Get Oriented and Shape First Ideas
The iF Sprint is a 48-hour experience designed to explore ideas, build teams, and try out what it feels like to create a startup. Over one weekend, you’ll collaborate, experiment, learn from mentors, and present your idea in a final pitch.
The Essentials
Everything you need to know about the format, schedule, and commitment.
Anyone interested in startups and innovation is welcome to join — students and non-students alike, from developers and designers to marketers, engineers, and aspiring founders. What matters most is motivation, curiosity, and the willingness to develop a business model from an idea within a short time.
Note: Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend the event.
The iF Sprint is designed for exploring new ideas and experiencing the early stages of building a startup. It is not intended for founders or teams who already have an established startup, a fully formed team, or a venture that is already operating.
Entrepreneurship in Action
The iF Sprint lets participants experience what it’s like to build a startup under real pressure. Teams test ideas, validate assumptions, and iterate quickly in a safe, hands-on environment. The program sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and connects tech-minded talents, helping grow Hamburg’s Deep Tech startup ecosystem.
Program Journey
In just 48 hours, participants move from idea to pitch, engaging in a fast-paced process of development. Through a blend of hands-on workshops, expert guidance, and team collaboration, concepts evolve and are prepared for the final presentation.
Friday: Kickoff & Team Formation
Saturday: Build, Learn & Iterate
Sunday: Pitch & Finale
A Taste of Entrepreneurship
By the end of the sprint, each team will have developed a very basic MVP and present their idea on stage. The program is designed as a first hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship - a chance to explore what it feels like to build and pitch a startup. Participants are not expected to continue their ideas afterwards, but many choose to build on the entrepreneurial mindset and experience gained during the weekend.
Selection & Access
There are no selection criteria for the iF Sprint. Participation is open to anyone curious about entrepreneurship, with or without an idea. Tickets are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis - sign up to get informed when registration opens.
Meet the Mentors & Coaches
Every sprint features a mix of returning mentors and new experts. In previous editions, mentors have included:
Kai is Strategy Director at Jung von Matt START who loves helping startups build their brand and set it up for growth. Before joining Jung von Matt START, Kai has gained extensive experience supporting numerous startups during his time at Project A – one of Europe's leading venture capital firms with €1.2bn under management and 130+ investments into companies like Quantum Systems and Trade Republic. He will host a branding and marketing workshop on Saturday together with Malte and stay until the afternoon as a mentor.
Miriam is a creative multi-talent who has founded several organizations. She is the author of the book "Startup mit Plan and a trained graphics designer and UX expert. As a mentor and advisor, she has worked with startups as well as with corporates like Sparkasse, bonprix or Lufthansa.
Nils is one of the veterans of supporting founders in Hamburg's startup ecosystem. He has been with TU Tech - the transfer organisation of TU Hamburg - since 1998 and has supported hundreds of founders on turning their scientific research into a real startup.
If you are thinking of founding a startup out of one of Hamburg's universities, you will probably get in touch with Christine and her team. As the head of Startup Port, she and her team are coordinating startup activities across the universities and are consulting the students on any questions about entrepreneurship.
Take the Next Step
Shape the future of Deep Tech with us. Start today.
