporate players.

ESMT fuels the open innovation funnel with startups and new technologies from all over the world and enables the entrepreneurial transformation and business development of organizations of all sizes.

For research organizations

When science is thriving, but commercialization and innovation are lagging, then business acumen and entrepreneurship are missing. ESMT works closely with research organizations to strengthen their entrepreneurial culture, enable tech transfer, and help their scientists build new ventures.

What information do startups provide to their venture capital investors?

For investors

Entrepreneurship programs at ESMT source, build, and bring together an impressive range of investment opportunities for both early- and late-stage investors across all industries and sectors.

Impact through action

DEEP – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation

DEEP – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation serves as a complementary partner for scientists, research institutions, start-ups, and innovators aiming to transform scientific research into global businesses. From educating the next generation of sciencepreneurs, over venture building initiatives, DEEP is also home to one of the world’s most renowned accelerators: the Creative Destruction Lab.

Learning Innovation Lab

The Learning Innovation Lab (LIL) at ESMT is an award-winning initiative that blends cutting-edge research with innovative teaching methodologies to transfom the educational landscape. Our focus on adaptive learning, virtual reality in education, and augmented reality in education ensures that our students receive a personalized and immersive learning experience.

Vali Berlin

Vali Berlin, our entrepreneurship hub, brings ESMT’s mission to life by driving economic, environmental, and social value creation across Europe and beyond. It does so through initiatives in venture building, corporate entrepreneurship, and research-driven education.

Impact through education

Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE)

The Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) at is a dynamic, two-year program focused on equipping students to drive innovation and scale businesses. Through foundational courses, practical projects, and global immersion, MIE prepares graduates to become impactful, responsible leaders in the business world.

Executive education

ESMT offers executive education in innovation that empowers leaders to drive transformation and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment. Programs cover essential topics like digital transformation, AI integration, and Design Thinking, equipping participants with practical tools to foster innovation. Through hands-on courses, executives learn to turn ideas into viable (internal) ventures and foster a culture of forward-thinking leadership.

Impact through research

Our faculty members engage in pioneering research that drives innovation and entrepreneurship across various fields, including network dynamics, open innovation, intellectual property, and the commercialization of emerging technologies. This research tackles pressing business challenges, empowering firms to navigate complex, innovation-driven growth and fostering positive industry and community impact.

Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE)

The Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE) uniquely integrates entrepreneurship and finance through research, teaching, and industry engagement. Research from the Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE) spans topics like human capital in startups, crowdfunding, and university endowment management, with findings published in top academic journals and widely shared with practitioners, policymakers, and major media outlets.

Societal Impact Financing Initiative (SciFi)

As a part of IFEE, the Societal Impact Financing Initiative (SciFi) aims to advance funding for major societal transformations, with a focus on harnessing the catalytic potential of private wealth for the common good.

Joachim Faber Chair in Business and Technology

The chair focuses on innovations and startups leveraging advanced technologies like AI, new materials, and biotechnology. Its goal is to generate and apply knowledge to address business and societal challenges by transferring and scaling these breakthrough technologies.
Held by Francis de Véricourt

Lufthansa Group Chair in Innovation

The Lufthansa Group Chair in Innovation concentrates on network dynamics, communities, and open and distributed innovation. Central themes in its research, teaching, and presentations include corporate management, entrepreneurship, and organizational innovation.
Held by Linus Dahlander

ESMT Chair in Entrepreneurship

The chair aims to develop relevant scientific knowledge to help leaders act competently and responsibly. With emphasis on corporate responsibility, the chair’s research and teaching focuses on role of trust-based networks and leadership.
Held by Henry Sauermann

Team Global Professorship for Disruptive Innovation

The professorship should be filled with a highly experienced candidate with a strong passion for science and teaching, who also has a deep affinity for technology and practical expertise.

Find more information and apply here.