Start-up Week 2025
From November 18 to 21, 2025, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences took part in the nationwide Start-up Week Germany, coordinated by StartGlocal at the Center for Research, Innovation and Transfer (ZFIT), and welcoming students, alumni, staff, and regional guests.
Start-up Week 2025: Start. Now. – Four Days Dedicated to Entrepreneurship
Over four days, Start-up Week 2025 offered a diverse program aimed at supporting aspiring founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Interactive workshops, expert talks, pitch formats, and networking opportunities created space for learning, exchange, and the further development of business ideas.
Key Moments of Start-up Week 2025
A key workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Marina Gregorić and focused on marketing and branding challenges for start-ups. Participants explored how to define a clear value proposition, understand target audiences, communicate consistently, and use resources efficiently, gaining practical insights for early-stage ventures.
Another highlight was the Business Idea Pitch & Poster Session, supervised by Prof. Dr. Kathrin Weidner and Dr. Jessica Palka. Students from the International Business Administration program presented their business ideas through short pitches and a poster exhibition. Constructive feedback from an expert jury, followed by informal discussions, supported idea refinement and networking.
A special highlight of the week was the talk “Food Infrastructure for Earth and Space” by Besan Dahboor Engel, founder and CEO of a deep-tech start-up and astronaut candidate. She shared her entrepreneurial journey and demonstrated how data-driven, climate-neutral food systems can be applied both on Earth and in space.
The week concluded with a Start-up Community Meetup. Ali Hussain, HSRW alumnus and co-founder of an AI start-up, shared insights from his founding experience, while Adriana Boldisova, StartGlocal Coordinator at HSRW, presented available support services and moderated the session.
Creating Space for Entrepreneurial Ideas
“Start-up Week shows each year how much entrepreneurial potential exists at our university,” said Dr. Gerhard Heusipp, Head of ZFIT. Participants left with new perspectives, valuable connections, and motivation to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas.
