The HHU Ideas Competition at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf raises awareness of the career options of self-employment and business startups and arouses curiosity about exciting alternatives to the typical working biography. The competition supports the goal of creating a creative startup culture and awakening and supporting entrepreneurial thinking and action among everyone at HHU at an early stage.
Do you have an idea that won't let you go? An idea that you are convinced of and want to convince others of? Perhaps an innovative product, a clever service or a project that creates real added value? Then take the first step now: submit your idea to the HHU Ideas Competition!
We are looking for ideas and solutions that you have come across in your studies, research or everyday life. This means that the idea can still be in its infancy and does not need to be ready for the market.
You have to answer the following questions in the entry form:
We award prizes in two categories: Students and Researchers. And three prizes* will be awarded in each category:
*PLEASE NOTE: unfortunately we can not pay cash, but you submit us an invoice, we can settle it.
From the jury's point of view, how likely is it that the idea can be realised in principle? Your personal connection to the idea and corresponding expertise in the field can be helpful here. Also of interest are legal circumstances that support or oppose the project.
There should be a certain level of innovation. Accordingly, it is beneficial if the jury members have perhaps not yet heard of the submitted solution. Or it may be an existing solution that has been rethought and perhaps placed in a different context.
How big or severe is the identified problem actually? How many people or companies does this problem affect and how often do they face this problem. What difference does the submitted idea make?
Any questions? The CEDUS team will be happy to assist you at any time during the entire submission period. Just talk to us!
Our judging panel will meet on 23 June, and you’ll find out by the following day at the latest whether you’ve made it into the top 3 in your category.
At the awards ceremony, the top three entries from both categories will present their ideas to an audience and will have the chance to win the audience award. A full-day workshop on 9 July and exclusive one-to-one sessions with the CEDUS team will help them prepare.
The awards ceremony for the HHU Ideas Competition will take place on 16 July 2026. The top three teams from each of the student and researcher categories will present their ideas live on stage. In addition to the first, second and third prizes in both categories, an audience award will also be presented that evening.
Individuals or teams are welcome to take part. However, at least one member of the team must be affiliated with HHU, UKD or one of the affiliated institutes. Affiliated members include students, researchers, staff and alumni.
Sure, that's possible. Just fill out the form. We'll take care of the rest behind the scenes and sort your submission into the appropriate category based on the idea and your background.
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. After the end of the ideas competition, all submitted ideas will be deleted. If you are considering patenting your idea, please contact us directly!
If at least one team member belongs to HHU or UKD, the (entire) team may participate in the competition.
Unfortunately not, because at the time of the idea submission the idea may not yet be commercially exploited. However, please contact us in this case and we will see what interesting opportunities or competitions there are for you outside of the ideas competition.
No, there are no costs associated with participating in the HHU Ideas Competition.
If your idea makes it into the top 3, you’ll be invited to the awards ceremony to present your idea to the audience. You might even win the audience award with your pitch. But don’t worry: there’ll be a free pitch training session held in early July to help you prepare.
Yes, this page (and the forms) are even available in English.
Unfortunately, we can't just transfer it to you. But we can pay you the bill. E.g. for an IPad, consulting services etc. Just talk to us about it!
Category "Students"
Sustainability Award: The idea HHU BioSpark received the Heine-Center for Sustainable Development (HCSD) award for the most sustainable idea, along with a prize of 250 Euros.
Category "Researchers"
Audience Award: LifeShare also won the Audience Award and received an additional gift basket.
