• You may participate individually or as part of a team (of up to 3 people), and the focus is on topics related to higher education. You may not be part of more than one team at the same time.
• You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s and/or master’s program at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.
• Alumni of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences (up to 5 years after graduation) and employees of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences are also eligible to participate.
• Participants must be residents of Germany.
• Only one idea per person/per team may be submitted.

• Competition entries must be submitted in German or English during the specified period.

   

The following are not eligible to participate:

• Exchange students
• Auditors
• Individuals with no affiliation to Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences

How to Participate

1. Download the concept paper with the criteria and use it for your submission

   Concept Paper Download (German) (PDF document)

   Concept Paper Download (German) (Word document)

   Concept Paper Download (English) (PDF document)

   Concept Paper Download (English) (Word document)

2. Download the data processing form and sign it. For group submissions, each member of the group must sign the document.

   Data Processing Form (Word document)

3. Develop your idea and create a compelling application.
4. Submit your concept paper and the information sheet via email from January 12 through May 22, 2026, by 8:00 PM to: gruendung(at)hs-schmalkalden.de (!Submit as a PDF only!)
5. Wait for the jury’s evaluation.
6. The best 5 pitch their idea to the jury and get the chance to receive funding.

The concept paper should be no longer than four A4 pages and include the following sections:

• Description of the business idea (problem – need – solution)
• Target customers
• Benefits and key purchasing factors
• Marketing and sales
• Resources & finances

Submitted competition entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• compliance with formal requirements
• clarity of the idea and solution strategy
• a strong unique selling proposition and originality
• a clearly defined target audience and customer benefits
• initial considerations regarding marketing and pricing strategy