SRH Innovation Night - Your idea. Your first pitch. Real feedback.

Do you have an idea but no startup yet? Then bring it to the stage. At SRH Innovation Night, you’ll pitch your idea for the first time to experienced entrepreneurs and receive honest, constructive feedback.

Your idea

Innovation doesn’t start with launching a company. It starts with an observation, a question, or a problem that won’t let you go.

The SRH Innovation Night is designed for exactly this early stage. Do you want to know if your idea is clear, relevant, and has potential? Or do you simply want to experience what it feels like to present it for the first time? Then this is the evening for you.

It’s not about the perfect presentation — it’s about having the courage to take that first step.

Your first pitch

You have 3 to a maximum of 5 minutes. You don’t have to have all the answers. What’s important is that you answer four questions clearly:

• What problem or observation are you starting with?
• What is your idea?
• Who might it be relevant for?
• What do you want to find out next?

For many, Innovation Night is intentionally their very first pitch—and it’s in front of a high-caliber jury.

Real feedback

After each pitch, you’ll receive immediate, constructive feedback. It’s not about a harsh judgment, but rather about ensuring that afterward you know:

• what aspects of your idea are already compelling,
• what’s still unclear,
• and what questions you should ask yourself next.

The jury looks for clarity, innovative potential, entrepreneurial thinking, and growth prospects.

The Feedback-Jury

The jury consists of experienced entrepreneurs, founders, and experts from the innovation and startup community. It also includes a prominent figure from the SRH community who once started out with an initial idea of their own.

Special Guest Wolfgang Grenke

Wolfgang Grenke founded grenke AG and, over the course of decades, built it into an internationally active financial services provider.

How does entrepreneurship begin? Rarely with a perfect business plan, but usually with an observation, a decision, and the willingness to try something new.

• In a personal interview, Wolfgang Grenke explains
• how an initial idea turns into a business,
• how to deal with uncertainty and mistakes,
• how to tell if an idea is worth pursuing,
• and what advice he has for you as you take your first steps.

Innovation Real Talk

Not a traditional panel discussion, but an honest conversation about the journey from the initial idea to the next step. Wolfgang Grenke, members of the jury, and a successful entrepreneur from the SRH community discuss what they wish they had known before their first pitch:

• How can you tell if an idea is good?
• Does every good idea have to become a business?
• How much do you need to know before you start?
• When should you stick with it, and when should you rethink your approach?

Who is the SRH Innovation Night for?

About Pitching:

• Students with an initial startup or innovation idea
• Early-stage teams looking for honest feedback
• Teams from SRH projects, modules, or startup programs

You don’t have to be a pro. Especially if your idea is still in its very early stages, this is the right place to showcase it for the first time.

As a guest:

• Anyone who wants to learn about entrepreneurial thinking
• Alumni and guests interested in innovation and entrepreneurship

Apply for a pitch

We’re offering up to six pitch slots. To apply, you’ll need:

• a simple, initial pitch deck (a few slides are enough),
• a brief description of how your idea could take shape. You don’t need a finished business plan.

Application deadline: November 13, 2026

Do you just want to be part of it?

Even if you don't have a pitch of your own, you're more than welcome to attend. Discover other students' ideas, hear the jury's feedback, and chat with founders and entrepreneurs.

There are only 80 spots available, so register quickly.