Application
The journey starts with your application.
Until April 26, you can apply by sharing your skills, experiences and interests across our four thematic areas. You don’t need a startup idea or a team. What matters is your motivation to build, learn and explore.
From all applicants, we select 60 talents who bring different perspectives and strengths to the program.
Team Building
Based on your skills, interests and personality, we carefully form complementary teams.
You won’t be randomly grouped with strangers. Instead, we match people who can challenge, support and complement each other. The goal is to create teams that feel natural, work well together and have the potential to build something meaningful.
Many participants start the program without knowing each other. By the end, they often leave not only as a team, but with strong connections that last beyond the program.
Kick-off & Industry Deep Dive
At the kick-off, you meet your team, the partner companies and the mentors.
Together, you dive into your Think Tank, where industry experts introduce you to:
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key trends shaping the industry
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real challenges companies are facing
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future opportunities and open questions
This is where your journey starts — not with an abstract idea, but with real problems worth solving.
Coaching & Workshops
Over the next 8 weeks, you meet every Wednesday evening at REACH.
In hands-on sessions, you learn what it takes to turn an idea into something real:
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how to identify and validate problems
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how to develop and test ideas
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how to build prototypes
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how to design a business model
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how to pitch your idea clearly and convincingly
You will be supported by experienced founders, mentors and experts who work closely with your team and help you move forward step by step.
Semi-Final
On July 2, the best teams take the stage.
At the 2G Energy AG, the top 8 teams pitch their ideas in front of a jury, mentors and industry representatives.
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The top 5 teams receive initial prize money
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They also qualify for the next phase: the Validation Lab
Validation Lab
From late August to mid-October, the top teams continue their journey.
In the Validation Lab, you focus on turning your idea into a real solution:
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refine your product based on feedback
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test your solution with real users
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approach and win your first pilot customers
This phase is about taking your idea out of the concept stage and moving closer to a real market-ready solution.
Grand Finale
The journey concludes on October 15 at the Westfalen AG Forum.
In front of more than 150 guests from industry, academia, politics and the startup ecosystem, the finalist teams present their solutions.
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present your progress and learnings
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showcase your product and vision
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compete for up to €15,000 in prize money
