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FAQ

FAQ

What is the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI)?

Can I only participate at / benefit from MCEI, if I am a University of Mannheim student?

How do I register in the MCEI Network?

Which role should I register with?

How do Students benefit from the MCEI Network?

How do Investors benefit from the MCEI Network?

How do existing Start-Ups benefit from the MCEI Network?

How do I find potential entrepreneurial projects?

How can I get an article or my founder story published on the MCEI platform?

What constitutes an association/ affiliation with the University of Mannheim to appear in our Founder Stories?

How can I register for events?

How can I create events?

Is it normal to receive so many e-mail notifications from MCEI?

Is my data secure?

How can I de-register?

How much does it cost to join MCEI?

How is MCEI.de financed?

How much does MCEI Consulting cost if I am a Startup?

How can I give back to MCEI?

 

  

    Q: What is the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI)?

A: MCEI is an interdisciplinary Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Mannheim, Germany. MCEI provides a dedicated platform for young entrepreneurs, potential founders, students, sponsors and investors.

 

    Q: Can I only participate at / benefit from MCEI, if I am a University of Mannheim student?

A: No, the MCEI is a platform for everyone interested in entrepreneurship. We especially encourage founders, nascent entrepreneurs and investors to join. If you are a student, it does not matter whether you are attending the Hochschule Mannheim, DHBW Mannheim, Hochschule Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg or any other university - you are more than welcome to join the network and profit from the variety of activities and input. Make sure to include universities other than Mannheim University in your haves. The site also addresses international students who are currently studying in Germany and have an interest in entrepreneurship. The only restriction is that some course elements and groups are limited to students from the University of Mannheim and will not be accesible for other members.

 

    Q: How do I register in the MCEI Network?

A: In order to register in the MCEI network, click here and choose which kind of account type you want to register with. The next step is to fill out all required fields and upload a picture of yourself to conclude your registration.

 

    Q: Which role should I register with?

A: In most cases, this is self-explicatory. But what about e.g. staff and partners? Send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can assign you these roles and the associated rights.

 

    Q: How do Students benefit from the MCEI Network?

A: Through the wide variety of functionalities in the MCEI network, communication between students and members of the Chair for SME and Entrepreneurship will solely be conducted via this platform. There is a group for every course, which students should join accordingly in order to keep informed about course content and potential group projects. Further, group assignments will be managed on this platform and documents, pictures and videos can be uploaded and shared easily.

Potential founders also have the opportunity to take place in the Incubator activities of the MCEI and make use of the Mannheim Accelerator activities and support programs.

 

    Q: How do Investors benefit from the MCEI Network?

A: Investors can profit from the MCEI network by searching for potential ideas and interesting projects on the platform and they can easily connect with suitable founder teams through the MCEI network. Furthermore, there are interesting events for investors such as the ‘Founder Talks’ or the ‘Speed Dating’ activities which are enabled through the MCEI.

 

    Q: How do existing Start-Ups benefit from the MCEI Network?

A: Founders from or associated with the University of Mannheim have the opportunity to have their founder story published and can create events or lead discussions on the MCEI Platform. The network allows dynamic communication between potential founders, existing start-ups, alumni and investors and therefore offers great networking opportunities. Further, founders gain visibility to investors and can use the platform to find and recruit top talent from our business and entrepreneurship students.

 

    Q: How do I find potential entrepreneurial projects? 

A: Use the following link to find and connect to other people in the MCEI network: http://www.mcei.de/networking/mcei-network/advanced-search. You have the option to search for a wide variety of different characteristics.

If you are a student and would like to participate in a Student Accelerator Project, you should watch the Student Accelerator Category on the MCEI platform. If you are a start-up and would like to find suitable students to support your venture in a project or set up a business plan on form of a master thesis send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will give you further information of potential co-operation.

 

    Q: How can I get an article or my founder story published on the MCEI platform?

A: If you would like to get your founder story published on the MCEI platform, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will provide you with the required documents and can give you

  

    Q: What constitutes an association/ affiliation with the University of Mannheim to appear in our Founder Stories?

A: In order to have a founder story published you should be connected to the University of Mannheim in some way. You should either have studied at the University of Mannheim (even if you have graduated a long time ago), have had joint projects with the University or the Chair of Entrepreneurship or you are part of our Student Accelerator Program.

 

    Q: How can I register for events?

A: You can register for events in the Event section of the MCEI platform, after you have created your account: https://www.mcei.de/networking/mcei-network/events. Click on the ‘Response’ box and select the appropriate response.

 

    Q: How can I create events?

A: In order to create events, you need the administration rights to do so. If you require these rights, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

    Q: Is it normal to receive so many e-mail notifications from MCEI?

A: No, you can adjust the settings according to your preferences and avoid email notifications. In order to do so, please go to your own profile page, choose ‘Edit Profile’ on the right-hand side, then choose ‘Preferences’ from the menu and then the Sub-Menu point ‘Email and Notifications’. You can then choose your setting according to your individual preferences.

 

    Q: Is my data secure?

A: Yes, the MCEI platform uses a ‘https’ connection that enables a secure connection. Further the MCEI platform does not provide any of your data to third parties.You can adjust your security settings in your account preferences.

 

    Q: How can I de-register?

A: In order to de-register, go to ‘About Me’ on your own profile page, choose ‘Edit Profile’ on the right side and then choose the ‘Delete Profile’ button. Your personal account will then be de-registered from the MCEI network.

 

    Q: How much does it cost to join MCEI?

A: The MCEI is a free networking platform, which allows you to use all its internet-based functionalities without any costs.

 

    Q: How is MCEI.de financed?

A: The MCEI platform and its different activities and programs are currently financed by the Gründerverbund, ESF, ifm and the University of Mannheim. The MCEI is however continuously looking for sponsors and would strongly appreciate your contribution. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in order to participate or make a contribution.

 

    Q: How much does MCEI Consulting cost if I am a Startup?

A: If you are a start-up, the MCEI offers many different activities and support programs which are usually all free of charge for you (including office space for student startups). Offers like MCEI Consulting (‘Gründungsberatung’), the Student Accelerator and Founder Talks and Workshops are free of charge as well.

 

    Q: How can I give back to MCEI?

A: If you would like to support the MCEI financially or in any other way (e.g. via talks or workshops you can support), please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further communication. 

Sponsors

  • University of Mannheim
  • Institut für Mittelstandsforschung
  • Gründerverbund
  • ESF
  • Europäische Union
  • Baden-Württemberg - Ministerium für Finanzen und Wirtschaft
  • Absolventum