TU Start-up Award 2026 – Application Period Has Begun

The main event is the pitch contest, in which six startups from TU Dortmund University will pitch their ideas to a jury of experts. A total of €14,000 in prize money—provided with support from the Wilo Foundation—awaits the best startup ideas and teams. Start-ups from TU Dortmund University can apply at www.startup.tu-dortmund.de until September 27, 2026.
Dr. Ronny Zwinkau of PartikelArt, which won the award last year, explains the impact of the TU Start-up Award: “The TU Start-up Award gave us the opportunity to present our business idea to a high-caliber jury and a broad audience. The competition helped us refine our business model, improve our communication, and forge important connectionås within the startup ecosystem. Furthermore, the award has significantly increased our visibility and given us additional credibility with partners and potential customers.”
Networking in the exhibition area and a varied stage program
The TU Start-up Award also features an exhibition area where young startups can showcase their work. There, participants have the opportunity to engage with aspiring entrepreneurs from the region and to forge valuable connections with investors and companies. Startups from outside the TU can also apply for an exhibition booth—in part because the TU Start-up Award is supported by the Ruhr Innovation Lab, through which TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum are currently collaborating as part of the Excellence Strategy. In addition, guests can look forward to a varied stage program featuring an interesting keynote address.
Applications for the pitch contest and exhibition area, or registration as a visitor, can be submitted at www.startup.tu-dortmund.de
Event location:
TechnologieZentrumDortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 80, 44227 Dortmund
November 5, 2026, starting at 4:30 p.m.
The TU Start-up Award 2025



