Körber Network Entrepreneurship
Photo: Körber-Stiftung/Claudia Höhne
The Körber Entrepreneurship Network brings together alumni from Körber Foundation projects who stand out for their entrepreneurial spirit. Through an international, interdisciplinary network, we aim to make them visible role models and provide a space for cross-sector exchange, trusting collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
At the same time, the network enables members to maintain a long-term connection with the Körber Foundation and to share their own experiences. Through digital formats and in-person meetings, we are building an active community that not only talks but also takes targeted action and makes a difference—true to the Foundation’s guiding principle: making society better.
“Kurt A. Körber believed in his projects, which could bring about social change. He focused on solutions rather than problems. As a foundation, we see ourselves as continuing this tradition.”
From the mission statement of the Körber Foundation
About the Program
The Körber Entrepreneurship Network brings together alumni of the Körber Foundation who are driving social change with an entrepreneurial spirit. The network facilitates international connections, hosts exclusive events, and fosters dialogue with experienced founders. It opens up opportunities for collaboration across national and sectoral boundaries and positions Körber alumni as visible role models for entrepreneurial action.
The program comprises two levels: an open community serving as a broad network for exchange and networking, and the circle of Impact Fellows, a small group that collaborates closely. Impact Fellows are appointed for a limited period and contribute their expertise in a targeted manner to the further development of ideas, partnerships, and projects with social impact.
The first program activities will begin in the fall of 2026.
About the Target Audience
Our founder, Kurt A. Körber, was an entrepreneur. He embodied an entrepreneurial spirit in the best sense of the word: creative, inventive, willing to take risks, and ready to assume responsibility.
The Körber Entrepreneurship Network is aimed at alumni of the Körber Foundation who, like our founder, are characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit—whether as founders, drivers of innovation, or architects of change.
Admission is open to former participants in our programs who have taken on entrepreneurial responsibility and have demonstrably made an impact through startups, projects, or innovations. Selection is based on recommendations and an informal letter of motivation. The first call for applications will be issued shortly.
Does this sound like you?
To me, entrepreneurial thinking and action means ...
“ … setting clear and smart goals, showing the team a clear path forward, finding solutions to problems, and not insisting on perfection.”
Dr. Martin Buchholz, M.D.
2025 Zugabe Prize Winner
Founder of the HerzretterStadt Hamburg initiative
“ … seeing opportunities where others see only limitations. It means putting ideas into action, taking responsibility, and persevering even when the path isn’t clearly marked.”
Iris Lange-Schmalz
Winner of the 2017 MINT-Regionen and 2019 Digital Skills funding competitions; Network Coordinator for the “Südliches Taubertal” MINT Region
“ … identifying challenges, developing solutions, and then presenting them in a way that benefits customers and, in turn, the company.”
Prof. Dr. Peter Seeberger
2007 Körber Prize Winner
Director of the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces
“ … to lead the way, work on new ideas, and keep refining them.”
Keziah-Naomi Tsagli
Next.Gen Incubator Program 2024/2025
Founder of Waymaker Stories
“ … to go with the flow of what arises along the way, to work on solutions step by step, and to let go when a path no longer feels right.”
Marielen Winter
Participant at Körber Start-Hub
Founder of Cebra
“ … approaching problems with a bias for action: not only analyzing what is broken, but taking the risk and responsibility of building something concrete that can improve people’s lives.”
Roberto Patiño
Munich Young Leaders 2024
Founder of Mi Convive & Alimenta La Solidaridad
Contact
Cornelius Gesing
Körber Network Entrepreneurship