IDEA.2026

Innovate a better tomorrow.

IDEA.2026 on June 23rd 2026 is all about innovation, entrepreneurship and a vibrant start-up culture. On this day, we will bring together experts, start-ups, researchers and investors.

Discover the start-up ecosystem of Ruhr University Bochum – currently awarded as a top ten university for entrepreneurship in Germany – and exchange ideas with the key players in the ecosystem.

Everyone is Welcome.

Deep TechImpactEntrepreneurial MindsetAcademicsEarly StageSeed StageDemo Day

IDEA.2026 brings together students and scientists, future founders and start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs, young and established companies, and investors. We want to create a perfect place to exchange ideas, insights, and experiences. Everyone from the regional ecosystem is invited. Participation is free of charge.

Register now and
become part of IDEA.2026

BRING IN YOUR IDEA JOIN OUR WORKSHOPS BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY

What is IDEA?

The name IDEA is composed of the core activities and the message of the Worldfactory – four pillars that define who we are and what we stand for.

I

Impact

For the region and shaping the transformation after the departure of Nokia and Opel – promoting profound technological solutions for global and societal challenges.

Deep-Tech

As WORLDFACTORY, we stand for knowledge-based innovation and start-ups that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

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 that shape the world of tomorrow.

For the region and shaping the transformation after the departure of Nokia and Opel – promoting profound technological solutions for global and societal challenges.

Two Stages.
Two Workshop Rooms.
One Vision.

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 panel discussions with leading minds from research, experience workshops, and our start-up pitches within two tracks – early-stage and seed stage – at the WORLDFACTORY Demo Day.