HHL PROTOLAB
A Project of the HHL Female Founders Initiative
We empower early stage founders to validate and test ideas through user-centric design thinking, prototyping and hands-on workshops.
At a Glance
Target Group
- Early stage founding teams (m/f/d)
Location
- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Jahnallee 59, 04105 Leipzig
Program Structure
- Two semesters per year on individual weekdays
Cost
- Free of charge
Participation Requirements
- Academic background (student, research assistant, doctoral student, or alumna:us of a university e.g., bachelor’s or masters’s degree)
- Intent to found a business in the Free State of Saxony
- No finalized business plan
- Willingness to pitch your idea at the final event
Registration
Please send an email with your idea and background to Eric Dwilling at protolab@hhl.de
Our Supporters
The program is funded by means of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) and from tax revenue on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament. It is based at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and led by the LF Chair of Digital Innovation in Service Industries. The HHL Female Founders Initiative and its project HHL Protolab are initiatives of this chair.
The HHL Protolab offers a structured, collaborative environment where startups can work with experts, mentors, and other founders.
Eric Dwilling
Startup Coach
Program
- Design Thinking & Ideation – Creative methods for problem-solving
- Analog & Digital Prototyping: Hands-on with no-code tools and makerspace (e.g. landing pages, click dummies, design and functional prototypes, and testers)
- User Testing Methods & Feedback – Understand what customers really need
- Pitch Readiness – Present your startup convincingly
Our events usually take place in person on individual weekdays and last the whole day. Digital participation in individual sessions is possible by arrangement. To become part of the next PROTOLAB class and receive a certificate of participation upon completion, you must attend at least 80 percent of the sessions. You will receive the relevant information after applying.
Franziska Irion
Customer Communication and Selling Mentor
Mehrab Moradi N.
Analog Prototyping and Makerspace Mentor
Joe Natoli
Digital Prototyping and MVP Mentor
Panajota Angjeli-Reich
Personal Growth and Feedback Mentor
Apply for the next class
The HHL PROTOLAB is an in-person, hands-on workshop series for aspiring early-stage founders. Over the course of 10-15 workshops you’ll grow personally, dive into design thinking, build your prototype, and develop a strong pitch deck.
The workshops are held in English and take place on-site during weekdays only. Worried about your English? No problem – we’ll be there in person and can interpret or switch to German briefly if needed. Trust the process.
You’ll be supported by expert mentors on key startup topics.
To receive a certificate, regular attendance is mandatory.
Tell us about your background and idea. There are only 15 spots per semester – secure yours today!
Our Participants Say
Franziska Jilge
Founder | Social Consulting Jilge
It was a pleasure to be part of the first batch HHL Protolab! I learned to ask myself the right questions to go further with my idea and my product offering. I am really happy to have 1:1 coaching with Eric to get individual tips. I am thankful to be around with such great entrepreneurs.
Lily Kruse
CEO and Founder | HYBEAM
The HHL Protolab was the perfect sparring partner for us at HYBEAM to structure our use cases and boost our prototype.
The combination of hands-on methods, critical feedback, and a highly motivating network helped us turn ideas into something tangible and testable within a short time. I’d recommend the program to anyone who doesn’t just want to talk about innovation but is ready to build it.
Startup Campus Alliance Saxony
Looking to build your prototype or take the next step with your startup idea? The Startup Campus Alliance Saxony offers a wide range of free support for early-stage founders – from prototyping spaces and tools to expert-led workshops and mentoring. Whether you’re shaping your concept or preparing to pitch, these programs provide what you need to move forward – at no cost and right here in Saxony.