Three questions for Prof. Dr. Peter Middendorf

1. Please briefly introduce yourself and your current work.

My name is Peter Middendorf. I am a professor at the University of Stuttgart and head the Institute of Aircraft Design within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy. Since October 2018, I am also the Vice Rector for Knowledge and Technology Transfer. Together with partners from society, business and politics, we at the University of Stuttgart want to take responsibility for current challenges. This can only be achieved by selecting optimal transfer paths.

2. How did you get involved in the topic of "entrepreneurship"?

Especially in times of structural change, knowledge-based start-ups are crucial for success and therefore play a central strategic role as a transfer path for the University of Stuttgart. Only recently, we set up a new transfer strategy for the university, for which I am responsible as Vice Rector and which focuses on the topic of entrepreneurship. However, start-ups are not only crucial for me as prorector, but also as head of the institute due to various successful spin-offs from the IFB.

3. What advice would you give to students who are enthusiastic about founding a company and are currently considering it or have already taken the first steps towards self-employment?

It is not easy to start up a business, and hardly any masters have fallen from the sky. Therefore, my serious advice to those interested in founding a company is to build up a support network. Get advice, get help and network with experienced founders. This will not only broaden your own horizons, but will certainly also contribute to the success of your start-up project.