Schedule
Below you will find an overview of the schedule with all mandatory elements. In addition, we offer a weekly open online event where you can ask any questions and we can discuss the individual elements of a business plan in more detail. You can find the dates for these open events at the bottom of this page.
Schedule – Mandatory elements
Kick-off event (online)
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 09:00 – 10:00 Uhr
Benjamin Michels, Sandy Bittner
The kick-off event will take place online via „Zoom“.
Mandatory workshop: Design Thinking & Idea (online)
Wednesday, november 18, 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 Uhr
Sophie Gacs
Idea generation with Design Thinking.
The goal of the workshop is not only to find suitable topics, but also to form groups if necessary.
Please register here.
You will then receive your online access details.
Submission of your business idea
until Sunday, november 22, 2026, 11:59 PM
Mandatory: Please create a one-pager (a one-page document) that provides an initial overview of your planned business idea. If you are writing as a group, please develop this document together. To ensure we can identify your one-pager, we need the names and student ID numbers of all group members.
sandy.bittner@benjamin-michels.de
Since we can only accept a limited number of business plans each semester, we reserve the right to reject uncreative or unrealistic business ideas.
Decision regarding further participation (email)
Feedback due by november 24, 2026
Benjamin Michels, Sandy Bittner
You will receive an email from us.
Submission of interim presentation (video)
until Monday, december 14, 2026, 11:59 PM
via email to:
sandy.bittner@benjamin-michels.de
Mandatory: Please submit your interim presentation as a video recording (maximum 10 minutes presentation time). Experience has shown that this file will be quite large, so you should use a service like WeTransfer to send it.
Feedback on interim presentation (email)
until December 23, 2026
Benjamin Michels, Sandy Bittner
Each group member receives feedback on the interim presentation via email.
Mandatory workshop: Pitch training (in-person)
unklar | 14:00 – 18:00 Uhr
Julia-Toni Reiche | Raum GD 102
Good business ideas need to be presented convincingly. The so-called pitch is ideal for this. But how do you pitch effectively, and what tips and tricks will help you win over your audience?
This workshop will teach you practical and relevant pitching techniques and methods.
Please register here.
Registration for the final presentation
until January 11, 2026, 11:59 PM
Final presentation (in person)
Monday, January 25, 2026 | 09-18 Uhr | Reflectory (HG 23-25)
Benjamin Michels, Sandy Bittner
You will receive the exact time for your pitch in good time. Please arrive 2-3 presentations before your own, as the schedule may change on the day. Please also plan to watch at least 4 other presentations. The live format is designed so you can learn from the other students.
Note: The mandatory final presentation will take place in person at Viadrina University. Please allow 15 minutes for this presentation (10 minutes for the presentation + 5 minutes for questions and group changes).
Business plan submission (via email)
until Monday, February 8, 2026, 11:59 PM
Please send your business plan to
sandy.bittner@benjamin-michels.de
Dates for open online Q&A session
In every open session, you can ask any questions or describe any problems you’re currently experiencing with the project. Participation in Q&A sessions is not mandatory; it’s intended as a supplement to the seminar.
The open Q&A session will primarily be held in German. If you only speak and understand English, please send us your questions by email (sandy.bittner@benjamin-michels.de). You will receive a prompt reply.
All online events take place via Zoom:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/3552380050
Note: If no one is online within 15 minutes of the start of the event, we reserve the right to end the Q&A session.