Event language: Deutsch

This year, Entrepreneurship Day 2026 celebrates two very special milestones in the startup world: the power of our female founders in the EXIST-Women program and the bold first steps of startups with their early-stage prototypes.
Immerse yourself in Aachen’s vibrant startup scene. Experience raw, unpolished ideas and inspiring personalities—be there live.

Highlights on stage 🏆

✨ EXIST-Women Pitches & Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony

Women start businesses differently—and they do so successfully! We’re giving the participants of the EXIST-Women program the stage to present their visionary ideas. The teams are pitching not only for feedback from the community but also for the FH Aachen Entrepreneurship Award.

🚀 Kickstart Early-Stage Prototype Pitches & Prototype Fund

Forget polished slides—this is about tangible substance! In our “Kickstart” format, bold teams present their very first, early prototypes. They’re looking for honest feedback and fellow contributors. The absolute highlight: The most convincing teams win additional prototype funds to take their raw idea directly to the next level and bring it to life!

Agenda

4:45 PM: Doors Open & Casual Networking
5:00 PM: Welcome by the FH Aachen Startup Center & Prof. Constanze Chwallek
5:10 PM: Keynote
5:30 PM: EXIST-Women Pitches (Competition for the Entrepreneurship Award)
6:10 PM: Kickstart@FH Pitches: Early-stage prototypes present themselves
6:40 PM: Award Ceremony! Presentation of the Entrepreneurship Award and the Prototype Funds
Starting at 6:55 PM: Get-together in true startup tradition with pizza and drinks

For everyone who wants to learn more about entrepreneurship that evening and all the things that can go wrong:
Following the event, the Fck-up Stories StartupEdition will take place at our startup center as part of Aachen Startup Week 2026.

The legal organizer of this event is FH Aachen Gründungszentrum | m.klinkhammer@fh-aachen.de