The early-stage accelerator is entering its second round (formerly Mini-Accelerator). With the cross-university qualification program, we support students, researchers, alumni, and those interested in founding a company in Saxony-Anhalt in systematically developing their business ideas and transforming them step by step into an initial business model.

What does this mean for participants?

Over seven weeks (start: 10/19/2026), practical input, coaching, and individual support are combined. The content includes, among other things:

• Developing and refining the business model

• Understanding and learning entrepreneurial thinking

• Verifying target groups and customer needs

• Validating the market and the business idea

• Developing initial solutions and prototypes

• Preparing and convincingly presenting a pitch

The workshops will be held in German, but all accompanying materials will also be available in English during the program. The pitch can also be held in English.

The program concludes with the Pitch Day on

The team from the FOUND IT! Startup Center

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

HTVD | HIGHTECH VENTURE DAYS US is an exclusive matching program dedicated to hardtech and deeptech innovation, with a clear focus on industrial high-tech, IP-based technologies, B2B solutions, and hardware-driven breakthroughs.

Each year, more than 200 international VCs, CVCs, Family Offices, and Industry Leaders participate in the HTVD. Access is restricted to startups, investors, and a select group of hand-picked service providers to ensure a carefully curated environment.

At the heart of the program are 40 carefully selected, promising hardtech startups, each presenting their IP-based innovations to an audience of global decision-makers. Numerous networking opportunities arise, both during the event and via an exclusive networking app available to all participants throughout October.

Save the Date: HTVD Dresden 2026

OCTOBER 20/21, 2026

Dresden | Germany

Saxony-Anhalt is showing its BEST FORM: The state's creativity award is starting a new round. Submit creative ideas now and win prize money of 10,000 Euros each!

Creativity, courage, and innovation are in demand again starting today: The BESTFORM AWARD 2027 has officially launched. State Secretary for Economic Affairs Stefanie Pötzsch opened the 8th competition round of the state of Saxony-Anhalt's creativity award at Urwahn Engineering GmbH in Magdeburg.

Companies, founders, creatives, students, researchers, and institutions can now submit their ideas, idea sketches, products, concepts, prototypes, products, product ideas, services, and projects. It is important that a creative achievement is recognizable in any application. The PRODUCT category focuses on new concepts, products, projects, strategies, and services that are already on the market. The CONCEPT category is all about visionary approaches, future-oriented perspectives, and projects that are not yet on the market. Applications are submitted online at www.bestform-sachsen-anhalt.de. The application deadline is November 13, 2026

Build and Ship

Solve a real problem in 24 hours!

Be part of the first MagdeHack hackathon! Surround yourself with other people want to build, learn and experiment!



The Goal: Experiment, fail, learn, ship!

During the event there will be people walking around, supporting you wherever you need help (be it technical support, approach, etc.)

Everyone with drive can participate - no matter if Student, Founder, Engineer, Product-/Designer-people or simply interested.

You do not need technical background to participate! Taste, Speed and Ambition are what we need!



Why join?

• A vibe you rarely get in MD

• High velocity with huge learning potential

• Get to know other people interested in building and startups

• Enjoy an amazing day!



Seats

You can register solo or as a team. If you register solo, we will have a dedicated time on friday to find your team.

Max team size: 4





See Agenda on Luma

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What impact do you want to achieve with your research? Based on the "Golden Circle" model, this workshop focuses on the WHY behind your work. With a view to the Sustainable Development Goals, you will reflect on the areas where you can potentially make a difference with your own research.

Have you ever thought about the application potential of your own research? If not, this workshop is for you. You will engage with the user groups and the network of stakeholders surrounding you and your research.

Why might these benefit from your research? Together, collect possible use cases and help each other develop your ideas further. The workshop will take place on-site in Halle (Saale) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participation is free of charge and no prior knowledge is required.