More information about the startup program:
What does the neudeli Fellowship offer?
What does the fellowship involve?
| Start-up Workshops: | The neudeli Fellowship provides a supportive environment where you can develop your idea in a structured way. Over the course of six months, you will take part in a series of workshops, known as our Startup Workshops. In these sessions, you will learn practical methods and tools to help you turn your idea into a successful innovation on the market. Topics include user research, brand building and business modelling. You can further deepen your knowledge of entrepreneurship-related topics through additional neudeli workshops.
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| Coaching: | In one-to-one coaching sessions, you will work with the neudeli coaches to tackle challenges specific to your project and receive tailored feedback to help you develop your start-up idea step by step. |
| Community: | At neudeli Community Meetups, you’ll have the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with other founders and supporters, make new connections in a relaxed atmosphere, and strengthen your network.
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Key dates for the neudeli Fellowship in the winter term 2026/27
| 30 October 2026, 9 am to 2 pm | Jury meeting to select the neudeli Fellows for the 2026/27 winter term at the Thüringer Aufbaubank in Erfurt |
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| 2 November 2026, 3.00 pm | Kick-off |
| 4 November 2026, 1.30 pm to 5 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Problem-Solution-Fit’ with Josephine from the neudeli team Among other things, we’ll be addressing the following questions: What specific problem do my potential users have, and why is it truly relevant to them? What assumptions am I making about my users, the problem and its context, and which of these do I want to investigate more closely? How can I gain valuable insights through conversations and interviews, rather than simply seeking confirmation of my idea? |
| 19 November 2026, 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Project Management for Start-ups’ with Siggi Haarbeck from APROPRO Project Among other things, we’ll be addressing the following questions: How can I use my time effectively whilst working on my start-up project? What are SMART objectives? Which project management tools are particularly helpful for my start-up? What milestones should I set for myself during the fellowship and beyond? Please note: The workshop will take place in the training rooms at APROPRO, Schopenhauerstraße 7, 99423 Weimar. |
| 9 December 2026, 1.30 pm to 5 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Value Proposition Design’ with Josephine from the neudeli team Among other things, we’ll be addressing the following questions: What key insights into my target audience have I gained through user research? How can I translate these insights into tasks, problems and desired benefits (jobs, pains and gains)? How does my offering specifically address these needs (products and services, problem-solvers and value creators)? Does this |
| 6 January 2027, 1.30 pm to 5 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset’ with Charlene from the neudeli team Among other things, we’ll be exploring the following questions: What ways of thinking and approaches shape my entrepreneurial behaviour? What skills and competencies do I already possess for my start-up project, and which ones would I like to develop further? What gives me energy on my journey towards self-employment, what challenges will I face, and how will I deal with them? Which people, structures and resources can support me in further developing my start-up project? |
| 27 January 2027, 1.30 pm to 5 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Sustainable Business Modelling’ with Charlene from the neudeli team Among other things, we’ll be exploring the following questions: What is a business model? How can I apply business model development to my own start-up project? How can business model patterns help me discover new opportunities and develop innovative approaches? What are the key assumptions underlying my business model? How can I test these assumptions and refine my business model in a targeted way? |
| 24 February 2027, 1.30 pm to 5 pm | Start-up workshop ‘Brand Building’ with Charlene from the neudeli team Among other things, we’ll be exploring the following questions: How do products and ideas become brands? What assumptions and strategic decisions shape their identity? How can I develop a clear brand identity and design it visually? What legal aspects should I take into account at an early stage? |
| tba | Start-up workshop: ‘Pitch Training’ We’ll be looking at the following questions, amongst others: What makes a compelling pitch deck? How can I improve my wording, storytelling and presentation style? How can I present my start-up idea convincingly and inspire my audience? |
| 17 March 2026, 3 pm | Final Pitch & Community Meet-up |
How do I become a neudeli Fellow?
To apply for the neudeli Fellowship, you must submit a concept paper. This forms the basis for the first round of selection and should present your start-up idea clearly and convincingly.
In the first selection round, your concept paper will be assessed by the neudeli coaches based on the following criteria:
- Clarity and feasibility of the idea
- Uniqueness / degree of innovation
- Impact / sustainability (economic, social and environmental)
In the second selection round, applicants with the most promising concept papers will be invited to present their start-up ideas in a pitch.
Our Fellowship Jury decides on the allocation of funding and specialised coaching (including patent advice), as well as the official selection of neudeli Fellows. The jury comprises experts from academia, politics and the start-up ecosystem.
Guidelines and Downloads
We have compiled all the key documents relating to the neudeli Fellowship for you to download:
» neudeli Fellowship Guidelines
Please take a look at our tips for preparing your application:
» Guide to writing your concept paper
Application for the neudeli Fellowship
Our thanks go to all supporters of the neudeli Fellowship!
The neudeli Fellowship is supported by regional and national companies and institutions from politics and business.
