Innovation Challenge
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Develop innovative business ideas together with us: Become part of the Innovation Challenge.
This innovative concept is aimed at aspiring personalities who want to become budding founders and offers you the opportunity to learn and apply the basics of business development. Our program combines modern working methods and customer-oriented strategies to support you step-by-step in creating a viable business plan.
Two options for participating in a challenge:
Either you bring your own idea and open up this challenge to other people or you join another idea and therefore another team.
The program offers a structured journey with five accompanying workshops. The goal is to have a finished business plan, a business model canvas and a pitch deck and to present the results to a jury.
Our seminar emphasizes iterative processes that allow you to continuously improve your business plan. Through individual support throughout the duration, you will become more confident and better prepared for your entrepreneurial journey.
Duration
4 months
(in semester)
Location
Digital-only with optional meetings at various locations
Maturity level
Interest in innovation
Costs
No costs
Key date
March 31 or September 30 in the current year
The Innovation Challenge
As part of the Innovation Challenge, you will acquire valuable knowledge and practical skills that will optimally prepare you for the further development of a business idea and allow you to simply become innovative.
Be inspired by the stories of great pioneers and discover your own entrepreneurial spirit. The Innovation Challenge offers you the opportunity to develop innovative ideas and simply try your hand at entrepreneurship.
Whether you want to found a start-up or simply be innovative – in the Innovation Challenge you can put your business idea to the test and get started without any complications.
The top 3 Innovation Challenges will receive prize money of €750, €500 and €250. In addition, they will receive a wildcard for our exclusive incubator program and a certificate of participation.
*The prize money will be issued as a voucher in our Entrepreneuer Academy!
Procedure of the Innovation Challenge
The digital workshops take place every two weeks in a time frame of 1-2 hours and are mandatory for 1 person from the Challenge Team:
Researching customer problems and needs
Developing and prototyping solutions
Market analysis and competitive strategies
Creating a business model
Pitch training
A special highlight: mentoring by an experienced founder throughout the entire period!
Innovation Challenge
Apply Now
Prerequisites FOR PARTICIPATION
The most important requirement for participating in an Innovation Challenge is to complete the application form by March 31 or September 30 of the current year.
- Membership of the education group: Anyone can register for the Innovation Challenge. Membership of our university group is not required, but of course welcome.
- Mindset & commitment: We expect applicants to have an open attitude towards innovation. For the challenge, it is important to plan a minimum of 2-3 hours per week.
- Target groups: The Innovation Challenges are open to all Bachelor’s and Master’s students. It is recommended to join from the 3rd Bachelor semester onwards.
- Three participation options: Either bring your own idea, join another idea and team or work on an Innovation Challenge from one of our partner companies.
- Team: A team is not a prerequisite for registration. We even welcome innovative individuals who are willing and open to team up with others.
- Certificate of participation: As a participant, you will receive a certificate at the end. The mandatory submission of a pitch deck and a business plan are required to receive the certificate.
Mentors and coaches
Maximilian Faust
Marc Gresch
Laura von Gilsa
Francesco Pisani
Eric Liebetrau
Our partner companies
Marc Gresch
Your direct contact
Do you have any questions about the Innovation Challenge or the Pioneer Lab? We will be happy to take time for you and answer your personal questions.