15.05.2025 · O-WERK BOCHUM

Innovate for a better tomorrow

Discover the start-up ecosystem at the Ruhr University Bochum

Discover the start-up ecosystem at the Ruhr University Bochum IDEA 2025 on 15 May 2025 is all about innovation, entrepreneurship and a vibrant start-up culture. On this day, we will bring together experts, start-ups, researchers and investors and offer you the opportunity to discover the start-up ecosystem at the Ruhr University Bochum and exchange ideas with the players in the start-up scene.

Ruhr University Bochum is currently awarded as top ten university for entrepreneurship in Germany – we achieved rank 6 in the ranking.

The name IDEA is composed of the core activities and the message of the Worldfactory:

  • Impact – For the region and shaping the transformation after the departure of Nokia and Opel and promoting profound technological solutions for global and societal challenges.
  • Deep-Tech – As WORLDFACTORY, we stand for knowledge-based innovation and start-ups.
  • Entrepreneurial – Raising the awareness of entrepreneurship and creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students and academics.
  • Academic – Research and teaching as the foundation for transformative technologies.
     

You can expect a varied programme on the topics of deep tech, impact, entrepreneurial mindset and academics – on two stages and in two workshop rooms. Look forward to inspiring keynotes from renowned speakers, exciting panel discussions with leading minds from research and business, and workshops on current trends and challenges in entrepreneurship. Experience the science slams and start-up pitches and the WORLDFACTORY Demo Day.

Register now and be part of this event and maybe bring in your IDEA in our workshops and panels.

Get your Ticket now

Pre-Events on 14th May 2025

Workshop for EXIST Women Scholarships

Masterclass –
When is my start-up investor ready? 

By Lutz Lambert (Project Manager in the Equity Financing division of NRW.BANK), Judith Mertens (Project Manager in the Equity Financing division of NRW.BANK)

In this Masterclass, we talk about the challenges involved, what it means to be investor ready and how to properly prepare for meeting investors.

For further information contact Janwillem Huda (janwillem.huda@ruhr-uni-bochum.de).

WORLDFACTORY Venture Dinner (invite only)

The Worldfactory Venture Dinner is an exclusive annual networking event that brings together future founders, startups and investors. It provides a unique platform for promising entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, connect with potential partners, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.

The evening is filled with inspiring discussions and a vibrant exchange of ideas – this year all in a dinner setting at O-Werk.

RUB Makerspace Community-Event – Snacks, Sounds & Stories!

On May 14, 2025, from 5 PM to 10 PM, we warmly invite you to our Makerspace Community-Event! 🥳

Look forward to a relaxed evening with delicious snacks & drinks, interactive activities, DJ sounds, and most importantly: lots of great conversations and inspiring exchanges with fellow makers. Whether you’ve been part of the community for a long time or are new to it – we will celebrate what connects us: Creativity, Curiosity, and Collaboration. Come by – we’re looking forward to seeing you!

https://makerspace.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/

Supported by

We would like to thank the NRW.Bank for providing the €3,000 prize

Der Verbund innovation2business.nrw wird durch das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen gefördert, Zuwendungsgeber ist das Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie

Location

From toil to science: the O-WERK|CAMPUS embodies this transformation like no other institution in Bochum. The former Opel factory is now a hub for stakeholders from science and business - making it the perfect location for IDEA 2025.

O-WERK BOCHUM

O-WERK|CAMPUS Bochum

Suttner-Nobel-Allee 4
44803 Bochum