Three questions for Marie-Claire Becker

1. Please briefly introduce yourself and your current job.

My name is Marie-Claire Becker. Since mid-July, I have been employed in the Department for Knowledge and Technology Transfer, as well as at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research.  At the University of Stuttgart, I take care of the topics of intellectual property (IP) scouting and start-up consulting. As an IP scout, I actively take care of the early identification of transfer-attractive research results (inventions, software, services) and their suitability for founding a company. In addition to this activity, I also support students and employees interested in founding a company as a start-up advisor.

2. How did you get involved in innovation/creativity?

I have always been interested in self-employment. During my studies, I took part in the SQ "AWAKE - In six weeks to start-up". AWAKE opened a door to another world for me. I received friendly and supportive contacts and have developed immensely personally. A start-up idea emerged from this course, which my partner and I presented and developed further at various competitions. Because I had so much fun, I then took part in the SQ "T3 - Train the trainer" and completed the coaching training. In the following semester, I was allowed to start as a student start-up coach at ENI.

3. Do you have any advice for students who are not sure about their study decision?

Get a sparring partner. A helpful exchange about your start-up problems or ideas is incredibly valuable and motivating.  If you simply want to get a taste of the start-up world, you can take advantage of the many courses at ENI.