Startup Your Idea Contest
Take your chance in the idea competition of the Gateway Universities Cologne!
Do you have an innovative, creative and forward-looking start-up idea?
Or do you want to bring your science to life and build a business?
The Startup Your Idea Contest is the ideal opportunity to turn your idea into reality.
Submit your idea and win
Whether your idea is a service or a product, whether it's a non-profit concept or focuses on the social impact of research results – you have the chance to win prize money in every category (Open Track and Research Track)!
Finalists will get the opportunity to pitch their idea live in an exciting finale in front of a large audience.
Impress our expert jury now with your compelling idea sketch – no finished business plan required!
The grand finale will take place in January 2027.
Applications are now open – the deadline is October 28, 2026!
Apply now
German version only / English version coming soon
How it works:
- Send us your innovative and forward-looking ideas using the Gateway Idea Model Canvas template (please find below, as PDF).
- Fill in the application form and attach your certificate(s) of study.
- You can download the documents here (Currently available only in German / An English version will be available shortly)
If you are a scientist or employee, we need an official email and for alumni your degree certificate.
Do you have any questions? Contact us via email: syic@gateway-unikoeln.de
What is the Startup Your Idea Contest?
The aim is to promote innovative, creative and forward-looking start-up ideas from all disciplines that are at an early and advanced stage of development.
The contest is being organised by the Gateway Universities Cologne (Gateway Hochschulen Köln) and is taking place already for the eight time.
How does the competition work?
The application phase starts in July 2026 and ends with the closing date on 28 October 2026 at 23:59.
In December 2026, all applicants will receive feedback and the eight final teams can prepare for the grand final in January 2027.
New this year: the ideas will compete against each other in two new categories which are
- Open Track - for all ideas from academic studies or everyday life
- Research Track - for all ideas that result from one's own research or research findings
The final categorization of the ideas will be carried out by the expert jury from the Gateway Universities.
Who can take part?
In principle, students and scientists from all universities can participate, but at least one teammember must be enrolled at/ part of the University of Cologne, TH Köln, the German Sport University Cologne, the Rheinische Hochschule Köln or the Cologne Business School.
We also welcome applications from employees, academics and alumni (max. 5 years after graduation) of the participating universities! With your idea you apply for participation in the grand final in January 2027.
Excluded from the competition are start-up ideas on the basis of which, by the submission deadline, already
- founded a corporation (GmbH / UG)
- commenced business operations
- an EXIST application has been submitted.
If at least one of these points applies to you, participation in this contest is unfortunately excluded. In this case, please have a look at our C3 competition, which might be suitable for you!
How is it evaluated?
Your idea will be assessed on the basis of four criteria:
- The founding idea 30%
- Customers & competition 25%
- Expertise of the team 25%
- Potential & feasibility of the start-up idea 20%
Why should you take part?
On top of valuable feedback from experienced jury members with many years of experience in entrepreneurship, you will have the chance to present your start-up idea to the public. At the same time, you will be able to make new contacts and expand your professional network.
Plus, you have the chance to win the prize money in each of the two categories.
Special Award Ford Philanthropy
We are also happy to award a special prize of 1,000 € for ‘Female Entrepreneurship’ this year - sponsored by Ford Philanthropy and valid for all teams that meet the criteria (at least 50% of the founding team are women).
What do I need to bear in mind for the two categories?
The teams will compete against each other in the finals in two categories: Open Track and Research Track:
- Open Track - for all ideas from academic studies or everyday life
- Research Track - for all ideas that result from one's own research or research findings
The final categorization of the ideas will be carried out by the expert jury from the Gateway Universities.
Can I submit my idea in English?
Yes, you are welcome to send us your idea in English! Please keep in mind that the final contest will be held in German.
That was the last final
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Apply now
German version only / English version coming soon.
The judges' decision is final.
Do you know the Gateway Inkubator?
We help founders in the early pre-start-up phase to develop their idea into a sound business model within four months!
