SpinLab & HHL Digital Space Summer School for Diverse Startups 2026: €2,000 Prize Awaits
Deadline: May 17, 2026
Key Takeaways
- This free one-week program runs in Leipzig from July 20-24, 2026, with workshops on financing, marketing, sales, and pitch training for diverse startups.
- Participants get one-on-one coaching, networking with experts, and a public pitch event for a chance to win €2,000 plus Web Summit tickets.
- Eligibility needs at least one diverse team member, a startup idea with growth potential, and onsite attendance by one team member.
- Apply by May 17, 2026, using a short questionnaire and pitch deck or 120-second video—no company registration required.
Applications are now open for the SpinLab and HHL Digital Space Summer School for Diverse Startups 2026, offering €2,000 in prize money. This free one-week program takes place in Leipzig from July 20-24, 2026. Participants get workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking, and a pitch event with a chance to win the €2,000 Digital Award plus tickets to Web Summit in Lisbon. The program focuses on empowering underrepresented founders to build a more diverse startup world.
At SpinLab and HHL Digital Space, leaders see diversity as the key to new ideas and startup success. They aim to help underrepresented founders like women, inter, non-binary, transgender people, people of color, those with international backgrounds, disabilities, or age diversity. Their goal is to remove barriers and make the startup ecosystem open to everyone.
The program runs for one week onsite in Leipzig from July 20-24, 2026. You will join workshops on financing, marketing, sales, pitch training, and product-market fit. One-on-one sessions let you tackle personal business challenges with experts. Networking happens with other founders and pros from the SpinLab and HHL Digital Space group. The event uses English, but it can switch to German if needed. Sponsors cover all costs, so you focus on growth.
Benefits
- Hands-on workshops and 1:1 coaching: Spend the week learning from top experts in practical sessions tailored to your startup needs.
- Strong network: Connect to one of Europe’s best startup communities through events and ongoing support.
- €2,000 prize money: Shine at the public pitch event to win the Digital Award from the city of Leipzig.
- Web Summit tickets: The pitch winner gets free entry to this major global startup conference in Lisbon.
- SpinLab Academy access: Enjoy lifetime use of the e-learning platform with expert videos and an HHL Leipzig certificate.
- Free program: No fees thanks to sponsors, so diverse startups can join without worry.
Eligibility
- Diverse team member: At least one person on your team from groups like women, inter/non-binary/transgender, people of color, international backgrounds, disabilities, or age diversity.
- Growth potential: Your business idea can be in any field, as long as it shows room to expand.
- Concrete idea: Share a clear plan like a business plan; you do not need a registered company yet.
- Onsite availability: At least one team member must attend in Leipzig July 20-24, 2026.
- Language skills: Someone on the team speaks English well; German works if only those teams apply.
To apply, fill out a short questionnaire on the platform. You need to upload a pitch deck or a video up to 120 seconds long. Start your application here. For full details, check the official program page. SpinLab runs a top accelerator in Leipzig, and HHL Digital Space supports digital innovation there.
The public pitch event stands out as the program’s big finish, where startups compete for prizes. Past events show success stories on the summer school page. No full daily schedule exists yet, but expect hands-on action every day.
Key Dates and Prize
Program: July 20-24, 2026 in Leipzig
€2,000 Digital Award at pitch event
The SpinLab and HHL Digital Space Summer School 2026 gives underrepresented founders key tools, networks, and a shot at €2,000 in prizes through workshops, coaching, and a pitch event. This free program in Leipzig from July 20-24 helps build diverse startups for success. Apply by May 17, 2026, to join and grow your idea today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to apply for the SpinLab and HHL Digital Space Summer School 2026?
The deadline is May 17, 2026. Submit your application early to secure a spot.
Who is eligible to join the program?
Teams qualify if they have at least one diverse member, like women, people of color, or those with disabilities, plus a startup idea with growth potential.
What benefits does the summer school offer?
You get hands-on workshops, coaching, networking, lifetime access to SpinLab Academy, and a pitch for €2,000 prize money and Web Summit tickets—all free.
When and where does the program take place?
It runs onsite in Leipzig, Germany, from July 20-24, 2026, with all costs covered by sponsors.