From idea to impact
Business start-ups
We encourage your entrepreneurial spirit
Do you want to turn your own business ideas into reality and develop solutions to the challenges facing the economy, healthcare and society? At Witten/Herdecke University, you’ll find the ideal environment to pursue your entrepreneurial journey.
In our management degree programmes, we provide our students with practical training for a career in the business world. Even at Bachelor’s level, you’ll learn what it takes to launch your own start-up: from developing ideas and planning resources to drawing up a business plan and managing a company. You’ll develop business concepts, simulate real-life decision-making processes and practise pitching to potential investors – your journey as a founder begins right here whilst you’re still a student.
Even outside your specialist degree programme, you can gain valuable insights for your business start-up: whether it’s AI in business start-ups, modern leadership styles or ‘New Work’ concepts – through the Studium fundamentale programme, you’ll acquire skills that will help you and your business move forward.
With us, you’ll not only be given the space to make bold decisions, but you’ll also find supportive mentors who will advise you and open doors for you. Our lecturers and our strong network will put you in touch with corporate partners and alumni who have already made their mark in the business world as founders.
Student initiatives such as Entrepreneurs in Dialogue or the Congress for Family Businesses also bring leading figures from the business world to campus, facilitating an exchange on an equal footing.
UW/H embodies the entrepreneurial spirit – through you, your ideas and the active transfer of knowledge. Many of our students and graduates have already successfully followed this path. Here we introduce you to some of them. Be inspired – perhaps you’ll find yourself here soon.
News from the start-up scene at UW/H
“It was when the Congress for Family Businesses was established at Witten/Herdecke University that I discovered the entrepreneur within me. At the same time, the discussions in the seminars helped to shape my thinking and prepared me for the world of business.”
“The UW/H supported us at every stage of setting up our business – from feedback sessions on our initial ideas, through advice on the business model, to helping us make contacts. Our lecturers were always there to listen. That was a real blessing for us!”
"Starting a business is a marathon, not a sprint – it’s worth sticking with it!"
“The Studium fundamentale in particular helped me to think outside the box and to take different perspectives into account when making decisions – a skill that is crucial in the dynamic world of social media and influencer marketing.”
“Our tip for founders: If, looking back, you’re not embarrassed by your first product, you’ve entered the market too late.”