IDEA Lab: New Program for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Idea Lab at Worldfactory

The IDEA Lab is a structured qualification program for individuals interested in entrepreneurship and in taking their first steps toward founding a start-up. Over several weeks, participants learn methods for idea development, market analysis, and concept validation. The program objective is to turn early ideas into concrete approaches for potential start-up projects.

Do you have a promising idea and are considering starting your own start-up? Or would you like to explore the entrepreneurial potential of your idea? The IDEA Lab program offered by the WORLDFACTORY Start-up Center supports students, researchers, and staff at Ruhr University Bochum in validating their initial ideas.

During the IDEA Lab, participants work in workshops to further develop their ideas, refine problem statements, and explore possible business models. They gain insights into key aspects of start-up development and benefit from exchanging ideas with other aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition, the program provides information about third-party funding opportunities and other financing options.

 

Program Timeline

  • Kick-off: Ideation Workshop on April 28, 2026, 16:00–18:30, followed by networking with RUB spin-offs
  • Problem-Solution Fit on May 5, 2026, 4 PM
  • Customer Exploration on May 12, 2026 (digital), 4 PM
  • Product-Market Fit on May 19, 2026 with Gründerfonds Ruhr, 4 PM
  • Financial Planning and Cost Calculation on June 9, 2026 with Sparkasse Bochum, 4 PM
  • How to Pitch!on June 16, 2026, 4 PM

Important: Participation in all workshops (with at least one team member) is mandatory. Depending on your requirements, the events will be held in German or English.

Participants of the IDEA Lab can qualify for a pitch at IDEA.2026.

Save the date:IDEA.2026 will take place on June 23, 2026.

 

Your Benefits

  • Intensive support from the start-up support team at the WORLDFACTORY Start-up Center 
  • Individual mentoring from experts with industry knowledge and experience 
  • Access to the RUB Makerspace – one of the largest makerspaces in Germany 
  • Opportunities to connect with other founders and aspiring entrepreneurs at Ruhr University 
  • Workshops and 1-on-1 sessions on relevant topics with a total value of more than €2,000 

Apply by April 10, 2026 via the application form.

Application Form

 

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