HerVenture Program
Empower Women in the Startup Community!
About the Program
Women with forward-looking business ideas receive individualized support from Funkenwerk as part of the “HerVenture” program. The project is funded through the nationwide “EXIST-Women” grant program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
By continuing the EXIST-Women program, the federal government is sending a clear signal. The EXIST-Women funding initiative includes events, consulting, and mentoring services, as well as a financial grant for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
What Do Our Participants Say?
We want to show that dating doesn't have to be random or exhausting—with the right tools, it can be intentional, thoughtful, and aligned with long-term goals.
My idea grew out of my master's thesis on climate-resilient urban development in the Venice Lagoon and the goal of developing sustainable and adaptive housing solutions for coastal areas threatened by climate change.
I want to show that sustainable materials must not only be developed, but also thoughtfully designed and understood so that they can truly be put to use.
My idea came to me when I realized: We're more connected than ever before—and yet we see each other less than ever before.
Our mission is to change consumer habits—because the climate crisis demands action. Informed consumers can drive change in industries. At Funkenwerk, we find the inspiration, network, and expertise we need to successfully build Verde.
I'm forging my own path to health and mental strength—even if no one believes in it. I'm proving that with 100% conviction, anything is possible. My philosophy: Nutrition, self-confidence, and mental well-being go hand in hand.
I love being an Empowerin—especially in the art scene, where I see a lot of potential, both digital and economic.
Take advantage of the freedom your studies offer to explore real-world problems—often, a bachelor’s thesis or a semester project holds more potential than you might initially realize.
Female Participants in 2026
AI Partnership Navigator
AI and Software Solutions
AI Partnership Navigator is an AI-powered relationship coach and journaling tool that helps women navigate modern dating with clarity and intention. In a world of endless options and engagement-driven apps, dating has become overwhelming and out of step with long-term goals. The platform uses AI to identify patterns, guide self-reflection, and support better partner choices. It is designed for career-oriented women who are actively dating and seeking meaningful, long-term relationships.
Mentor
Prof. Dr. Sarah Hatfield
School of Business, Program Director for Business Psychology (B.Sc.)
AquaResilient - Modular Floating Habitat Systems
Sustainability, the Environment, and Construction
AquaResilient is developing modular, self-sufficient floating habitats for the climate-resilient cities of the future—inspired by the Venice Lagoon.
As part of my master’s thesis, I am developing a modular, scalable system for climate-resilient, self-sufficient floating housing solutions. The concept was developed using the Venice Lagoon as a model and addresses the challenges of rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events.
The goal is to enable sustainable tourism and adaptive urban development in vulnerable coastal regions. Architecture, energy, and utility systems are designed in an integrated manner to create resilient living spaces on the water.
Mentor
Doris Henning
BauH3 GmbH.
Managing Director, Civil Engineer
Contact
gulbaharbekar@hotmail.com
From Pomace to Treasure
Sustainability, the Environment, and Construction
Building on my master’s thesis, I am developing a paper material made from grape pomace—a byproduct of wine production that has been largely underutilized to date—and aim to apply it to concrete uses such as packaging solutions, labels, or print media.
In addition to material development, the focus is also on how users perceive the material and what role it can play for brands and sustainable communication. The design perspective adds significant value by helping to make the material more accessible and adaptable.
In the long term, the goal is to create a circular material network and generate new value from a previously unused raw material.
Mentor
Rebecca Bilger
Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Design and Recycling Studio
NAHBAR (AT)
Health and Well-Being
NAHBAR develops and facilitates in-person gathering formats in “third places” that build communities, strengthen civil society, and foster trust in democracy. These initiatives address growing loneliness as well as the loss of a sense of belonging and participation, which has been shown to weaken trust in democracy.
The solution is aimed at municipalities, cultural and educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations that want to translate digital reach into real-world encounters and facilitate reliable, low-threshold connections in their local communities.
NAHBAR provides concepts, process support, and proven formats—from piloting to scaling up—serving as a bridge between online communities and in-person spaces.
Mentor
Svaantje Seiler
Contact
linkedin.com/in/patricia-eva-maria-sack
www.frausack.de/
Verde - The Green E-Commerce Platform
Sustainability, the Environment, and Construction
We are developing a curated B2C marketplace that connects consumers with products bearing at least one recognized eco-label—thereby sparing them the tedious search for truly sustainable alternatives.
The problem we’re solving is a fragmented market rife with greenwashing, which makes it nearly impossible for consumers to identify trustworthy green products. Our solution combines a carefully selected product range with a dynamic green ranking system that evaluates companies based on their verified sustainability credentials and genuine customer feedback.
Verde is aimed at environmentally conscious consumers in Germany and Europe who want to make responsible purchasing decisions without having to spend hours researching product claims.
Mentor
Nadine Kabbeck
innowate: Office Manager
Augsburg and Coach (at Regio Augsburg Wirtschaft GmbH: Head of the Innovation Division)
Contact
laurahaydee.tw@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/laurapcastillo/
Fearlessfood - Nenispower
Health and Well-Being
I’m developing a digital platform that combines food content, product reviews, and nutrition challenges with mental health. At the same time, I want to build a presence on social media to reach as many people as possible. My goal is to encourage people to develop a healthy, self-determined relationship with food and to strengthen their self-efficacy.
My content is aimed particularly at young women and people with unhealthy eating habits who are looking for authentic and relatable experiences. At the same time, I’m facilitating brand partnerships and planning to monetize the platform through collaborations, affiliate marketing, and my own digital products. In the long term, I want to build a community and offer workshops or coaching services.
Mentor
Cornelia Steuerwald
Raum208: Owner, Brand Development & Strategy
Contact
Instagram & TikTok: @nenispower
HOPE - where faith meets art
Digital Platforms and Business Models
I am developing a platform for Christian artists where they can sell their work, network, and receive support for their creative businesses.
At the same time, I want to create a one-stop shop for people looking for art that inspires hope, celebrates life, and is of high quality.
Mentor
Susanna Pinnow
Instructor for Writing and Storytelling (KD)
Creative Strategist with over 25 years of experience; Lecturer in Creative Writing and Storytelling
Contact
tamara.scholle1@tha.de
Flourish
Design and the Creative Industries
I develop design solutions and consulting services that specifically integrate principles of positive psychology into digital products. My goal is to address the issue that many apps and platforms do not actively promote their users’ well-being.
My solution is aimed at tech companies that want to make their products more human-centered and sustainable.
Through Positive Design Audits, creative workshops, and research projects, I identify opportunities for “flourishing” in digital interactions and make their impact measurable. In this way, I combine scientifically grounded design with long-term business success.
Mentor
Sandra Braeucker
Founder of NAMACON - Sustainable Management and Business Development
Floevo
Health and Well-Being
Floevo is an AI-powered app that translates scientifically proven methods of positive psychology into personalized micro-challenges for everyday life. Many young adults recognize the importance of mental health but struggle due to a lack of time and the fact that existing programs aren’t practical for daily life.
Floevo solves this problem through algorithmic personalization based on the Person-Activity-Fit model—providing daily, scientifically grounded exercises tailored to personality, energy levels, and context. The target audience is ambitious young adults between the ages of 22 and 30 who want to proactively build resilience and thrive in the long term rather than burn out.
Our idea came about because, while evaluating a positive psychology course, we realized that while many people wanted to benefit from it, they simply didn’t have enough time in their daily lives—which led to the vision of translating scientifically grounded methods into short, effective everyday tasks.
Mentor
Janina Tetsch
Founder/Mentor for Embodied Leadership
Nightshade
Health and Well-Being
In today’s Western society, many people find it difficult to talk openly about death, which often leads to the topic being suppressed and further stigmatized.
Nachtschatten’s goal is to use resources and programs to help people engage with the topics of dying, death, and end-of-life planning, and to encourage a more open approach to these issues. Our tools help break down psychological barriers, stimulate reflection, and foster a more conscious approach to mortality. These include the “End-of-Life Planning Kit” and the card set “30 Questions About Death,” which can be used in family settings as well as in educational or counseling contexts.
Mentor
Sonja Baigger
Director in charge of the Archdiocese
of Munich and Freising; freelance funeral speaker
Female Mentors 2026
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Mentee
Vranda Agarwal – Interactive Media Systems, School of Design
Contact
Mentee
Gülbahar Bekar – Energy Efficiency Design (M.Eng.), School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
I support the team by providing expert feedback, creative and strategic advice, and brainstorming to help further develop ideas, concepts, and potential implementation strategies. In particular, I assist with structuring, reflecting on, and refining the project.
I find it particularly rewarding to help students develop viable concepts from their initial ideas. Funkenwerk creates a space where creative thinking, initiative, and interdisciplinary exchange are specifically encouraged.
“Dare to think big while taking things step by step. Good projects rarely emerge all at once—they develop over time.”
Contact
Rebecca Bilger, MA
Mentee
Elise Wörner – Sustainability, Environment, and Construction
As Senior Talent Manager at Hosokawa Alpine, Svaantje Seiler is responsible for the national and international leadership development program—from design to implementation.
In addition, she advises and coaches executives on topics such as change management, organizational development, and communication, and supports the internal development of the leadership culture.Since 2019, she has been an independent coach and trainer focusing on leadership development, team and organizational development, change management, strategy and vision development and implementation, as well as stress prevention.
For nearly 14 years now, she has been working in the fields of personal development, team development, and organizational development in various roles, both as an employee and as a self-employed professional.
Mentee
Patricia Sack – Alumni of Transformation Design, School of Design
As a mentor at HerVenture, I want to encourage female founders to shape their entrepreneurial vision with clarity, courage, and inner resolve. I’m inspired by how innovative ideas emerge at the intersection of business and social change—and how personal growth becomes a key factor in success.
“To all female founders: Trust your intuition, stay curious, and follow your own path with determination. Every step—even the uncertain ones—is part of your story as an entrepreneur and as a person. The world needs your unique perspectives and your energy.”
Mentee
Laura Haydee Partida Castillo – Master’s in International Business and Finance, School of Business
Let’s do some awesome things together!
We are an owner-managed advertising agency based in Augsburg with over 20 years of industry experience
- We serve medium-sized companies across a wide range of industries
- are true partners who are there to offer advice and support
- live and love good design and effective marketing
- deliver results through targeted and client-focused strategies and solutions
- are true doers, without all the fanfare
- We’re a full-service advertising agency without trying to sell everything under the sun—what we offer, we can actually deliver
- We offer only the best service, which is why we collaborate with other experts in a network
- And above all: We’re authentic and incredibly likable—according to our clients
Contact
Mentee
Marlene Heinle – Business Psychology, School of Business
I support Funkenwerk as a mentor in business modeling, strategic brand positioning, and all aspects of branding, as well as serving as a trainer in effective pitching.
“There is—and always has been—that one person who believes in you—and it is precisely this person who wants to be there for the creators at Funkenwerk. Whether as a guiding light, a pillar of support, or a business partner in the future—that will become clear in the effervescent mix of ideas and human connections.”
I say it, I write it—and, in the words of Hesse, “Now that a start has been made, the best always follows on its own.”
Contact
susanna.pinnow@tha.de
Mentee
Tamara Scholle – Business Information Systems (M.Sc.), Computer Science
I will provide expert advice, offer feedback, share my perspective and experience, and, where appropriate, open doors and pave the way.
Young women, in particular, need to realize that they don’t have to be perfect to get started. They’re allowed to learn, experiment, fail, rethink their approach, and still be successful. Entrepreneurship isn’t about being flawless; it’s about clarity, a willingness to change, perseverance, and confidence in one’s own idea.
Every female founder who takes the plunge opens a door not only for herself but also for others. She becomes visible. She makes opportunities tangible. And she demonstrates that business, innovation, and leadership have many faces.
Mentee
Edel Lyttle
I primarily support the team on the personal and interpersonal levels of the startup process. In doing so, I help them stay clear-headed even under pressure, recognize their own patterns, and make conscious decisions—both in developing the business model and in collaborating as a team. In addition, I use reflection, feedback, and specific self-management tools.
I find it particularly rewarding to be able to support students during such a formative phase—right where professional development and personal growth intersect. The startup process, in particular, fosters tremendous growth as people learn to stay true to themselves and forge their own path.
“The Funkenwerk team and its work bring tremendous added value to the students and also to Augsburg as a business hub.”
Contact
janina.tetsch@gmail.com
Mentee
Anna Sigl & Xenia Pietsch – B.Sc. in Business Psychology
At Funkenwerk, I serve as a professional mentor with HerVenture, helping two female students turn their ideas into viable business concepts and gain confidence as founders.
“When the feminine spark ignites, it gives rise to courage, clarity, and the strength to break new ground.”
Contact
Mentee
Sabine Stromer & Marlene Weiß – Communication Design and Transformation Design, School of Design
The application period for 2026 has ended!
Funkenwerk has already submitted the application for the new funding round in 2026. Augsburg University of Applied Sciences is currently awaiting approval. The HerVenture program cannot begin until official approval has been granted.
The program is scheduled to start on April 1, 2026.
What HerVenture offers:
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Methods from Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Branding
- Pitch training & storytelling for your vision
- Access to the Funkenwerk network
- A one-time grant of 2,000 € (e.g., for coaching, travel expenses, or validating your startup idea)
- Optional 3-month stipend if you have no income or work a maximum of 20 hours per week: €1,000–3,000 per month (depending on qualifications) + child allowance
Please download and fill out the document!
FAQ
Female graduates (even if it has been more than 5 years since graduation), female researchers, female students (with a bachelor’s degree or having completed at least half of their coursework), and women with vocational training who have a connection to a university, who are interested in entrepreneurship and wish to participate in a 12-month training program. Participation is also possible while pursuing studies or working. A specific business idea is welcome but not required. Support is also provided for ideas that are not knowledge- or research-based but are geared toward future economic activity. Women who have previously received startup funding from the federal or state governments are ineligible for this program.
- Participation in a 12-month training program on starting a business
- Individual coaching through the university’s startup network
- Entrepreneurial support from a mentor
- Nationwide network for female entrepreneurs
- A one-time grant of 2,000 € for in-kind expenses (e.g., for coaching, travel costs, or validating the business idea)
- Optional 3-month stipend if you have no income or work a maximum of 20 hours per week: €1,000–3,000 per month (depending on qualifications) + child allowance
You’ll participate in the “Gründerin” seminar, regularly attend the local startup network events relevant to you, and schedule appointments for individual counseling through the startup network as well as for discussions with your mentor. Whenever possible, you should also attend the centrally organized forums for female entrepreneurs and networking events. EXIST-Women is a program designed to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and provide training. There is no obligation to start a business. At the end of the program, you’ll present your business idea and the results you’ve developed in a concise, one-page document. If you start a business during the 12-month training phase or during subsequent startup funding—great. But if you’d like to take more time with the startup process, that’s okay too, because entrepreneurial spirit is needed everywhere!
Through the Funkenwerk HerVenture program and the centrally organized events, you’ll learn what matters most when starting a business and how to do it. And you’ll have met other female founders who share their experiences about starting a business with you. You’ve been able to develop a new, viable startup idea or refine an existing one and validate the business model. You know the next steps for your own startup and may even have already found co-founders or secured follow-on funding.
The Funkenwerk HerVenture program offers training online or in person, sometimes in collaboration with other universities in the region. You’ll also take part in up to four centrally organized EXIST-Women events, where you’ll meet aspiring female entrepreneurs from all over Germany.
Funkenwerk selects participants through an application process. You can find out if the program is right for you during a personal consultation with Funkenwerk’s coaches. Female students and graduates from other universities are also welcome to apply.
On the website https://www.exist.de/exist-women, the FAQs provide detailed answers to common questions about EXIST-Women.
