HHL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

Join us for an unparalleled week of entrepreneurship, research, and networking at HHL Entrepreneurship Week 2026!
Whether you’re a startup coach, researcher, investor, or corporate innovator, this is your chance to connect, collaborate and accelerate your impact.

HHL Entrepreneurship Week once again brings together entrepreneurship center teams, startup coaches, and ecosystem builders from across Europe to exchange experiences, challenges, and proven approaches to building strong university-based ecosystems.

Its focus lies on knowledge transfer, peer learning, and honest discussion of what actually works in university-based venture creation, while also providing ample opportunities for meaningful networking and new collaborations across institutions and disciplines.

Erasmus+ Staff or Faculty Mobility

Travel and accommodation costs may be partially or fully covered through Erasmus+ Staff or Faculty Mobility, depending on the budget and regulations of your home institution.
Participants are kindly asked to coordinate directly with their institution’s International Office. We are happy to support with any event-related documentation if needed.

HHL Entrepreneurship Week 2026: Events

Community Evening
April 22, 2026 |
5.30 p.m.
Stage Two Academy
April 23, 2026 | 8.30 a.m.
Entrepreneurship Center Lounge and Breakfast
April 24, 2026 | 10.30 a.m.
Location: Hyperion Hotel LeipzigLocation: Hyperion Hotel LeipzigLocation: HHL Digital Space
Kick off the week with exclusive networkingLeveraging New Technologies:

How AI and emerging technologies can create dual impact for entrepreneurship centers and startups.
Room for development of joint funding projects
Share ideas and exchange insightsCutting Through the Noise:

Building visibility, traction, and relevance for startups and programs in the attention economy.
Extended networking
Build lasting connectionsDesigning for Value:

Business modelling, unit economics, and KPIs that increase fundability and long-term visability.
Learning about the development of Stage Two
EC Exclusive:

Financing, structuring, and managing entrepreneurship centers sustainably.

Want to extend your stay?
If you would like to dive even deeper into entrepreneurship, you are warmly invited to extend your visit and join Accelerate, our student-led startup conference.

ACCELERATE Conference | April 24, 2026
Experience expert keynotes, startup pitches, panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to propel businesses forward at our partner event. Meet startups, top investors, thought leaders and entrepreneurial pioneers shaping the future of industries.
This year’s theme: Building our tomorrow

Enjoy and Contribute to Our Core Topics

This conference is shaped by your contributions. We look forward to having you on stage with a 20-minute presentation on startup programs, funding initiatives, community management approaches, or other topics such as:

  • Developing programs, coaching and formats for startups
  • Creating ecosystems and communities while integrating alumni and partners
  • Building startups and strong teams to enhance success
  • Establishing and expanding entrepreneurship centers

Please contact us to let us know about your contribution.

Our Speakers

Prof. Dr. Dominik Kanbach
Dr. Dominik Kanbach
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

LinkedIn

Natalia Ahmadian | Speaker at HHL Entrepreneurship Week
Natalia Ahmadian
Stage Two | RWTH Aachen University

LinkedIn

Dr. Maurice Steinhoff | HHL Digital Space
Dr. Maurice Steinhoff
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

LinkedIn

Lukas Ellmann
Stage Two | RWTH Aachen University

LinkedIn

Portrait of Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner
Prof. Dr. Stephan Stubner
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

LinkedIn

Our Partners

Partner Overview HHL Entrepreneurship Week

Contact

If you have any questions contact us: entrepreneurshipweek@hhl.de