Founders' Idea Award "Pfiffikus"

The "Pfiffikus" Founders' Idea Award honors creative and forward-looking business concepts from students and doctoral candidates at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg. In collaboration with the Rhenania Freiburg Educational Foundation and the faculties of Economics, Engineering, and Medicine, this award offers prize money of up to €4,000, tailored coaching by experienced alumni, and access to an extensive network of academia and industry. The goal is to promote innovative business plans that, in addition to their economic potential, also demonstrate social relevance and digital solution approaches. The winning concepts are presented during the ceremonial opening of the academic year and furthermore have the opportunity to showcase their business idea to students, researchers, and potential sponsors.

Eligible to participate are all enrolled students and doctoral candidates who have developed a business idea in the context of their bachelor's, master's, or dissertation work. The application includes a concise, five-page business plan and a presentation before the expert jury. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, economic development potential, and societal impact of the idea. The next submission deadline begins in April 2026. Assessment is conducted by experts from teaching, research, and practice, who select the most convincing concepts during the selection process. The "Pfiffikus" Founders' Idea Award thus creates an ideal framework to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of young scientists and to sustainably enrich the transfer culture at the University of Freiburg.