Competitions · Innovation Challenges
Summer School for Diverse Startups 2026 – SpinLab & HHL Digital Space
Deadline: 17 May 2026
Category: Innovation Challenges
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Overview
The Summer School for Diverse Startups, powered by SpinLab and HHL Digital Space, is now open for applications! This one-week intensive program is designed to support underrepresented founders by providing hands-on workshops, expert coaching, and access to one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems.
Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and a chance to pitch their startups at a public event. The top startup will win the Digital Award from the City of Leipzig (€2000) and receive tickets to the Web Summit in Lisbon.
The program is fully funded, ensuring founders can focus entirely on building and scaling their ventures.
Eligibility
- Open to underrepresented and diverse startup founders
- Early-stage startups with innovative solutions
- Founders committed to building scalable businesses
- Willingness to participate in the full program (July 20–24, 2026)
- Strong motivation to engage in mentorship and networking activities
Benefits
- One-week intensive training with hands-on workshops
- 1:1 coaching with top startup experts
- Access to a strong European startup ecosystem
- Opportunity to pitch at a public event
- Chance to win €2000 Digital Award
- Free tickets to Web Summit in Lisbon for the winner
- Lifetime access to SpinLab Academy e-learning platform
- Certificate from HHL Leipzig
- Fully funded participation (no program fee)
How to Apply
- Click the application link below
- Submit your startup details via the F6S platform
- Ensure all required fields are completed
- Submit before the deadline
- Wait for feedback by May 30, 2026
Share this opportunity
Related opportunities
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: YOUTH TO THE FRONT FUND 2026 – THE CREATIVES
We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) is now accepting applications for the Youth To The Front Fund: The Creatives 2026. This opportunity supports young creative leaders and collectives using art, storytelling, and cultural practice to drive social change, climate justice, and community transformation. The fund targets creatives working across disciplines such as visual arts, music, film, design, writing, performance, digital media, and community-based cultural initiatives. Selected applicants will receive funding and strategic support to scale impactful projects that promote equity, healing, and resilience.
NATURE AWARDS – INSPIRING WOMEN IN SCIENCE 2026 (FUNDING)
The Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science recognize and support outstanding women in science, as well as initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM. The awards highlight achievements in scientific research and efforts to promote gender equity in science and technology globally.
BAYER FOUNDATION WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AWARD – 2026 (€25,000 FUNDING)
Bayer Foundation is now accepting applications for the Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026, a 6-month global accelerator supporting women founders building impactful solutions in health and food security. Selected ventures will receive €25,000 in non-dilutive funding, tailored accelerator support, global visibility, and a sponsored trip to Amsterdam for the Award Ceremony (26–30 October 2026). The program is designed to empower women entrepreneurs driving scalable and sustainable impact globally.