“Come as you are, and let’s test your idea”: Ronja Kolls on Science & Startups
“Berlin’s startup ecosystem can feel huge from the outside,” says Ronja Kolls from Science & Startups. “Our job is to make the first step radically simple: book a low-threshold initial consultation, tell us what you’re curious about, and we’ll explore together whether founding is right for you.”
Science & Startups is the joint startup network of TU, FU, and HU Berlin, in close partnership with Charité. Because it’s publicly funded, the support is free and also equity-free. “We want your ideas to thrive,” Kolls says. Whether you’re validating a molecule, refining a diagnostic, or imagining a data product with deep domain insight: “You don’t need a perfect pitch. Just bring your research energy. We’ll stress-test the novelty, map the path to grants, and connect you with the right cluster and coaches.”
Because the network spans the BUA institutions, founders can access labs, workshops, co-working spaces, and specialized research facilities wherever they fit best. “The clusters – AI, Quantum, Communications and GreenChem – keep things close to the science,” Kolls says. “You’ll meet specialists who speak your language and know your space.”
Funding is often the next question, and here the network is unusually rich: Berliner Startup Stipendium, EXIST Startup Grant, EXIST Transfer of Research (phases 1 & 2), GO-Bio next, and tailored programs like EXIST Women. “Stipends are a big deal,” Kolls adds. “They buy you time to validate, build, and talk to users – without giving away equity.”
The Science & Startups Academy provides the practical knowledge: workshops on market strategy, GDPR and commercial law, pricing, deal-making, and investor readiness. “We want founders to understand both the science and the business levers,” Kolls says.
Community is the network’s true superpower. “Our founders learn from each other”, Kolls says. “They share failures, swap contacts, and even find co-founders.” A dedicated co-founder matchmaking platform helps teams take shape across disciplines and institutions. Science & Startups also helps with IP and patent guidance, legal workshops, and investor introductions when a team is ready. “Universities want spin-offs to succeed”, Kolls says. “Our role is to reach fair agreements so innovation can reach the market.”
Just as important, the doorway is wide open even if you’re unsure. “We also work with postdocs who simply want to explore entrepreneurship as a career path,” Kolls says. “For some, the answer is ‘not now’ and that’s a good outcome too. The point is to give you touchpoints: a conversation, a workshop, a cluster event or a stipend application.” The network also stretches beyond academia into Berlin’s economy and civic partners. “We’re super-connected in the region,” Kolls says. “If there’s a company, a clinic, or a city actor you should meet, we’ll make the connection.”
Her advice to a postdoc with “that itch” to try something: “Don’t wait for the perfect dataset. Come as you are. Book the first consult. In four weeks, you could have a sharper idea, a path to funding, and two potential co-founders. It’s low-risk, high-learning and can be the start of something remarkable.”