Welcome to the site! Nice that you have found your way here.
We are the StarterWerk start-up service at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and part of the “Thuringian University Start-up Network”. Do you have an initial idea and want to take it further from a business model to a potential start-up? Then you've come to the right place!
We are at your side free of charge and offer support in the following areas
- Reviewing the business idea
- Support with the creation of a business plan
- information on legal forms
- Funding opportunities
- Advice on the Exist start-up grant and Exist research transfer
- Networks and contacts
- Competitions and much more
Whether students, alumni or employees of the university. In a team or individually. We pick you up exactly where you are with your project.
Events and Workshops
December 2, 2025 – Creative with AI, inspiration for idea development and innovation
Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with der Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena
Time: 13:00–14:00 Uhr
Format: Online
Speaker: Karsten Jahn and Isabel Weiß (Modelfabrik Virtualisierung des Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Ilmenau)
Registration Link and further information
Language: German
About the session:
In this practical online seminar, you will learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can support creative processes and provide new impetus for idea development. Using concrete examples and interactive exercises, you will learn how to use AI in a targeted manner to develop innovative solutions and enrich your creative work—even in the digital space.
More events in the StarTH now series coming soon and you can always find them here!
Stay tuned and don’t miss out on upcoming topics around entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Do you have a vision that makes everyday life smarter, solves a technical problem, or makes the world a little more sustainable? Then take this opportunity and apply for the 2026 Start-up Idea Competition! Win financial support to make your vision a reality.
Important dates:
Application start: January 12, 2026
Deadline: May 22, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Pitch and award ceremony: June 17, 2026
Prizes:
The top three winners will receive a grant to develop their idea, whether for market research, building a prototype, or preparing for EXIST funding.
- Individual students and student groups enrolled in a bachelor's and/or master's degree program
- You must be enrolled at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
- Alumni of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences (up to 5 years after graduation)
- Employees of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
- You must be a resident of Germany
- Participation is possible individually or in teams (max. 3 people), with a focus on university-related topics
- Competition entries must be submitted in German or English within the specified deadline
The following are not eligible to participate:
- Exchange students
- Visiting students
How to participate:
-
Download the idea paper with the criterias
- Develop your idea and create a convincing application
- Send your application from January 12th until May 22nd 2026 at 20:00 o´clock via E-Mail at: gruendung(at)hs-schmalkalden.de (!only send the PDF!)
- Wait for the jury evaluation and get invited for the pitch contest.
- Pitch your idea and get the chance of funding.
The concept paper should be no longer than four A4 pages and contain the following elements:
- Description of the start-up idea (problem – need – solution)
- Target customers
- Benefits and factors influencing the purchase decision
- Marketing and sales
- Resources & finances
Take the idea paper template and fill in the form completly.
The competition entries submitted will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- You have complied with the formal requirements
- The idea and solution strategy are comprehensible
- A strong unique selling point and originality
- Clear customer group and customer benefits
- Initial considerations regarding marketing and pricing strategy
