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.
Productivity and Task Management
Speaker: Jan Adams (Co-founder and Managing Director of Initiative Pflegehof GmbH)
Date: Thursday, September 3, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Language: German
Do you have 10 topics on your mind at once and want to be productive without losing track of everything? In this workshop, you’ll learn principles and methods that will help you get more done in your daily life while staying more relaxed. We’ll discuss how to create a suitable framework for tackling complex tasks and how to better manage the flood of information and demands that come with running a startup. You’ll also create your own step-by-step task management system tailored to you and your work style. Note: This workshop is interactive. That means you won’t just be listening - you’ll be actively participating right away. You’ll need a pen and paper during the workshop.
More information and registration: StarTH now
From Problem to Prototype - Design Thinking Workshop
Speaker: Josephine Zorn (Innovation Coach at the neudeli startup workshop at the Bauhaus University Weimar)
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Language: German
Do you have an idea or want to look at a problem from a new perspective? In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn about Design Thinking as a creative approach to innovation and experience the process firsthand. Together, we’ll go through key phases such as developing empathy for users, clearly defining problems, generating ideas, building prototypes, and testing initial solutions. You’ll work with creative methods from the field of innovation and quickly develop initial, tangible solutions. We’ll also reflect together on which principles and methods from Design Thinking can specifically support you in your own startup venture. Note: This workshop is interactive. That means you won’t just be listening - you’ll be actively participating right away.
Further information and registration: StarTH now
Residence Permits, Working & Starting a Business in Germany
Information Session with the Ausländerbehörde
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time: 10:30–12:00
Location: Room H 0112, Hochschule Schmalkalden
Language: English
Are you an international student planning to work, become self-employed or start a business in Germany? Unsure what your residence permit allows you to do during your studies or after graduation?
A representative of the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) of the District of Schmalkalden-Meiningen will visit Hochschule Schmalkalden to provide first-hand information and answer students’ questions.
Topics include:
- Residence permits, extensions and important deadlines
- Working during your studies, including student jobs and internships
- Self-employment and during your studies
- Residence and employment options after graduation
- Starting a business or becoming self-employed after graduation
- Changing from a student residence permit to a residence permit for employment
Your questions are welcome!
A substantial part of the session will be reserved for questions from students.
To help our guest speaker prepare, you can submit your questions in advance by 25 October 2026 using our online question form.
Please submit general questions only, without sensitive personal information. Individual immigration cases cannot be discussed in detail during the session.
Registration: Please register via Stud.IP: Register for the information session
Guest speaker: Frau Dudszus, Foreigners’ Office, District of Schmalkalden-Meiningen
Jointly organised by:
International Career Service plus (ICSplus) and StarterWerk- Startup Support at Hochschule Schmalkalden
The Stress You Can’t See, But Feel Every Day
Speaker: Nele Schöfisch, verbin.de (psychologist specializing in industrial and organizational psychology and competency development; launched her own business, verbin.de, in 2025)
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Language: German
Starting a business means opportunities, ideas, and creative freedom - but it also often brings uncertainty, pressure to make decisions, and many invisible tasks working in the background. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the triggers and types of stress involved, why stress is frequently underestimated in the day-to-day life of a startup, and how you can develop long-term resilience in dealing with it. There will be a special focus on mental and emotional work - that is, all the thoughts, responsibilities, and expectations that often remain invisible but can drain your energy over time. In addition to theoretical insights, you can expect hands-on exercises and reflection sessions - ranging from techniques for acute stress situations to resource management in everyday life, and long-term stress prevention through the interplay of the individual, the team, and the environment. The goal is to develop your own sustainable approach to managing stress. Note: This workshop is interactive. This means that you won’t just be listening - you’ll also have the opportunity to reflect and take action yourself.
Further information and registration: StarTH now
Startup Preschool Schmalkalden
Referent: Startup Migrants
Place: Hochschule Schmalkalden
Date: 6th - 08th of November
Schedule:
Friday: 15:30 to 19:00
Saturday: 09:30 to 17:00
Sunday: 09:30 to 17:00
Ready to start your business in Germany? Join Startup Preschool—a free, in-person entrepreneurship program designed for international founders in Schmalkalden.
Startup Preschool is an interactive startup training program in English, created specifically for international entrepreneurs and aspiring founders in Schmalkalden. Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or developing your first business idea, our program gives you the tools and network to succeed.
More information and registration: HERE
Team Matchmaking Schmalkalden
Referent: Startup Migrants
Date: Monday, 9th of November, 17:00 P.M.
Place: Hochschule Schmalkalden
Language: Englisch
free of charge
At Team Matchmaking Schmalkalden, you’ll meet people with ideas, skills, and ambition—and maybe even your future co-founders. Are you also participating in “Startup Preschool” (November 6–8)? Then this matchmaking event is the perfect next step.
Stop by if you:
- have an idea and are looking for teammates with complementary skills
- have the right skills and want to join an exciting startup idea
- want to expand your network in Schmalkalden’s startup scene
For more information and to register: HERE
Starting a business in Germany - What you need to know
Speaker: Norhan Othman, Startup Migrants (Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships at Startup Migrants)
Date: Tuesday, December 1st, 1:30 Uhr pm until 4:30 Uhr pm
Location: Online
Language: English
Thinking about starting a business in Germany or curious about how the startup scene works here? In this interactive workshop, you will learn the essentials of founding a business in Germany. We will look at common legal forms, important tax basics and the key steps involved in turning an idea into a real venture. You will also get to know the German startup ecosystem and discover where to find support - from university startup centers and incubators to funding programs and mentoring networks. The workshop is designed especially for international students and young professionals who are interested in entrepreneurship in Germany. No prior knowledge or concrete business idea is required. Bring your questions and take your first steps into the German startup ecosystem.
More information and registration: StarTH now