Our Mission

In order to provide the best possible support for student start-up teams and to strengthen Cologne as one of the most successful start-up regions in Germany, the Rheinische Fachhochschule has joined forces with the TH Köln (Technical University of Cologne), Universität zu Köln (University of Cologne) and the Deutsche Sporthochschule (German Sport University) in the joint project "Fit for Invest by hgnc". The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection as part of the EXIST program.

We bring together the innovative potential of Cologne's students with the issues of local companies.

We live in a time in which there are diverse challenges in all areas of life. For businesses and society, extraordinary ideas are therefore becoming a valuable asset. We want these ideas to be able to develop their full potential. That is why we have created a process for the topic of open innovation that is unique in the region. We accompany the idea generation process from exploration to pitch presentation in a relaxed yet structured atmosphere.

While the students develop personally and professionally, the companies benefit from fresh perspectives and young, new ways of finding solutions.

„We believe that an idea can only reach its full potential when it is shared with others."

Prof. Dr. Kai Buehler, Project Lead Open Innovation

„With us, community meets company, challenge meets creation - and the most important questions of our time meet innovative answers."

Alina Ley, Start-Up Consultancy Startup@RFH

„With our partners from the local university and business landscape, we offer an inspiring environment for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

Adrian Stewart Scollie, Project Coordinator, Startup@RFH

„Together we want to create something valuable - and promote as well as celebrate the way there as a unifying element."

Lisa Köhler, Project Coordinator

What are you waiting for?

Win-win for students, companies and Cologne as a business location.

See our challenges