part of Startup Factory

Build what’s next

Entrepreneurship
Festival

From November 10th to 13th, KIT will become the meeting spot for everyone who thinks entrepreneurially, wants to try new things, and shape the future. Discover the diversity of entrepreneurship at KIT and become part of the community. The exact schedule and registration for individual events will be available soon.

Our motivation

Experience Entrepreneurship at KIT

Entrepreneurial thinking and acting as well as supporting startups is an important topic at KIT. To underline this, KIT-Gründerschmiede developed and planned the first Entrepreneurship Festival at KIT together with the maKeIT initiative and TRIANGEL. The aim is to show the range of topics and opportunities for entrepreneurship at KIT and to motivate people to become active and create their own impact.

The Opening

The new Home of Entrepreneurship at KIT

The official opening of the Entrepreneurship Festival kicks things off. Together, we’ll explore the future of entrepreneurship at KIT, bring people together, and create space for new ideas, inspiration, and connections.

 

To the Opening (Registration coming soon)

Discover more

Your Festival.
Your Program.

Four days, many perspectives, and countless opportunities to experience entrepreneurship at KIT. Matchmaking & Masterclasses let you deepen your knowledge and forge new connections. Founder Talks & Fuckups offer insights into personal experiences, while Female Founder Spaces & Networking Events provide a platform for exchange and networking.

 

Whether you have an initial idea, are already a startup, come from a research background, or are simply curious: In the festival program, you’ll find events and formats for diverse interests and perspectives.

123. Gründergrillen Event zum Networking in Karlsruhe

Register now

All events

Pitch Practice with HTGF – Sharpen Your Funding Story

How convincing is your pitch from an investor’s perspective? In this confidential pitch session, you have the opportunity to practice your presentation in front of experienced VC experts from the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and to refine your pitch deck.

The New Home of Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship Festival kicks off a new chapter with its official opening: The focus is on innovation, knowledge transfer, and the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at KIT. In addition to the official launch of the new umbrella brand, KIT President Prof. Jan Hesthaven and Stefan Quandt will provide an outlook on the ‘next chapter.’ A founder success story by Sven Körner will illustrate how research can lead to a successful deep tech / AI company.

OPEN HOUSE

During the Entrepreneurship Festival, the TRIANGEL Community Day invites you to bring the TRIANGEL Space to life. The OPEN HOUSE format offers the perfect opportunity to brainstorm, network, and get creative in a relaxed atmosphere. Admission is free.

Workshop ‘From Science to Impact’

How can your research be translated into impact? What transfer opportunities are there? And where can you get support at KIT if you want to take the first step?

Brain Bites

Fancy a tasty bite of knowledge during your lunch break? At BRAIN BITES, you can expect an inspiring presentation from innovative thinkers. Bring your lunch, ask your questions, and join the discussion! Admission is free.

Open Doors x Expert Sessions

The Open Doors format offers a space for exchange, guidance, and specific questions about starting a business. K26 is open to everyone seeking contact with KIT-Gründerschmiede, wanting to discuss a startup-related topic, or seeking initial guidance. In addition, three expert sessions will take place. These will cover international startups, female founders and financing.

Wine & Wiz: Entrepreneurial Spirit at the Professorial Level

Entrepreneurship at KIT offers many opportunities. But what about at the professorial level? At ‘Wine & Wiz’ we meet in small groups, exchange perspectives, and develop new ideas.

Workshop ‘From Science to Impact’

How can your research be translated into impact? What transfer opportunities are there? And where can you get support at KIT if you want to take the first step?

Student Workshop

How do innovative solutions emerge from everyday problems? Here, students have the opportunity to get to the bottom of problems, gather ideas, build prototypes, and pitch their concepts. They will gain insights into modern career paths, future technologies, and entrepreneurial stories. Participation is free, but registration is required.

Masterclass: Legal Basics

Setting up a business correctly is hard. From choosing the right country and the appropriate legal structure to the right time to launch: This workshop provides the most important legal basics for a solid business startup. It also covers what founders should agree upon amongst themselves early on – and how to avoid future conflicts.

Open Table at Campus North

Do you have an idea but don’t know where to start? You can just drop by at the Open Table – no registration, no agenda. The maKeIT team is on site, listens and helps you sort out initial questions about transfer, founding and entrepreneurship. Whether orientation, a short initial consultation or arranging a follow-up appointment: you decide what you need.

DeepTechHub Co-Founder Matchmaking

Looking for a co-founder or interested in joining a startup? At DeepTechHub Matchmaking, business ideas meet talent. Through speed dating and subsequent networking, you’ll find out if a match could soon lead to a team.

What the Fail?!

‘Let’s talk about your fuck-ups.’ A founder from the ecosystem shares his insights on personal failures, setbacks, and the lessons learned. An honest look behind the success stories, destigmatizing failure. During and after the presentation, enjoy Founders’ Mulled Wine & Networking.

Female Founders Brunch

The Female Founders Brunch focuses on networking and mutual inspiration. A presentation by Simona Rossetti will create space for new perspectives, ideas, and innovation. Enjoy a lively exchange over coffee, croissants, and rolls!

EnTechnon Workshop: Innovation Game

Play a round of Mundi & Kréa with us, get creative and discover where your ideas can lead you! You’ll work in teams on real challenges, question familiar thought patterns and develop concrete solutions from unexpected ideas.

Masterclass: Legal Deep Dive

Financing, Term Sheets & Employee Participation: When a business idea transforms into a growing startup, more complex legal and financial issues come into focus. This workshop provides a practical overview of key topics surrounding the first round of financing – from choosing the right financing instrument and the most important points in term sheet negotiations to various employee participation models.

Curiosity Lab

What sparks our curiosity, and how does initial wonder turn into a new idea? This interactive afternoon is not just about understanding curiosity, but also about experiencing it firsthand. As you’ll see, curiosity can be learned!

Startup Pub Quiz

How well do you know the world of startups? The pub quiz is all about founding companies, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Grab your team, put your knowledge to the test, and join in the fun!
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The mission

Build what’s next.

Entrepreneurship begins with an idea – and with the courage to make something of it. It means asking questions, trying new approaches, and taking responsibility for your own idea. At KIT, people, knowledge, and technologies come together to create new perspectives, solutions, and opportunities to actively shape the future.
 

Why Entrepreneurship at KIT?

 
Research and innovation at KIT generate new insights and ideas every day. Entrepreneurship creates pathways to turn these insights into impact. Therefore, KIT supports students, researchers, and (aspiring) founders in developing their ideas, bringing people together, and implementing new solutions.

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