IdeaLab! 2026

IdeaLab! is one of Europe’s leading student-run startup and entrepreneurship conferences, bringing together founders, investors, and students to exchange ideas and build meaningful connections. Through talks, workshops, and pitch formats, the conference gives participants the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, discover new opportunities, and engage directly with key players in the startup ecosystem.

Now in its 26th edition, IdeaLab! is held under the theme “Ignite. Create. Shape what’s next.” Its broader mission is to unite the startup world and strengthen connections across the entrepreneurial community.

The conference is closely connected to the WHU startup ecosystem. According to IdeaLab!, WHU alumni have founded more than 2,400 startups and 15 unicorns, including four unicorns founded in 2021 alone. WHU startups have created more than 35,000 new jobs, while companies founded by WHU alumni account for more than 70,000 jobs overall. IdeaLab! also states that around 10% of venture capital in Germany is invested in WHU startups.

This year's edition

The 2026 speaker lineup brings together founders, investors, and executives from across Europe’s startup ecosystem. Among the confirmed speakers are Martin Ott, CEO of Taxfix; Florian Heinemann, Founding Partner at Project A Ventures; Sofia Ehlde, Executive Vice President of Food Innovation at Oatly; Jannis Mulzer, General Manager at Bolt; and Léocadie Reimers from ARX Robotics.

The lineup also includes Philipp Goos, CEO of RECUP; Jan Kraume, co-founder of OACE; Ferdinand Dabitz, co-founder and CEO of AUGUSTUS; Julius de Gruyter, investor at Cherry; Christoph Cordes, co-founder of Flink; and Christian Wolf, co-founder of The Quality Group (More Nutrition).