Knowledge and technology transfer Ideas Competition 2025
The hei_INNOVATION ideas competition offers members of Heidelberg University a platform to present and promote their own innovative ideas and research results with potential for exploitation or change. The focus is on the potential of the idea to generate impact and contribute to solutions for the economic, ecological and social challenges of our time. Each idea will be evaluated by hei_INNOVATION and a panel of renowned experts from economy, culture and research for its impact potential. Following the selection process, the best ideas will be presented and awarded prizes at Heidelberg University's IMPACT DAY 2025.
Category 1: Health and Future Technologies
This category combines the transformative power of technologies with the aim of improving health, medicine and, moreover, people's lives. One focus is on innovative ideas in the healthcare sector - from new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to digital solutions such as artificial intelligence, robotics or telemedicine. At the same time, future-oriented technologies that are used outside the healthcare sector are also in welcome, whether in materials science, quantum computing or other technological developments. The aim here is to promote projects that combine scientific progress with real application potential in order to tackle global challenges and improve life in the long term
Category 2: Social Innovation
This category focuses on social innovations from the humanities, social sciences and related disciplines. The focus is on creative and impact-orientated solutions that address social challenges. Whether education, equal opportunities or inclusion - the focus in this categorie is on people. Technological approaches may be included, but the focus is on social impact and new ways to strengthen society. The aim should be to develop sustainable and socially oriented solutions that improve social structures in the long term and are also economically viable in order to make a measurable contribution to improving social coexistence.
Category 3: Sustainability and Smart Living
This category combines sustainability and future-orientated technologies that have a positive impact on the environment and everyday life. It includes ecological innovations that contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, conserve resources and promote sustainable processes. From mobility and circular economy projects to smart solutions for sustainable university structures, the focus is on ideas that can bring about positive change both locally and globally. This category supports projects that combine ecological responsibility with technological progress to create sustainable living and campus concepts for the future.
Who can participate?
Heidelberg University's ideas competition invites creative minds from all disciplines at the university and the medical faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim to submit their innovative ideas and projects - whether in the initial phase or already fully developed. Students, doctoral candidates, employees and scientists, as well as alumni and alumnae (up to three years after leaving the university) can participate. Both individuals and teams are welcome, as long as in the teams at least one person is a member of Heidelberg University.
Any number of ideas can be submitted, but a maximum of one prize is awarded per person or team. We assumed that the ideas submitted have been developed by the participants themselves and do not infringe the rights of third parties. It is also possible to apply with projects that have already been submitted to previous ideas competitions, provided they have not yet been awarded a prize. EXIST teams can also apply.
As a participant, you agree to present your idea at the evening event of IMPACT DAY 2025.
Why is it worth participating?
- Prize money per category, 1st place: €2,000, 2nd place: €750, 3rd place: €250
- Feedback on your idea from hei_INNOVATION and an external jury
- On request, advice from the hei_INNOVATION team on further utilisation of the idea
- Finalists can expect professional pitch training
- Presentation of your idea as part of Impact Day 2025 and attention from a broad audience
Application process
Your schedule:
- December 2, 2024 - March 31, 2025: Submit your idea
- March 31, 2025: Submission deadline
- January - March 2025: (Optional) participation in idea development workshops
- April 11, 2025: Announcement of the finalists
- Second half of April: Participation in a pitch workshop
- May 14, 2025: Finale and award ceremony as part of IMPACT DAY 2025
The application portal opens on December 1, 2025 and can be accessed via this page.
What does that mean in detail?
- Submit your idea
Simply submit your idea via Pretix. The period for this is from December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
Don't worry: it's not important that your idea is already perfectly developed - it's the potential impact that counts!
- Inspiration and further development: hei_INNOVATION workshops
If you don't yet have a concrete idea or would like to develop your existing idea further, you can participate in one of our idea development workshops. They offer you the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and receive valuable feedback. You can find the exact dates on our website.
- Application deadline
The application phase ends on March 31, 2025. Make sure you submit your idea on time so that it can be considered in the selection process.
- The finalists will be announced
On April 11, 2025 you will find out whether your idea is one of the finalists. We will contact you if your idea makes it to the next round. Now the most exciting part of the competition begins!
- Preparation: Pitch workshops
After the finalists have been announced, you will have the opportunity to participate in a pitch workshop. Here you will learn how to present your idea convincingly and be optimally prepared for the grand finale.
- The grand finale and the award ceremony
On May 14, 2025, the time has come: you will present your idea to a renowned jury at Heidelberg University's IMPACT DAY 2025. The best ideas will be honoured and you will be given the opportunity to take your project further.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to turn your innovative idea into reality. We are looking forward to your application and to accompanying you on this exciting journey!
Jury
Jury is coming soon. 🚀
Audience Award
This year, hei_INNOVATION will once again be awarding an Audience Award. Voting for the Audience Award will begin on April 17, 2025.
FAQ
Who can participate in the ideas competition?
All members of Heidelberg University who are enrolled or have a valid employment contract, including the Medical Faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim und alumni and alumnae (up to three years after their graduation).
How will my idea be protected during the competition?
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.
Our team is not from Heidelberg. Can we still participate?
If at least one team member is an enrolled student or has a valid employment contract with the University of Heidelberg, the (entire) team may participate in the competition.
Can I also participate in the competition as a start-up?
Start-ups can only participate in the pre-foundation phase, i.e. if they have not yet been founded or entered the market at the time of submitting their ideas.
Are there any costs associated with participation?
No, there are no costs associated with participating in the hei_INNOVATION ideas competition.
Do I have to present my idea at the final event?
Yes, if an idea is selected by the jury, the idea will be presented in front of an audience. All winners will receive a professional pitch training in advance free of charge.
Can an idea also be submitted in English?
Yes, ideas may be submitted and pitched in German or English.
Can I participate in the ideas competition a second time?
Yes, it is possible to enter the ideas competition a second time, even with the same idea.
Is the prize money earmarked for a specific purpose?
No, the prize money is not earmarked for a specific purpose.
