Empower Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Join an elite program this summer and turn your innovative ideas into impactful ventures!
11.04.25 - 10.07.25
Hamburg
6 ECTS
A study program from:
About
the Program
Designed to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, this intensive program spans April to July 2025, 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.
Bootcamps & Hackathons: Intensive weekend workshops to fast-track your skills.
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
Shortcut Ventures | Solanus
Martin Ostermayer
Neuefische
Dalia Das
Fabel
Alicia Faridi
Fabel
Maximiliane Kugler
Next Commerce Accelerator
Thorsten Wittmuetz
Exponential Innovation Institute
Uve Samuels
Hamburg Invest
Nina Alswede
Why Join?
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Work with students from diverse fields.
Real-World Challenges
Solve sustainability-focused 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
Kick-Off
Kick-Off Days
Dive into the Programme with Keynotes, Workshops and Teambuilding
11.04. 5PM-9PM & 12.04.25 9AM-6PM
Session 1
Validation Session
Validate your startup idea under the guidance of experienced founders at the Deeptech Campus
16.04.255PM-8PM
Session 2
Hamburg Funding and Resource Landscape
Explore the intricacies of Hamburg's startup funding and resource network during a deep-dive by Hamburg Invest.
17.04.255PM-7PM
Session 3
Problem-Solution Fit with NCA
Learn how to navigate key market concerns with one of the top Startup Hubs in Europe
23.04.255PM-8PM
Session 4
Business Model Hackathon
Discover strategies for assessing monetisation channels, guided by Hamburg's top Entrepreneurship professors
30.04.255PM-8PM
Session 5
Building Weekend at DESY
Prototype, test and iterate your idea at the center of Hamburg's scientific ecosystem
16.05. 3PM-10PM & 17.05.25 9AM-6PM
Session 6
Fundraising Workshop with HTGF
Gain insights from one of Germany's most successful VCs into attracting investment and securing funding for your idea
28.05.255PM-8PM
Session 7
Pitch Perfect
Learn how to precisely and professionally convey ideas in the form of Elevator Pitches
11.06.255PM-8PM
Session 8
Investor Pitch Night
Pitch your idea to a selection of startup investors and receive tailored feedback
18.06.255PM-8PM
Session 9
Generalprobe
Put the final touches on your pitches before the big day
27.06.255PM-8PM
Session 10
Demo Day Event
Pitch your startup on the big stage in front of 150+ players in the Hamburg startup ecosystem, accompanied by keynotes and networking opportunities
10.07.255PM-8PM
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.
Prof. Dr. Jutta Abulawi
HAW Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Jan-Paul Lüdtke
FH Wedel
Prof. Dr. Michel Clement
Uni Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Paul Drews
Leuphana
Prof. Dr. Christian Lüthje
TUHH
Prof. Dr. Jana Timm
Uni Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Dennis Proppe
FH Wedel
A programme supported by:
Success Stories
First-hand experiences from graduates of the recently completed first round of the Future Founder Programme
"The Future Founder program has been instrumental in advancing my startup and my technology. The network, hands-on experience, and funding were incredibly valuable. The pitch training and investor preparation were especially helpful—they enabled me to present my idea convincingly. I am glad I joined the program and ready to make my startup a success”
Victor Carneiro, MSc @ TUHH (Alumnus Round 1)
"As a medical doctor, the startup world felt distant to me. But the Future Founder program provided the structure, mentorship, and network to develop an idea, find the right co-founder, and turn it into a real startup. The hands-on approach, along with support from investors and experts, made all the difference. I left the program with initial funding from EXIST Women, a strong network, and a clear path forward—plus, I made amazing new friends along the way.”
Julia Rocha, PhD @ Uniklinikum Eppendorf (Alumnus Round 1)
"The Future Founder Program provided the structure, mentorship, and community I needed to navigate the challenges of building something from the ground up. Through hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and real-world pitching opportunities, it equipped me with the skills to validate ideas, iterate our business model, and understand investor expectations. It gave me the confidence to embrace uncertainty, tackle early-stage startup hurdles, and push forward with conviction."
Sukhmani Singh, Msc Environmental Engineering @ TUHH (Alumnus Round 1)
"Through the Future Founder Program, I met amazing like-minded people from a wide range of fields who inspired me with their knowledge and energy. The practical methods and approaches we learned in the program helped us refine our idea, plan concrete steps, and put them into action.
The deep insights and honest advice from experienced founders were particularly valuable, helping us sharpen our idea and truly understand the life of an entrepreneur.
I highly recommend the Future Founder Program to anyone who has ever thought about starting a business or is simply interested in the startup world!"
Christian Hellman, MSc Data Science & AI @ FH Wedel (Alumnus Round 1)
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
