Kickoff for the second cohort of AWAKE: Eleven female founders start their journey

The participants have different backgrounds and exciting project ideas - from a digital art therapy approach to a learning centre and solutions to combat loneliness in old age. The first subject-related and personal points of contact were already visible at the kick-off. The group is diverse: students, postgraduates and professionals work side by side here. Two young guests - 7 months and 1.5 years old - were also present and created a special atmosphere. As a programme for women, AWAKE attaches great importance to ensuring that participation is also compatible with family life.

The kick-off began with an introduction of the programme and the expectations of the participants. After the official contract signing, the main focus was on networking - the first inspiring conversations were held over snacks in the sun. A special highlight: each founder presented her idea in a 60-second elevator pitch and then reflected on her experience. This reflection is carried out again at the end of the programme to make personal development visible.

A proven concept with targeted further developments

After the successful first run in 2024, the AWAKE programme was largely retained - the positive feedback from the first cohort confirmed the effectiveness of the content. Some participants from last year are now on the verge of starting their own business. AWAKE remains an exclusive workshop programme that leads from problem definition and market analyses to the final pitch. In addition to the workshops, participants benefit from intensive support on topics such as networking and financing as well as individual start-up advice from the start-up manufactory. Each participant is also accompanied by an experienced mentor.

The scholarship holders receive three months of financial support and €2,000 in material resources to drive their start-up idea forward. The programme ends on 30 September with a public closing event at which the founders present their progress.

Outlook: First steps on the founding path

By the time of the first workshop at the beginning of May, the participants are already working on planning their use of material resources and using the time to network further.

AWAKE is part of the EXIST Women programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and is therefore integrated into a nationwide network for the promotion of female founders. The aim is to inspire more women to start a business, give them room to develop and increase the proportion of female founders in Germany in the long term. This is because women are still underrepresented in the start-up scene - even at H-BRS, the proportion of women in start-up counselling is currently only around 20%.

With a safe space for women, intensive support and a strong network, AWAKE creates the best conditions for ideas to grow. The big final event on 30 September will show how far the participants get over the next few months - we look forward to their developments!