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The student incubator at TU Wien

You have an idea.
Build it.

One semester, a small team, a prototype that actually works. You bring the idea, we bring method, tools, coaching and a budget. At the end, you show your result at a public Demo Day.

How it works

If you have the idea but lack the money or a place to build it, we provide both. We don’t take equity.

What you get

Budget
Enough to turn your idea into a prototype: materials, components, AI credits, hosting.
Makerspace
Shared with TUWRC: 3D printing, CNC, laser cutter and more.
Mentors
From the startup ecosystem and fellow students, with async coaching between sessions.
Demo Day
At the end of the programme, in front of a jury, VCs, funding agencies and TU Wien leadership.

Is this for you?

Teams of 1–4 people from any faculty can apply. No prior experience needed. The programme runs for one semester, with 8 fixed sessions on Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm. Plan for at least 8 hours per week per person.

Selection criteria

Innovation
How new is your approach, how much real technology or research is behind it, and how hard would it be to copy?
Relevance
How relevant is the problem you want to address?
Sustainable impact
What concrete economic, social or environmental benefit could your project create, and how far could it grow over time?
Team
Do you bring relevant skills that complement each other, and are you motivated to stick with the project long-term?

How it works

  1. Apply

    Fill in the application form before the deadline.

  2. Jury review

    A jury reviews every idea against clear criteria. You hear from us before kickoff.

  3. Kickoff

    Meet the other teams and pitch your idea in 60 seconds.

  4. Build

    Six more sessions. Three gates keep your demo on track: Demo-Check, Midterm Review and Feature Freeze.

  5. Demo Day

    To close the programme: live demo and pitch in front of jury and audience.

After Demo Day

Follow-on fundingThe Spinoff FactoryYour own start-up

You keep your prototype, pitch deck and demo video. The strongest teams can get follow-on funding from TU Wien, whether they start a company or keep studying. From there, The Spinoff Factory and the wider ecosystem help teams grow.

FAQ

Can I apply on my own?

Yes. Teams of 1–4 people can apply, so a team of one is fine.

Does it cost anything?

No. We provide the budget for your prototype and the workspace, and we don’t take equity.

Software or hardware?

Either, or both.

How are teams selected?

A jury reviews every application against four criteria: innovation, relevance, sustainable impact and team. See the selection criteria.

Do I have to start a company afterwards?

No. Whether you start a company or keep studying, the prototype, pitch deck and demo video are yours.

Got an idea?

Applications for the next cohort are open. The deadline is 29 October.

Apply with your idea

Applications for the next cohort aren’t open yet. Send us an email and we’ll let you know when they are.

Get notified by email

Questions? Write to team@studinc.at.