YES – we foster networks!

Together with our academic partners, we encourage academic staff, advanced master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs to actively engage in research transfer and explore career paths beyond universities and research institutes. Through interactive workshops and practice-oriented methods, we enhance transfer skills and open new perspectives for researchers.

Partnerships within the Young Entrepreneurs in Science initiative support long-term success in entrepreneurial activities and boost the reputation of universities and research institutions as hubs for innovation and start-ups.

Our partners in workshop organisation

Our partners are actively involved in shaping the workshops – they provide venues, introduce successful spin-off founders as inspiring role models, and offer participants authentic insights into entrepreneurial experiences. They also invite experts to sit on pitch juries, helping participants connect with local start-up centres.

Benefits of a YES partnership

• Access to a nationwide network for promoting innovation and research transfer
• Expansion of regional offerings with high-quality, English-language formats for researchers
• Regular exchange with peers across Germany at network events
• Sustainable connections with participants and the Falling Walls Community
• Possibility to get a ”Certification as a “Young Entrepreneurs in Science CAMPUS” to highlight excellent work in entrepreneurial awareness and knowledge transfer
• Free participation in Train-the-Trainer and Train-the-Scout programmes

The Young Entrepreneurs in Science Campus Certificate recognises partner institutions committed to entrepreneurial awareness and sustainable initiatives. The certificate is awarded based on the fulfilment of quality standards in planning and implementing awareness-raising activities in cooperation with YES.

The certificate is valid for one year and can be extended upon renewal of commitment.

Good reasons for the certificate

• Visibility within a nationwide network of institutions committed to entrepreneurship in the German research landscape
• Internal visibility of the initiative – among doctoral researchers, postdocs, master’s students, academic staff, and university leadership
• A visible sign of a successful partnership with Young Entrepreneurs in Science
• Flexibility and visibility for partner institutions in the implementation of workshops
• Anchoring the topic as a funding priority within the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)

YES partners can apply for the certificate by completing a short questionnaire. Application rounds are held twice a year – in April and October.

To strengthen regional and national entrepreneurship ecosystems, Young Entrepreneurs in Science facilitates dialogue among partners through regular online network meetings and events. At these nationwide gatherings, we address current topics together and work collaboratively on solutions.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Our industry partners enrich their regions as centres of innovation – by presenting career opportunities for highly qualified professionals and encouraging young researchers to found their own ventures. YES also enables networking with universities and research institutions, fostering stronger connections to improve technology transfer. Together, we promote start-up friendly conditions in Germany and enhance the public image of German companies as drivers of innovation.

We make innovation support visible

Our sponsors enable and share our mission – we empower highly qualified researchers to turn their cutting-edge topics into actionable business ideas. As part of the programme, they publicly position themselves as supporters of innovation and excellence in research transfer.

This collaboration is showcased globally in our communications via flyers, the website, certificates, and workshop presentations. Sponsors may also contribute actively to workshops by providing role models (intrapreneurs).