Future Founder
Future Founder is the perfect testing ground for students and young professionals interested in entrepreneurship, offering an inside look at how startups are built: from first ideas to real ventures.
Program at a Glance
Apply to the ProgramApril - July 2026
Timeline
3 months
Duration
Hamburg, Germany
Location
10 hours per week
Time commitment
8 evening workshops
2 all-day sprints
Format
6 ECTS
Awarded
Diverse Collaboration
Building Real Startups
Expert Mentorship
Uni & Startup Network
Characteristics
Join with an idea...
Have a Startup idea already? Great! Apply and start building while we help you assemble your dream-team!
Or even without one!
No Startup idea yet? Even better! Apply and bring your curiosity into an existing idea as an equal cofounder!
Program Schedule
- Pre-Launch Matchmaking – structured matchmaking and challenges to build your teams
- 20 & 22 April 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Program Kick-Off – dive into the program with our mentors and partners
- 29 April 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Sprint 1: Idea Development – start building your idea into a company, guided by experts
- 02 & 03 May 2026 (10 am - 5 pm)
- Customer Acquisition – learn how to secure your first pilot customers and validate ideas
- 06 May 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Prototyping Basics – discover how to build professional physical or digital prototypes
- 13 May 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Sprint 2: Building Weekend – get your hands dirty putting together your first prototype
- 23 May 2026 (9 am - 6 pm)
- Sustainability in Startups – learn how to set sustainability KPIs that really matter
- 03 June 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Pitch Training – get on stage and learn how to present your idea with confidence
- 10 June 2026 (5 pm - 9 pm)
- Investor Pitch Night – pitch your idea for feedback from investors and experts
- 17 June 2026 (5 pm - 9 pm)
- Branding & Storytelling – learn how to communicate your ideas relatably to the public
- 22 June 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Fundraising & Legal Basics – understand funding options and startup legal foundations
- 24 June 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Demo Day Rehearsal – bring your pitches to the big stage for a practice round
- 02 July 2026 (5 pm - 8 pm)
- Demo Day Graduation – top teams from the program pitch their ideas to the public
- 09 June 2026 (5 pm - 9 pm)
Testimonials
"Six months ago, I was in the audience, watching others pitch and wondering how I could ever get there. I had an idea but no clear direction or confidence. Future Founder helped me turn uncertainty into clarity, build a strong network, and gain the confidence to take my idea to the next level. Pitching on stage and winning the Jury Award was a moment I’ll never forget. If you’re ready to stop wondering and start building, scroll back up and join - your journey begins here!"
Abhinna Shah - MSc Industrial Engineering @ TUHH (Winner Round 2)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to contact us!
Who can apply to the Future Founder Program?
Any students or young professionals curious about startups are welcome to apply with or without a their own startup idea - we build the teams!
Can I join the program remotely?
The program takes place in-person to help participants leverage our network of mentors and collaborate with peers. Digital attendance is unfortunately not possible.
Can I earn credits for my participation?
6 ECTS are awarded for successful completion of the program. These can be recognized at most Universities as a free elective module.
What language does the program operate in?
All program content takes place in English. Individual/team coaching takes place in English or German, according to your preference.
