Do you have an idea with potential and want to take the next step toward starting a business? In our new workshop program, we embark on the entrepreneurial journey together and support you in turning your innovative idea from your studies or research into a viable business model.
The IDEA.Lab @ WORLDFACTORY is a seven-week start-up program specifically designed for early-stage entrepreneurial projects at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). In our workshops, you will learn how to further develop and validate initial ideas together with your founding team. After the program, we also support you in identifying suitable funding opportunities for initial financing and guide you through the application process before and during the submission of funding proposals.
APPLICATION
Applications for Batch #2 can be submitted via our online form from August 05 to October 09, 2026. Master’s students, researchers, and teams with an initial start-up idea who are interested in entrepreneurship are welcome to apply.
START
The official IDEA.Lab kick-off will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:30. Afterwards, we will wrap up the evening with pizza, drinks, and networking
CONTENT
During the IDEA.Lab, you will develop and validate your business idea. Through workshops on topics such as Ideation, Problem-Solution-Fit, Customer Exploration, Product-Market-Fit, Financing and Calculation, as well as a Pitch Training, we prepare you for the next steps toward founding a start-up. In addition, we support you in applying for start-up funding programs such as EXIST, Start-up Transfer NRW, Gründungsstipendium NRW, or Go-BIO.
OBJECTIVE
At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to qualify for a pitch at the WORLDFACTORY Demo Day as part of IDEA.2027, our annual entrepreneurship day. The event brings together pioneers from science and industry and offers a unique opportunity to experience the start-up ecosystem of Ruhr University Bochum up close and make valuable connections.
Dates
| October 27, 2026 | Kick-off & Problem-Solution-Fit |
| November 3, 2026 | Customer Discovery |
| November 10, 2026 | Product-Market-Fit (with Gründerfonds Ruhr) |
| November 24, 2026 | Financing and Funding Opportunities |
| December 01, 2026 | Legal Matters |
| December 08, 2026 | How to pitch & Wrap-up |
| June 08, 2026 | IDEA.2027 |
![[Translate to English:] Kugelschreiber und Notizzettel auf einem Tisch](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/0/csm_DudB_WSC_IDEA_2025-5_8188348b69.jpg "[Translate to English:] Gründungsreise")
- Intensive support from the start-up support team at WORLDFACTORY
- Individual mentoring from experts with industry knowledge and experience
- Access to the RUB Makerspace – one of the largest makerspaces in Germany
- Connect with other founders and aspiring entrepreneurs at RUB
- Workshops and 1-on-1 sessions on relevant topics with a total value of more than €1,000
What We Expect from You
Together with our partners, we put a lot of heart into designing the programs and look forward to motivated participants who can work independently and are willing to step out of their comfort zone. You will test hypotheses, sometimes discard ideas and approaches, engage with potential customers, and develop your idea into an initial business model.
Is there a participation fee for the IDEA.Lab?
No, the IDEA.Lab is free of charge. However, we expect participants to attend the workshops.
Who can apply?
Master’s students, researchers, and teams with an initial start-up idea who are interested in entrepreneurship are welcome to apply.
What are the participation requirements?
To participate in the program, at least one team member must be enrolled or employed at Ruhr University Bochum. In addition, participation in all IDEA.Lab workshops is mandatory for all accepted teams.
How does the application process work?
Applications for Batch #2 must be submitted via our online form by October 09, 2026. For the application, you will need a short pitch deck or one-pager presenting your idea and vision.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. Once the application deadline has passed, we will inform you whether you have been accepted into the program.
What are the contents of the IDEA.Lab?
The IDEA.Lab is practice-oriented and combines theory with practical tools to help you further develop your idea. In the different workshops, we cover key topics that are also important for later stages of the start-up journey and for potential funding programs such as EXIST. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your start-up idea at IDEA.2026.
Where do the workshops take place?
All IDEA.Lab workshops, as well as the closing event, take place at WORLDFACTORY in the RUB Makerspace (O-Werk).
Which experts and mentors will support me?
At the start of the IDEA.Lab, each team has the opportunity to suggest contacts they find interesting, and the start-up support team at WORLDFACTORY will try to connect you and your team with them. In addition, there is already a pool of dedicated mentors available.
Can I apply again if I wasn’t selected the first time?
Yes, you can apply again at any time. If you were not selected the first time, you are welcome to try again in the next batch.
![[Translate to English:] Portrait Michelle Twardzik](/fileadmin/_processed_/d/d/csm_Michelle_Twardzik_angepasst_2d327cad04.jpg "Michelle Twardzik")