The TU Start-up Award 2025 will take place on 30 October 2025 at the innoclub in the TechnologieZentrumDortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 80. Innovative start-ups can now apply with their business ideas for the pitch contest and for an exhibition stand in the innoclub CoWorkingSpace. The application deadline is 26 September 2025.

The lucky winners of the TU Start-up Award 2024 together with the jury and presenter. Photo: Cynthia Ruf / TU Dortmund University

The TU Start-up Award 2025 brings together the best teams from TU Dortmund University in an exciting pitch contest. Their aim is to convince not only the jury, consisting of renowned start-up experts and founders, but also the audience of themselves and their idea with their innovative products and forward-looking business models. You can find more information here.

Apply now for the pitch contest

The start-ups each present themselves in a five-minute pitch and then have to answer questions from the jury. A total of 14,000 euros in prize money is at stake, which is provided with the kind support of the wilo foundation. Start-ups can apply here until 26 September 2025.

Networking for start-ups and those interested in founding a company

The event also offers young start-ups the opportunity to get in touch with investors, people interested in founding a company and companies and to network. A fully equipped exhibition area in the innoclub CoWorkingSpace is available for this purpose. Start-ups from outside the TU can also apply for a stand here.

The TU Start-up Award is organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Transfer (CET). This central institution of TU Dortmund University aims to further promote the start-up culture on campus and in the region.