Eligible to apply are undergraduate (Bachelor), graduate (Master) and postgraduate (PhD) students as well as research assistants from one of the following seven universities: AdBK, EvHN, FAU, HfM, HSA, THN and UTN.

You do not need to have a start-up idea in mind. On the contrary: we are looking for open-minded entrepreneurs who want to explore new opportunities!

You must be enrolled or employed at one of the universities mentioned above until the end of summer semester 2025 (at least until 31st of July 2025). It is not possible for you to participate in the program if you are planning a semester abroad or a semester off, or if you are otherwise not available.

You should be able to attend all our workshops and spend time working with your team between the workshops throughout the whole program.

You should have the motivation to stay involved in the program and in subsequent batches and become an active part of the Hub community.

The program is extracurricular, there are no ECTS credits awarded. The language will be English, although a basic understanding of German is required.

Take your time, check yourself on these points, check the schedule below and be mercilessly honest to yourself. And if everything inside you screams yes, then apply!

The program is very hands-on, the focus is on working in teams on specific start-up ideas, especially between workshops. Please find the detailed workshop plan below.

The entire program is divided into three core qualification modules. The modules are offered according to the strengths of the three program leading universities: First, the Trend & Technology Scouting, offered by HSA; Second, the Product (Development) & Business Design, offered by FAU; and Third, the Business Strategy, offered by THN.

During the program, a modern learning platform is available on which you have access to expert knowledge, helpful frameworks and additional tools for reflection and collaboration.

Each team has a dedicated start-up coach who will offer feedback and support whenever needed. In addition, each team will be provided with a prototyping budget for validating the business ideas.

We work with the latest methods and scientific findings of innovation management, business design, impact and sustainability, financing and business strategies for early-stage start-ups. We always consider which methods, concepts, software packages and artificial intelligence can be used effectively today and where they can be questionable or misleading.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the program. A student steering committee will be available to ensure that your core interests are anticipated, that the fun factor is reflected, and that you and your efforts are duly celebrated.

All applicants will apply via the application form, which can be accessed here on the page under the “Application” button.

The application process consists of three phases:

• Phase 1: Simply apply via the application form by June 2, 2024.
• Phase 2: Afterwards we will contact you via e-mail and ask you to submit documents, certificates and probably a short work sample. Then a first preselection will be made.
• Phase 3: After the preselection, we conduct interviews and decide who will be admitted to the program. We will accept 25 Fellows for the first Batch.