Bochum start-up program: Looking for ideas for a sustainable future!

Bochum start-up program: Looking for ideas for a sustainable future!

The application period for the innovation program begins on March 9, 2025 INCUBATE IT!, which is aimed at students and start-up teams at the Ruhr University Bochum. The application period runs from February 17 to March 17, 2025. The program offers comprehensive support that includes expertise, infrastructure and financial support. The focus is particularly on the areas of (social) impact and deep tech in order to develop solutions for social problems and sustainable products.

The initiators, that WORLDFACTORY Start-up Center, have set themselves the goal of creating support structures for innovative ideas. Over a period of twelve weeks, from April to June 2025, participants will be trained in seven practice-oriented modules. An important element of the program is financial support, which is provided in the range of 2,000 to 10,000 euros.

Program structure and conditions of participation

The final event, theINCUBATE IT! Demo Day, will take place in June in the RUB Makerspace (O-Werk). To participate in the program, founding teams must fill out an online form and submit a pitch deck. An important requirement for participation is that at least one member of the team comes from the Ruhr University Bochum. Potential participants must also present a three-minute pitch to a jury who will evaluate the projects on their level of innovation, ability to implement and team skills.

The program aims to develop business models that offer economic, social and environmental benefits. In addition to financial support and infrastructure, the focus is also on access to valuable networks, which is intended to help participants bring their ideas to market maturity.

Integration of sustainability into the start-up process

The incubation program is part of a larger project that focuses on integrating climate protection and sustainability into new companies. In this context the project aims to “Sustainable reasons!” brings together key players in the German start-up ecosystem and aims to develop practical tools for sustainability management.

Addressing sustainability at an early stage not only increases the start-ups' chances of survival, but also creates competitive advantages and shortens consumers' decision-making processes. The goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can also be better achieved by implementing energy and material efficiency, circular economy and other sustainability strategies.

Overall, it shows thatINCUBATE IT!The program is a valuable opportunity to give founders the necessary tools to start a successful and sustainable business.