Startup Week Aachen 2025

A week full of encounters and opportunities

Anyone who took part in Startup Week quickly realized that this is not about rigid presentations or theoretical start-up seminars. Instead, it was discussed, presented, asked and celebrated. From Monday to Friday, events were planned at various locations in Aachen, from the grand opening to the unofficial finale in the co-working space.

Even the start set an example. Around 150 guests met for an official welcome in an innovative event room. Representatives from universities, the city and industry made it clear how important promoting startups is for the region. A particular highlight was the presentation of the Startup Spirit Award. The prize honored an entrepreneur who turned an idea into reality with courage, innovation and perseverance.

But the week wasn't just about symbolic moments. There were practical workshops in which participants worked directly on their business ideas. Other events made it possible to exchange ideas with investors, mentors or experienced founding teams.

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Innovation has no limits

A particularly inspiring format of the week brought together startups from Aachen, Belgium and the Netherlands. International exchange was not only promoted, but also lived out in a very concrete way. Women entrepreneurs presented their ideas and showed how closely technology, sustainability and social change are linked today.

The atmosphere was characterized by openness and mutual respect. Many young founders use this opportunity to establish contacts, initiate collaborations or simply gather inspiration. The European idea was always present.

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Technology meets sustainability

Another highlight of Startup Week was a full-day event with a focus on technical innovations. Solutions related to artificial intelligence, digital production, health technologies and sustainable energy systems were in particular demand.

Various teams had the opportunity to present their products to a jury of investors, scientists and entrepreneurs. Some of these startups work closely with universities in Aachen. Others emerged from student initiatives and were further developed through the support of local networks.

Sponsorship awards were also awarded as part of this event. The winners were convincing not only with sophisticated ideas, but also with a clear understanding of societal challenges. It became clear that the start-up scene in Aachen is more than just a playground for technology enthusiasts. Here, solutions are being worked on that really want to make a difference.

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Courage to fail

A special event within Startup Week had a different focus. Under the title “Failure allowed,” experienced founders openly reported on their failures. They talked about how they dealt with setbacks, what they learned from them and why exactly these experiences made them stronger.

For many participants, this was an important signal. Founding not only means success, but also responsibility, uncertainty and sometimes even crises. The openness with which mistakes were discussed was not only moving but also motivating.

Especially in the start-up scene, the pressure is often underestimated. Sharing ideas about failure helps to get a realistic picture of entrepreneurship. At the same time, it strengthens the community and provides a supportive environment.

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Spaces for ideas

There was more good news at the end of the week. After extensive renovation, the Collective Incubator in Aachen opened its doors again. Modern workplaces, workshops, meeting rooms and common areas are now available on over three thousand square meters.

This place is more than just an office building. It is a meeting place, an idea workshop and a network all in one. Young startups can take their first steps here. You get access to professional infrastructure, but also to advice, financing options and a broad network.

Students in particular benefit from this offer. You can further develop projects directly from the auditorium and count on the support of mentors and other founders.

The Collective Incubator is therefore a strong pillar in Aachen's start-up landscape. It symbolizes the spirit of Startup Week: creating space, bringing people together and promoting development.

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Why Startup Week Aachen is more than just an event

Even though the week is over, its effects remain noticeable. Many new contacts were made. Ideas have evolved. Teams were created.

For Aachen, this represents a further step towards becoming a strong start-up location. The connection between universities, business and the city works particularly well here. The short distances and the high quality of research create an environment in which visions become concrete products.

Startup Week visibly expresses this every year. It is a place of meeting and exchange. But above all, it is a driving force for anyone who wants to change something.

If you want to start your own project, Aachen offers just the right mix of know-how, infrastructure and community.

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conclusion

Startup Week Aachen 2025 showed how lively, diverse and inspiring the start-up scene in the region is. It opened up spaces, connected people and gave them the courage to break new ground.

Whether you've already founded a startup, are just getting started or are simply curious, Startup Week offers you the chance to be part of it, learn and develop yourself further.

Aachen thus proves once again that it is not only a city of history, but also of the future. The next opportunity to be a part of it is definitely coming.

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Would you like to become part of the start-up scene yourself? Find out more at your university's digital start-up center, network with local initiatives or visit the Collective Incubator. The next Startup Week is coming and maybe you won't just be a visitor, but part of the stage.

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