The first WISE*UP cohort has got off to a successful start. Since May 2026, ten participants from the Technical University of Braunschweig and the wider region have been further developing their startup ideas together with mentors, experts and our network. On this page, we provide insights into the current programme and information on our mentors.
CEO at Abcalis GmbH
"The best way to learn is through experience – including the experiences of others. I’d like to play my part in this, as we too were able to benefit from mentoring back then and gained a great deal from it. Personally, I find it exciting to support new projects and the people behind them, and I hope to be able to offer some useful insights here and there."
Subject specialist Startup Academy Growth and Innovation (W.IN)
"My motivation for getting involved with WISE*UP is twofold: firstly, supporting female founders is particularly close to my heart. Despite positive developments, the proportion of businesses founded by women still has room for improvement. I want to help encourage more women on their journey to self-employment and offer them the support they need to build successful businesses.
Secondly, in my day-to-day professional life, I regularly see just how much innovative drive, motivation and potential there is even in the very early stages of setting up a business. I find it inspiring to support people with their ideas right from the start and to witness their development. From my own experience, I know that, with the right support, initial concepts and bold visions can grow into successful businesses. It is precisely this – actively helping to shape this journey and supporting female (and male) founders as they turn their ideas into reality – that motivates me."
Co-founder and COO of LB.systems GmbH
"As a founder, I have experienced first-hand just how challenging – but also how rewarding – the journey to setting up your own business can be. I’m involved with WISE*UP because I want to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learnt, to support aspiring female founders, provide them with guidance and help them avoid potential pitfalls at an early stage.”
Managing Director Hivisory GmbH
"I’m looking forward to getting to know female founders, their ideas and their perspectives. From my work with startups, I know how valuable an honest exchange can be. Often, simply asking the right questions or offering a fresh perspective is enough to provide new inspiration or help someone see their own path more clearly. Precisely because the startup world is still heavily male-dominated, I want to support female founders as a sparring partner and pass on my experience."
Owner of TEAMKUNST
"Over 25 years of self-employment – with successes, challenges and valuable experiences – have shown me just how important it is to have people who share their knowledge, offer encouragement and walk alongside you for a while on your journey. It is precisely this experience that I would like to pass on as a mentor. I look forward to supporting female founders in bringing their ideas to life with confidence, overcoming challenges together and benefiting from a strong network."