Knowledge and Technology Transfer Ideas Competition 2026
The hei_INNOVATION Ideas Competition offers members of Heidelberg University the opportunity to submit and further develop innovative ideas and research results with commercialization or transformation potential. The focus is on the potential of the idea to generate societal impact and contribute to solutions for economic, ecological, and social challenges. Evaluation is conducted by hei_INNOVATION together with an interdisciplinary panel of experts from business, culture, and research. The best ideas will be presented and awarded during the IMPACT DAY 2026 at Heidelberg University.
Categories
Health and Future Technologies
This category targets transformative technologies in the medical and technological fields. The spectrum ranges from innovations in diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and robotics to telemedicine, materials science, and quantum computing. Projects that translate scientific excellence into practical solutions addressing global medical and societal challenges are encouraged.
Impact Innovation
The Impact category is aimed at ideas from the humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines that combine social justice, ecological sustainability, and technological progress. Economically viable approaches that make measurable contributions to societal and environmental challenges are sought – from education and inclusion to circular economy and sustainable mobility. Regardless of technological maturity, the focus is always on the human dimension.
Why Participate?
Participation in the competition offers:
- Prize money per category
- Qualified feedback from hei_INNOVATION and an external jury
- Optional consulting from the hei_INNOVATION team on further commercialization of the idea
- Professional pitch training for finalists
- Presentation during the IMPACT DAY 2026, providing visibility within and beyond the university
Additional Support
During the application phase, hei_INNOVATION also offers an Information Session and an Idea Development Workshop.
- Info Session: February 18, 2026 | 4 p. m. | online (45 min.)
- Idea Development Workshop: February 25, 2026 | 1 - 4 p. m. | hei_INNOVATION Studio
Who Can Participate?
All members of Heidelberg University, including the Medical Faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim, are eligible:
- Students
- Doctoral candidates
- Staff and researchers
- Alumni (up to three years after leaving the university)
Participation is possible both individually and in teams, provided that at least one team member belongs to the university community.
Participation Conditions
- Multiple ideas can be submitted, but a maximum of one prize per person or team will be awarded.
- Submitted ideas must be independently developed and must not infringe third-party rights.
- Previously submitted but unawarded projects are eligible for re-submission.
- EXIST teams are also eligible.
- Participants agree to present their idea during the IMPACT DAY 2026.
Process and Key Dates
The application portal is open until March 15, 2026.
Competition Process
- Submission of ideas via the application portal
- Pre-selection of ideas by the hei_INNOVATION team
- Invitation of selected participants to pitch in front of an external jury
- Selection of winners in both categories and of the audience prize
The pitch event and award ceremony will take place on May 20, 2026, at the audiMAX during the IMPACT DAY 2026.
Important Dates
- Submission period: January 15 – March 15, 2026
- Start of the selection process: April 1, 2026
- Notification to participants: April 15, 2026
Jury
The the jury will be announced on this page in the coming weeks.. 🚀
FAQ
Who can participate in the Ideas Competition?
All members of Heidelberg University who are enrolled or have a valid employment contract, including the Medical Faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim, alumni and alumnae (up to three years after their graduation).
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 Heidelberg University, 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 hei_INNOVATION Ideas Competition.
Do I have to present my idea at the final event?
Yes, if an idea is selected by the jury, it will be presented in front of an audience. All winners will receive a professional pitch training in advance free of charge.
Can an idea also be submitted in English?
Yes, ideas may be submitted and pitched in German or English.
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.
Darf eine Idee auch auf Englisch eingereicht werden?
Ja, die Ideen dürfen auf Deutsch oder Englisch eingereicht und gepitcht werden.
Kann ich ein zweites Mal beim Ideenwettbewerb mitmachen?
Ja, es ist möglich, ein zweites Mal, auch mit der gleichen Idee, am Ideenwettbewerb teilzunehmen.
Ist das Preisgeld zweckgebunden?
Nein, das Preisgeld ist nicht zweckgebunden.
