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Department Business and Economics
Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

DLAB WiSe 2026/27: Apply now – Final Call until 25 October!

DLAB Team © TIE Institut
DLAB is a three-semester extracurricular program for students that connects you with leading companies, driven peers, startup founders, investors, and industry experts. You will learn how to turn real-world problems into viable business ideas, gain hands-on innovation experience, and ultimately develop your own startup idea.

Applications for the Winter Semester 2026/27 are now open. The final application deadline is Sunday, 25 October 2026. Apply at www.dlab-tu-dortmund.de. The DLAB Kick-off will take place on Friday, 6 November 2026.

Questions? Join DLAB & Donuts!

Want to get to know DLAB first or ask questions about the application? Join one of our DLAB & Donuts sessions to learn more about the program and speak directly with the DLAB team:

  • Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 16:00–17:00 – SRG 3.032
  • Thursday, 22 October 2026, 16:00–17:00 – online via Zoom

Semester 1: Lean Startup Seminar (LSS)

Focus: Foundational theory and methods of entrepreneurship

In the first semester, you will explore the core concepts of startup development and innovation:

  • Identify real-world problems and develop meaningful solutions
  • Learn key methods such as the Lean Startup approach
  • Explore funding options and go-to-market strategies

You will also take part in workshops and sessions with experienced members of the startup ecosystem.

  • Startup founders
  • Investors
  • Corporate and industry experts

Semester 2: Corporate Digital Innovation Seminar (CDI)

Focus: Hands-on experience with real companies

In the second semester, you will work directly with one of our corporate partners:

  • Work in a team on a real innovation challenge
  • Gain insights into corporate processes, innovation activities, and digitalization strategies
  • Apply business modeling, market research, and concept development in a real project setting

Semester 3: Venture Creation Project (VCP)

Focus: Develop your own startup idea

In the third semester, you will bring everything together and develop your own startup idea:

  • Develop and validate your own business idea
  • Receive support and feedback from mentors and experts
  • Refine your business model, market understanding, and pitch
  • Pitch your idea at the DLAB Final Event

Former participants have launched their own startups and gone on to work at renowned companies such as BCG, Goldman Sachs, E.ON, and other organizations.

More Than a Program: Join the DLAB Community

DLAB combines learning, entrepreneurship, and community. As part of the program, you can connect with motivated students from different disciplines, take part in social events and informal meetups, and gain international experience – for example through DLAB trips to destinations such as the USA or India.

Interested? Apply by 25 October 2026 at www.dlab-tu-dortmund.de. You can find more information on our website and LinkedIn. If you have any questions, use our contact form – we look forward to your application!