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Three students are sitting on colorful chairs at a table with a laptop in front of them.”
Credit: Anna Logue

Future Founders Week 2027

15–22 February 2027

On the left: rocket icon with yellow and blue accents. On the right: the lettering ‘Future Founder’, underneath: ‘Powered by NEXT Mannheim’.

Are you interested in developing your own startup ideas, structuring them with innovative methods, and ultimately presenting them to a jury?

Then take part in Future Founders Week – the startup initiative week at the University of Mannheim.

The central event of the week is the Start-up Kickstart on 15 February. On this day, you will gain an overview of the Mannheim start-up ecosystem and learn what it takes to get started in the world of entrepreneurship. In the days that follow, a series of workshops will be offered: From idea generation to pitch day. Throughout the week, you will be supported by experienced mentors as well as NEXT Mannheim. Participation in the Start-up Kickstart as a standalone event is also possible.

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Participation
The event is open to business administration students in their second semester. The Kickstart Event on 15 February offers a compact introduction to Mannheim’s start-up ecosystem and marks the start of the Future Founders Week. Participation is required for joining the subsequent workshop week. Students are also very welcome to attend the Start-up Kickstart only.
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Registration
Registration will be open from 18 January to 1 February 2027, via Portal2. Please make sure to register in time to secure your spot.
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Location
All events (except for the Pitch Day) take place at the MAFINEX Technology Center (Julius-Hatry-Str. 1, 68163 Mannheim) – right in the heart of Mannheim’s start-up ecosystem.
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Catering
Free catering will be provided for all participants.
A group of people seen from behind. The people are sitting on chairs and watching a presentation.
Credit: NEXT MANNHEIM
4 images
Hands building a structure out of long rods on a table.
Credit: NEXT MANNHEIM
4 images
A group of people seen from behind. The people are sitting on chairs and watching a presentation.
Credit: NEXT MANNHEIM
4 images
People are leaning over a structure made of long rods.
Credit: NEXT MANNHEIM
4 images

Program

Monday, 15 February 2027

Start-up Kickstart (5.30–8.30 p.m.)

A compact introduction to Mannheim’s start-up scene, including a welcome by Academic Director Prof. Kraus, also featuring a keynote, start-up pitches, interactive team-building formats, a guided tour of MAFINEX, and networking. Attendance required for all subsequent sessions.

No Commitment – Just Inspiration. 

Tuesday, 16 February 2027

Workshop: Ideas that Matter – From Problem to Solution (5.30–8.30 p.m.)

From problems to ideas: creative techniques, team building, and developing solution approaches.

Wednesday, 17 February 2027

Workshop: Build your Business Model Part 1 (7–8.30 p.m.)

Tools such as the Business Model Canvas help you translate your idea into a business model.

Thursday, 18 February 2027

Build your Business Model Part 2 (7–8.30 p.m.)

In the second part, you further refine your business model, test key assumptions, and take a closer look at your market, target group, and competitors.

Friday, 19 February 2027

From Prompt to Prototype – AI Skills for Future Founders (11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)

From the initial idea to a tangible concept: Learn how to use generative AI to assess market potential, develop personas, refine business models, and prepare first prototypes.

Workshop: Storytelling – Pitching & Validation (5:00–8:30 p.m.)

How do you convince others of your idea? Storytelling, value proposition, pitch deck, customer validation, and targeted feedback will help you build a clear, credible, and compelling pitch.

Monday, 22 February 2027

Grand Finale: Pitch Day & Future Founders Award (12–1.30 p.m.)

Pitches in front of jury (chaired by Dean Joachim Lutz) and audience, feedback from experts and award ceremony. The event will take place at the Schloss. 

Grand Prize

The winners will travel to the START Summit in St. Gallen (18.-19. March 2027), including a ticket, shared bus transportation, and a subsidy for accommodation.

In Cooperation with:

“A point from which a line extends into a circle. Next to it, the lettering ‘NEXT MANNHEIM’.”

Questions?

Sophie Holschneider, M.A.
Credit: Benjamin Ebner

Sophie Holschneider, M.A.

Program Manager Bachelor in Business Administration, Manager Evaluations
University of Mannheim
Dean's Office of the Business School
L 5, 5
68161 Mannheim
E-mail: sophie.holschneideruni-mannheim.de
Consultation hour(s):
Please make an appointment at https://www.bwl.uni-mannheim.de/en/consultation/sophie-holschneider/

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