SPARK 2024/2025

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Die Siegerehrung der Gewinnerteams beim SPARK

Preisverleihung bei SPARK durch Philipp und Helena

Date: December 2024 – February 2025 (detailed dates to come)

The Start-Up Competition SPARK is looking for you!
Got an idea for a startup but don’t know how to go about it? Then SPARK is the right place for you!

FoundersClub Freiburg is now organizing the start-up competition SPARK for the fifth time! SPARK enables you to develop your start-up idea as far as possible within 10 weeks and pitch the results to a jury of experts. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to network with students from a variety of fields including Computer Science, Design, and many more. You will have the chance to learn from successful local entrepreneurs and experts who will guide you through the development of your initial idea into a working business model. Get ready for a 10-week journey including weekly workshops and the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs through community events. Who knows, maybe your future co-founder will be among the other participants!

Through SPARK, you have the chance of winning prize money of 1x 1000€, for the overall winner, and 3x 500€ or more depending on our Sponsor efforts!

The FoundersClub Freiburg wants to encourage and inspire students of all disciplines to find innovative solutions for social and ecological problems. We offer you students a “playground” for this and create the necessary framework through knowledge transfer and network development so that you can simply try out your ideas and let them flourish.

Work in Progress

SPARK is currently still being organized! Details will be provided as soon as possible!

Hungry for more infos? See the 2021 Guidebook

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I want to participate! I want to help organize!

FAQ

Is SPARK only for students from a certain region?

Yes, as the workshops and other events are held in Freiburg in person, you will need to be present in person! However, you dont need meet any special criteria, as long as you can attend, you can participate!

Do I need to be student to participate?

As we are a university group very naturally most of the participants will have an academic background. However, we are open for appliactions from all.

What qualifications are expected from applicants?

This competition is designed to teach you entrepreneurship, so no prior experience is required. The only thing you need to bring is excitement and a willingness to work with others.

I don’t have a startup idea – can I still participate?

Yes. Many people applying for SPARK don’t have concrete ideas, but are very interested in working on an exciting project. There will be a networking session to allow students to find others they would like to work with.

I have a project in progress – can I participate in the competition?

Yes. The start and end points are not precisely defined; the progress made along the way is what is important. That’s why we evaluate the status of each idea at the beginning of SPARK.

Are there limits on the types of ideas we can use?

No. We have no such restrictions, ideas from any fields are welcome!

How are the teams built?

At the kickoff every person with an idea is invited to pitch in front of the audience. Then, other participants express their interest in joining a specific idea. We iterate the process until we have well-rounded teams for everyone.

Can we apply as a team?

Yes this is possible, if you apply as a team make sure to agree on a team name upfront. Just indicate this name during the application process. Every team member still has to submit the application individually, if accepted, you will be confirmed collectively.

How big are the teams?

Teams can be made up from 3 to 6 members. We reccommend building a well-rounded, interdisciplinary team.

What is the difference between the workshops and community events?

While workshops are aimed to provide you with knowledge and inspiration for you startup idea, community events are designed to be fun and help you get to know all the participants in SPARK and our FoundersClub members.

Are all events mandatory?

The kickoff, demo day and workshops are all mandatory. Community events are not.

Where will the events take place?

The location for each event is still being defined, however the final demo day and pitch event will be in the Lokhalle at Grünhof!

How do we stay in contact during the competiton?

We will provide appropriate ccommunication channels! You can always also reach out to your Mentors and the Foundersclub team directly.

Will I get guidance and support during the 10 weeks?

Yes, the mentors we provide are all experts in their field.

Is it mandatory for all team members to be present at the pitches?

We go case by case, so ask your foundersclub contact.

What is the language of the competition?

All official communication will be in English, so international students can participate without any problems. Of course within your team you can use any language you like.

Do you get a certificate for participation?

If you are present at the kickoff and the Demo Day, and your team completed the milestones we will issue you a certificate.