Are you interested in start-ups, perhaps already working on an idea of your own, or simply keen to find out how starting a business actually works?
Even if you don’t have a business idea of your own yet, you’re very welcome. The events are aimed at students, alumni and anyone who’s curious about starting a business. You don’t need any prior experience in entrepreneurship.
You can look forward to four events focusing on entrepreneurship, pitching, start-up stories and student business ideas. You’ll learn what really matters when starting out, how to present a business idea convincingly, and how others have made their way from the initial idea to setting up their own business.
Attendance at all events is free of charge. The events will be held in English.
You can register either here or via the links for the individual events listed below.
Tuesday, 17 November
17 November 2026 | 1.00–2.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
Which topics really matter when you are at the beginning of your start-up journey? Lena Klingelberger from Deutsche Telekom will share seven practical lessons for aspiring founders. The session will cover topics including customer validation, first customers, networking, personal branding, as well as basic aspects of information security and data protection.
17 November 2026 | 4.00–5.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
How can a green or social business idea be presented clearly and convincingly? Adriana Plechinger from StartGlocal will use practical examples to show how to structure a pitch clearly, communicate an idea effectively and avoid common presentation mistakes.
The event takes place as part of the interdisciplinary project “Green and Social Entrepreneurship: Business Ideas for a Better World.”
Wednesday, 18 November
18 November 2026 | 3.00–4.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
How can something you are personally passionate about become your own business? HSRW alumna Berrak Dalbudak, founder of OBD Art Studio & Community Space, will share her journey from university to starting her own business. She will give personal insights into her motivation, first steps, challenges and experiences while building her creative business.
Afterwards, there will be time for questions, informal exchange and networking over snacks and drinks.
Thursday, 19 November
19 November 2026 | 09:30–12:00 | Kamp-Lintfort Campus | English and German
Students from the International Business Administration programme will present business ideas they developed as part of the Business Planning course. After short pitches in front of a jury, visitors can explore the ideas in more detail during a poster session and speak directly with the teams. The event is organised by Dr. Jessica Palka and Andrea da Silva.
