PUSH! - Network of Partners for the support of university-based start-ups
co-funded by the European Social Fund
A key objective is to foster an entrepreneurial culture at universities and research establishments, and to promote spin-offs offering new technologies and innovative services. The PUSH! network provides access to a variety of experts in the world of education, research and business, as well as to advisory services and government bodies.
The Association PUSH! e.V. has about 50 members from higher education, businesses, from counselling organisations, associations and public organisations. The core partners are: Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WRS), University of Stuttgart, University of Hohenheim, The Applied Sciences Universities in Stuttgart, Esslingen and Nürtingen, three PUSH! CampusAgencies run by the university incubators TTI GmbH, IBH GmbH and Contact-As e. V.
Information to would-be entrepreneurs is provided via the three PUSH! CampusAgencies based at local campuses. The agencies offer a free initial consultation and put entrepreneurs in touch with the right partners. Teaching staff, governing bodies, on-campus business incubation centres, and the Centre of Entrepreneurship at the University of Hohenheim are all represented on PUSH! committees and actively involved in PUSH! projects. The central administrative office of PUSH!, which is located at the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation, is responsible for coordinating and enhancing the network's activities. In addition, the PUSH!-office offers a wide selection of online resources. In the Start-up! sourcebook, PUSH! partners describe the services they offer. The sourcebook also gives useful tips and checklists for those considering setting up their own companies.
As of December of 2006, some 660 spin-offs and start-ups have received support. The project has helped create many new jobs at young, innovative companies, and to strengthen the Stuttgart Region as a centre for high technology. The network has helped local universities and research establishments to become leaders in entrepreneurship, and contributed to the Stuttgart Region winning, for the third time in succession, the European Union's Award of Excellence for Innovative Regions.