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Knowledge and technology transferIdeas competition 2024

The hei_INNOVATION ideas competition offers members of Heidelberg University the platform to present and advance their own innovative ideas and research results with potential for exploitation or change. The focus is on the potential of the idea to generate impact and contribute to solutions for the economic, ecological and social challenges of our time. No categories are defined. Each idea will be evaluated by hei_INNOVATION and a panel of renowned experts from business, culture and research for its impact potential. After the selection process, the best ideas will be presented and awarded prizes at the IMPACT DAY 2024 at Heidelberg University.

Why is it worth participating?

  • Prize money totalling € 8.500 
  • Feedback on the idea from hei_INNOVATION and external jury
  • On request, advice from the hei_INNOVATION team on further exploitation of the idea 
  • Finalists can expect professional pitch training 
  • Presentation and attention from a broad audience as part of the Impact Day.

The three best ideas will be awarded with a prize money of € 5.000, € 2.500 and € 1.000 respectivly.

Application process

Applications can now be submitted via an online portal. Students, scientists and employees of Heidelberg University, including the medical faculties Heidelberg and Mannheim and Heidelberg University Hospital, can participate. Ideas can be submitted by individuals or teams. 

Application and selection procedure

All idea providers can submit their ideas. In a first step, the ideas with the greatest innovation potential will be identified by the hei_INNOVATION team. An external jury will select the winners after a pitch.

The awarding of the ideas will take place during the Impact Day 2024 University of Heidelberg. The jury will be assembled in the coming weeks and announced on this page. 

  • First application phase: Ideas can be submitted from now until 10 March 2024 
  • Start of the final selection process: 15 March 2024

Workshops on idea development

If support is still needed in developing the idea, hei_INNOVATION offers a workshop especially for participants in the ideas competition during the submission period on the following dates:

  • February 13, 2023, 10 am - 1 pm, hei_INNOVATION HUB

FAQ

Who can take part in the ideas competition?
All members of Heidelberg University, including the University Hospital, who are enrolled or have a valid employment contract.

How will my idea be protected during the competition?
The ideas submitted will not be passed on to third parties. During the evaluation by external jurors, all jurors agree to sign a confidentiality agreement.  

Our team is not from Heidelberg. Can we still participate?
If at least one team member is an enrolled student or has a valid employment contract with the University of Heidelberg, the (entire) team may participate in the competition.

Can I also participate in the competition as a start-up?
Start-ups can only participate in the pre-foundation phase, i.e. if they have not yet been founded or entered the market at the time of submitting their ideas.

Are there any costs associated with participation?
No, there are no costs associated with participating in the hei_INNOVATION ideas competition.

Do I have to present my idea at the final event?
Yes, if an idea is selected by the jury, the idea will be presented in front of an audience. All winners will receive professional pitch training in advance free of charge.

Can an idea also be submitted in English?
In principle, ideas should - if possible - be submitted in German. If you would like to submit your idea in English and still need support, please send an email to info@heiinnovation.uni-heidelberg.de

Can I participate in the ideas competition a second time?
Yes, it is possible to enter the ideas competition a second time, even with the same idea.

Is the prize money earmarked for a specific purpose?
No, the prize money is not earmarked for a specific purpose.

Supported by

Logos Gesellschaft der Freunde Universität Heidelberg e.V. Stiftung Universität Heidelberg