About Max Planck Innovation
Max Planck Innovation is the technology transfer office within the Max Planck Society, a leading German scientific institution. With 84 research institutes in its network, it helps scientists turn their research into successful businesses. Through its incubator program, MAX!mize, it guides researchers from initial idea to startup launch.
MAX!mize Program Overview
Max Planck Innovation connects scientific innovation with business success. Their incubator program runs twice a year, providing scientists with the tools and knowledge they need to build companies. Each program cycle includes:
- 15-20 applications from scientists
- 10-12 selected startups
- Monthly training events
- Regular coaching sessions
- Ongoing resource access
Why AcceleratorApp Stood Out
When launching its MAX!mize program, Max Planck Innovation chose AcceleratorApp as its central operational platform. This decision helped them establish organized processes from the start, letting them focus on supporting scientists instead of handling paperwork.
How AcceleratorApp Helps
AcceleratorApp improves Max Planck Innovation's program management in three main areas:
1. Application Management
Our platform simplifies startup selection. Program managers share one application link, review submissions, and track candidates in a single place, replacing spreadsheets and speeding up the evaluation process.
Caroline explains: "It's easier to do the whole application process, to just be able to send the link, and then people can fill out the form. This way, we can all look through the applications and decide who will be joining the program. So that's much easier than having to do it within an Excel sheet or other programs."
2. Resource Distribution
AcceleratorApp serves as a central hub for all program materials:
- Event schedules
- Workshop materials
- Training slides
- Program guidelines
Scientists can find everything they need in one place, making it easier to focus on building their businesses.
3. Communication
Program managers can now send updates to everyone or specific groups through one system. This eliminates the need for multiple communication tools and helps keep everyone informed about program activities.
Monthly Events and Training
Max Planck Innovation runs monthly events that combine training, coaching, and workshops. Using AcceleratorApp, they:
- Share event materials beforehand
- Distribute presentation slides
- Provide follow-up resources
- Track attendance and participation
Tools and Workflow
Max Planck Innovation uses AcceleratorApp alongside Notion to manage the entire program. AcceleratorApp handles the core program operations, while Notion helps with additional startup tracking. This combination gives them the oversight they need while keeping operations simple.
Results
AcceleratorApp has helped Max Planck Innovation improve their program by:
- Making application review faster
- Keeping all resources in one place
- Simplifying communication
- Reducing administrative work
- Making program data easy to access
Conclusion
Max Planck Innovation continues to use AcceleratorApp as its primary program management tool. Our platform helps them run their program efficiently, allowing them to spend more time assisting scientists to build successful businesses.
This case study is based on our conversation with Caroline from Max Planck Innovation about their experience using AcceleratorApp to support scientific startups.