Explore a startup idea in a supportive environment!
Applications are now open!
April 2026 – July 2026
Hamburg
6 ECTS
A study program from:





About
the Program
Designed to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, this intensive program spans October 2025 to January 2026, offering hands-on challenges, skill-building workshops, and community-driven learning. All sessions are conducted in English. 6 ECTS credits are available in collaboration with your university.
Program Structure

Weekly Sessions: Knowledge-sharing, training, and motivation.

Guided Mentoring: Dive deep into topics with professors and founders-

Pitch Events: Showcase your project to a panel of experts.
Mentors & Coaches
Discover the industry leaders, innovators, and experts who will be sharing their insights and experiences in the startup ecosystem

High-Tech Gründerfonds
Johannes Weber

Hanse Ventures
Sebastian Schulz

Impossible Founders
Svenja Teichmann

Buildlinx
Fabian Weindell

Hamburg Invest
Ricarda Rattay

Next Commerce Accelerator
Thorsten Wittmuetz

Exponential Innovation Institute
Uve Samuels

ECDB
Nono Weinzierl

Pitch Perfect Academy
Lars Hartenstein

Fainin
Maximillian Lehmann

Indicium Technologies
Nabil El Berr

Borderstep Institute
Thomas Neumann
Why Join?
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Work with students from diverse fields.

Real-World Challenges
Solve problems with practical applications.

Expert Mentorship:
Gain insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and coaches.

Networking Opportunities:
Build connections with industry leaders and peers.

What You Will Learn
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Develop a proactive approach to innovation
Business Modeling:
Learn to create and validate business models.
Prototyping:
Build and test your ideas.
Pitching:
Master the art of presenting your venture.
Networking:
Connect with like-minded peers and industry experts.
Team:
Learn how to identify and secure the ideal co-founder.
Your Schedule
A deep-dive into your startup journey - from A to Z
Team-Building
Team Matchmaking
Pre-launch guided matchmaking to build your dream teams
27 & 29 Oct 20255pm – 8pm
Validating
Problem Validation
Validate your startup idea under the guidance of experienced founders
8 Nov 20259am – 6pm
Validating
Solution Market Fit
Learn how to tailor solutions to key market concerns
12 Nov 20255pm – 8pm
Validating
Business Modelling
Discover strategies for assessing monetisation channels
19 Nov 20255pm – 8pm
Building
Prototyping Weekend
Prototype, test and iterate your idea at the center of Hamburg's scientific ecosystem
28 & 29 Nov 20254pm – 8pm & 9am – 6pm
Building
Sustainability in Startups
Discover how to include ESG in your journey and achieve a positive impact
17 Dec 20255pm – 8pm
Pitching
Fundraising & Christmas Party
Learn about startup funding options and toast into the holiday season with us
19 Dec 20255pm – 10pm
Pitching
Pitch training
Learn how to precisely and professionally convey ideas in the form of pitches
7 Jan 20265pm – 9pm
Pitching
Investor Pitch Night
Pitch your idea to a selection of startup investors and receive tailored feedback
14 Jan 20265pm – 8pm
Pitching
Startup Legal Basics
Dive into the legal details of founding a startup in Germany
21 Jan 20265pm – 8pm
Showcasing
Rehearsal
Teams selected to pitch step onto the big stage for a practice round
22 Jan 20265pm – 8pm
Showcasing
Demo Day
Selected startup pitches on the big stage in front of the biggest players in the Hamburg startup ecosystem
27 Jan 20265.30pm – 9pm
Academic Partners
Our program is supported by a team of experienced entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and academic leaders who will guide you every step of the way.
A programme supported by:







WANT TO BECOME A FUTURE FOUNDER? APPLY NOW:
Join Hamburg's most ambitious future founders. Apply now and unlock your entrepreneurial potential!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Open to Master’s students, advanced Bachelor’s, and early Ph.D. candidates.
Is the program in English?
Yes, all sessions are conducted in English.
Can I earn credits?
ECTS credits are possible, depending on your university’s policies.
Can I join sessions digitally?
We arrange in-person formats in order to help participants get the maximum possible value from the tutors and grow their networks. Digital attendance is not possible at this point.

Contact person:
Sebastian Henley
Program Development Manager











