Wed 04. Feb 2026 · 17:00-22:00
Startup Your Idea Contest - The finale
@University of Cologne, Mainbuilding: Aula 2
At the grand finale of the Startup Your Idea Contest, eight teams from the gateway universities in Cologne will pitch their innovative ideas in two categories.
Free registration from the beginning of December 2026.
Register now
PITCH - At the grand finale, eight teams from Cologne's universities pitch their innovative ideas in two categories - with prize money totalling €7,000 at stake.
MEET -Get to know interesting people. Start-ups from Cologne's universities, colleagues from the Gateway start-up centres and many other players from the start-up ecosystem will be there. Find out how the Gateway can help you find your own idea or further develop your existing idea.
MATCH - Do you have a start-up idea and are looking for co-founders or would you like to contribute your expertise to an existing start-up? Connect with people interested in founding a company on site and drop by the Start-Up Market - our start-ups are also looking for support in various areas.
Agenda:
17:00 - 18:00 Start-Up Market
18:00 - 19:30 Pitches
19:30 - 20:00 Break
20:00 - 20:20 Award ceremony
20:20 - 22:00 Networking
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We are committed to making the event as accessible as possible. For this reason, the spoken programme on stage will be simultaneously translated into German sign language. The auditorium is accessible by lift and ramps.
If you have any questions or requests regarding accessibility or require assistance, please contact us in good time: events@gateway-unikoeln.de
- Event for:AlumniUniversity EmployeesFLINTA*FoundersInvestors / Business AngelsMentorsScientistsStart-up ecosystemStart-upsStudentsThose interested in foundingCompany representatives
- Event type:CompetitionPitch event