Swabian Innovation Masterclass 2026/27: Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Students
Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
The Swabian Innovation Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to hone future-oriented and innovative skills, foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and engage in interdisciplinary work. This exclusive masterclass is jointly offered by the four Bavarian-Swabian universities—the University of Augsburg, Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, and Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences.
Program Structure
- Bachelor’s students: 10 ECTS / 8 SWS
- Maximum number of participants: 6
- Interdisciplinarity: The program is open to students from all faculties.
- Credit Transfer: Economics degree programs as specified in the respective module handbook; students in other degree programs must independently verify whether credit transfer is possible.
- Location: Block format with sessions at all four participating universities and a field trip to Bergamo; travel and lodging expenses are subsidized.
- Winter Semester: Swabian Innovation Masterclass I: 5 ECTS / 4 SWS
- Block 1: Future (&) Trends @Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (October 27-29, 2026)
- Block 2: Social Impact @Kempten University of Applied Sciences (December 7–10, 2026)
- Summer Semester: Swabian Innovation Masterclass II: 5 ECTS / 4 SWS
- Block 3: International Entrepreneurship @University of Augsburg (Departure for Bergamo on April 25, 2027, return on April 28, 2027; group visit to the Rocketeer Festival on April 29, 2027; and block at the University of Augsburg on April 30, 2027)
- Block 4: Business Ideation @Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (May 10–14, 2027)
- Closing Event: TBD
Your Benefits
- Hone your innovation skills
- Interdisciplinary exchange
- Team building and networking
- International experience
- Exclusive participation in nationwide events
- Certificate of Completion
- Travel expense subsidies
Eligibility Requirements
- Application deadline: September 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
- Program start: October 19, 2026
- Application Process:
Letter of motivation (max. one page) and a resume in table format to christoph.hofbeck@tha.de
Optional: Letter of recommendation from a professor (will positively influence placement)
Who is behind the Schwaben Innovation Masterclass?
The Swabian Innovation Masterclass is a collaborative initiative of the Swabian Innovation Nexus KANU (Kempten, Neu-Ulm, Augsburg), comprising the four universities: Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Augsburg. Through KANU, we bring together four Swabian universities with a strong focus on entrepreneurship under one umbrella, establishing ourselves as a hub for forward-thinking startups and an indispensable source of Swabian innovation. As established institutions, we are shaping Swabia as a hub for business and innovation in a sustainable way. In this way, we actively shape a new generation of change-makers by imparting essential skills and strengthening our students’ creativity, innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial drive.
