Dear aspiring food startup founders,
Our academy crash course on “Food Startup Founding” offers the opportunity to work out the most important steps for implementing a food startup idea in an intensive 4-week program.
The next round is currently being planned; a specific start date has not yet been set.
The content shown below refers to a past academy program and serves as an example to provide insights into the structure and content of the program.
What is the goal of the academy program?
Take your food idea to the next level – from concept and a viable business model to potential test productions. Turn your idea into a real startup!
What exactly is this about?
In 4 intensive weeks you will develop your own food startup – including a business plan, know-how and network for the start.
No prior knowledge required – your idea is what counts! Simply register for free with a few details via our registration portal. You'll find all the information there.
We look forward to your registration! For questions, please contact info@fsiws.com.
Key data
| Registration begins |
May 1, 2025 |
| Registration deadline |
September 7, 2025 |
| Introductory meetings |
September 10, 2025 |
| Course start (if there are enough participants) |
October 27, 2025 |
| End of course |
November 21, 2025 |
| Course location |
Freising and online |
| In-person attendance days in Freising |
October 27th and 28th and November 19th – 21st, 2025 |
| Registration |
Registration via registration portal |
| Entry requirement |
no |
| Cost per person |
749 € |
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Registration
A. Registration for the Academy:
The following documents can be submitted to us by email ( info@fsiws.com ) between May 1, 2025 and September 7, 2025 at the latest:
- Completed registration form (see below)
- CV
After we receive your registration documents, you will receive a confirmation of receipt from us
B. Registration process
The introductory meetings will take place online on September 10, 2025 .
Contents of the introductory meeting (duration max. 15 min):
- Introducing yourself and your food idea (5 min)
- Questions from us about your presentation (7 min)
- Your questions for us (3 min)
You will receive feedback from us regarding your participation by September 12 , 2025
C. Save the Date
- Initial meeting: September 10, 2025
- In-person dates in Freising: October 27-28 and November 19-21
- Feedback regarding your participation: September 12, 2025
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Course content
The academy program combines learning content on starting a business with knowledge from food technology. It is very practically oriented, as the FSIWS also aims to appeal to tradespeople, farmers, and the food service industry. The workshops and webinars offered cover all relevant information for starting a food startup – from product development and food production to the fundamentals of marketing and sales, as well as financial planning, funding opportunities, and company formation.
Schedule overview:
Want to take a look at some content related to food beforehand?
Check out what was happening at our academy in October/November 2023!
Impressions from our training program
“What I find great are the different coaches with diverse expertise, the collaborations with, among others, the SCE, Selda Morina from the REWE Startup Lounge, etc., the workshops –> relevant knowledge for starting a business is always conveyed here, the network via FSIWS/coaches, the exchange among us participants and of course the opportunity to produce at the Institute for Food Technology.“
Alina,
"What I particularly enjoyed was the exchange with like-minded certificate participants, testing their products, and the energy we shared. The production facilities at the institute are available to certificate participants free of charge and are ideally suited for experimentation. Furthermore, other start-ups are also represented there, and you're welcome to observe their work."
Chris,
"As part of the certificate program at the Food Startup Incubator Weihenstephan, I receive very valuable and outstanding support on the topics of product development, food technology, entrepreneurship, sensory analysis, patent and trademark research, product shelf life, and much more. Exchange and learning constantly alternate, and it's simply a lot of fun working with the coaches and the other participants."
Mercedes ,
“The time here is so exciting and educational.
From helpful contacts to great presentations, you get plenty of input.
The personal exchange with a coach and the regular product tastings are also fantastic.
This is how you are well prepared for starting a business!“
Miriam,
“The certificate program is a great guide through the jungle of the food startup world. How do you approach product development? How do you conduct patent/trademark research? How do you design a label? What's important in a pitch? And much more… Help is at hand! The exchange with like-minded people and the opportunity to expand your network in the food sector are particularly valuable.”
Ulrike,
“What I've liked best so far is that you're supported throughout the entire development process by the professional expertise of all FSIWS employees. No question is considered silly; every question is taken seriously and answered excellently or forwarded to the appropriate department. The flexibility was also particularly important to me when the pandemic or personal/professional commitments took priority; I could always discuss these issues and was met with understanding. I'm already looking forward to another equally interesting six months.”.“
Esther,
"What was particularly great was that we were given the opportunity to develop our idea under professional supervision at the institute. All the coaches and staff were incredibly helpful. The regular tastings with direct feedback were very enriching for product development. The lectures and knowledge transfer were also very valuable and interesting, and the flexibility/switching between online and offline events was a great advantage."
Sebastian and Nadine ,
"I can wholeheartedly recommend the certificate course. The expertise in product development is tremendous. I found the mentoring particularly helpful. In other programs, you're only given a limited time window – here, I can ask my questions at any time and get help – in any area. If you don't have the specific knowledge you need, you're put in touch with contacts who can then help you. I'm very grateful for the comprehensive support in developing my product idea."
Hannah ,
“It’s good to have a coach and regular updates/discussions. The in-person sessions are also great for exchanging ideas.”
Anna,
“The food startup incubator in Freising is fantastic. You get valuable tips on everything related to food startups. Anyone wanting to start a food startup will receive the best support here. Excellent guidance. I highly recommend it.”
Chikei, 
Chris, Way2Nuts
Miriam, No sweets - chocolate bars
Esther, Habermanns Höflädle
Hannah , MyMjlk
Chikei, robot kitchen - bowls
