IDEA 2026

What to expect? We won’t reveal everything just yet… but here’s a glimpse: IDEA is an afternoon dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge visions, where start-ups, researchers, students, and investors come together to shape solutions for tomorrow.

As one of the top 10 universities for entrepreneurship in Germany, Ruhr University Bochum demonstrates how research can translate into real impact. That’s why the name IDEA reflects our core values:

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 - For the region and shaping the transformation after the departure of Nokia and Opel and promoting profound technological solutions for global and societal challenges.

𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 - As WORLDFACTORY, we stand for knowledge-based innovation and start-ups.

𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 - Raising the awareness of entrepreneurship and creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students and academics.

𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 - Research and teaching as the foundation for transformative technologies.

Look forward to inspiring masterclasses, engaging panel talks, as well as our top 10 start-up pitches, divided into two tracks – pre-seed and seed. And of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and experience the start-up spirit. Everyone from the ecosystem is warmly invited to join – and participation is free of charge.

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 and stay tuned - more insights coming soon!