Entrepreneurship Institute @ ISM

The Entrepreneurship Institute EPR @ISM bundles know-how, research results and current trends in the field of entrepreneurship in a competence center. The focus is on supporting students and alumni on their path to self-employment. The ISM can look back on almost 500 successful start-ups. It actively supports founders with offers such as personal start-up advice, events and workshops.

Since 2024, the institute has been offering an EXIST Women-funded program called EmpowerHER to support female founders. Findings from research projects flow directly into science, practice and consulting.

The institute is based at the campus ISM Cologne, with close links to the start-up scene in the Rhineland. From there, it supports founders at all seven ISM locations and regularly organizes events.

We encourage business ideas and entrepreneurship culture at ISM

The areas of research, education and consulting form the three central pillars of the institute. Research includes both internal research projects and thought leadership as well as cooperation projects and contract research. In the context of entrepreneurship education, a distinction can be made between courses at ISM, in particular as part of the M.A. Entrepreneurship program, and the provision of training for companies. The third area, consulting, is aimed at students interested in founding a company as well as founders and established companies.

Take part!

ISM Startup Community

ISM Startup Community provides the opportunity to network and exchange business ideas with other founders using?Microsoft Teams and LinkedIn.

Receive consulting

Startup Coaching

You can receive consulting from our advisors at any ISM location.? The Entrepreneurship Institute @ ISM supports ISM students, graduates and academic staff who want to start their own business with a start-up idea. They offer

Advice on the business model
Funding and financing
Workshops and seminars
Access to network partners
Advice on EXIST funding

Feel free to contact us, even with a very early stage of a business idea.

Events, Insights & Networking

Start-up Events

ISM organizes the 'Startup Days', 'Business meets Technology' and 'Founders Evenings' regularly.

Check out our events

Entrepreneurs in Residence

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence already successfully founded a business and will answer your questions around becoming an entrepreneur. They are regularly at ISM, share their experience and support the creative potential of ISM students.

Get to know our Entrepreneurs in Residence!