Would you like to expand your knowledge, meet other creative and curious people, or just get a taste of the startup world? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find all our upcoming events and workshops.
In addition to our own events, we also list those of our StarTH network. That’s because our StarTH now series starts up again in April. A workshop at the beginning of every month—free, online, and open to all students at Thuringia’s colleges and universities.
Self-employment as a student? What’s allowed, what’s relevant, and what’s critical?
Speaker: Maike Kröger-Rech (Certified Financial Specialist, ETL Freund & Partner GmbH)
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: online
Language: German
Working as a freelancer while studying—it sounds like freedom, flexibility, and earning your own money. But between your first invoice and your tax return, many questions suddenly arise: Freelance or business? With or without sales tax? What happens to your student aid, child benefits, or health insurance? And what common mistakes can end up costing you dearly later on?
In this workshop, we’ll clarify the legal and tax framework for your self-employment while you’re in school.
Further information and registration: StarTH now
Startup Preschool arrives in Schmalkalden!
Speakers: Startup Migrants
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 (3:45 p.m.) to Sunday, April 19, 2026 (4:45 p.m.)
Location: Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, Blechhammer 9, 98574 Schmalkalden
Language: English
Are you interested in startups and want to know how you can turn your idea into a real business in Germany?
Then the Startup Preschool Schmalkalden is just right for you. This free in-person program on entrepreneurship is specifically designed for international students, professionals, and aspiring founders. Over three interactive days, you’ll explore business development, financing options, legal fundamentals, and the local startup ecosystem—while networking with inspiring people and gaining clear, practical next steps for your entrepreneurial journey.
A training program supported by WORTplus and Startup Migrants.
Further information and registration link: Startup Preschool
Smart business start with AI
Speaker: Jonas Mielke (Startup Coach at the HIKE University Incubator in Nordhausen)
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: online
Language: German
As a founder, does AI sound more like rocket science than real added value to you? In this workshop, we’ll show you how generative AI can specifically support you in the early stages of starting a business—in a pragmatic, understandable way, and without requiring any prior technical knowledge.
We’ll start by explaining how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity fundamentally “think” and what really matters when it comes to prompting. Instead of theory, the focus is on practical application. You’ll get hands-on experience with how AI can support you in competitive analysis, idea papers, user interviews, or refining your business model.
Further information and registration: StarTH now
Sales of innovative products and services
Speaker: Matthias Frieling (Expert in communication and sales management in the fields of culture, education, and psychology)
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: online
Language: German
You have an innovative startup idea—but when it comes to sales, you suddenly go quiet? In this workshop, we’ll debunk myths surrounding “selling” and show you what sales really means in the early stages of a startup. Because many ideas fail not because of the product, but because no one is systematically talking to potential customers.
Together, we’ll clarify the difference between marketing, sales, and customer development, take an honest look at typical cognitive biases in academically oriented teams, and develop the first realistic steps for your own sales approach.
Further information and registration: StarTH now
Financial Planning
Speaker: Jan Adams (Co-founder and Managing Director of Initiative Pflegehof GmbH)
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: Online
Language: German
Do you have a business idea and want to know how to make it financially viable? In this workshop, we’ll help you get your finances in order. We’ll explore the difference between small businesses and startups, examine the opportunities and challenges of various business models, and discuss suitable financing options. You’ll also learn how to plan your finances effectively, what a financial plan can do for you, and what makes a good one. Do numbers make your heart race? Don’t worry—this workshop is open to anyone interested in starting a business.
Further information and registration: StarTH now