STAR*PARADE ’26: Take your own business idea onto the big pitch stage

The STAR*PARADE is the pitch event for entrepreneurs, innovators and start-up founders in Lusatia. The competition is an evolution of the Lusatian Start-up Competition (LEX) and is organised in collaboration with numerous regional partners.

Participation is free of charge. The competition is open to both individuals in the early stages of developing an idea and companies that have already been established – the key requirement is that the business idea has a connection to Lusatia. The STAR*PARADE offers the opportunity to refine your business idea, establish contacts with key players and present yourself to the public in a way that attracts media attention.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

⁠Find out more and complete registration now – STAR*PARADE ’26

Technology & Digital – Hardware

The BTU Founders’ Service, in collaboration with the Lausitz Science Park (LSP), is supporting STAR*PARADE ’26 as the category supervisor for Technology & Digital – Hardware.

This category is aimed in particular at innovative business ideas and start-up projects in which hardware, technical products or the combination of hardware and digital technologies play a central role.

The pitch itself is limited to a maximum of five minutes. The jury will then have the opportunity to ask questions. Participants will be assessed against a standardised set of criteria. Key areas include, amongst others:

• Problem-solution fit and degree of innovation
• Market potential and target audience
• Business model and scalability
• Financial planning and funding requirements
• Team and presentation
• Additional factors such as impact, partnerships, innovation or intellectual property rights

As such, the STAR*PARADE not only offers a platform for presenting your own idea, but also a good opportunity to review your business model from various perspectives.

Optional preparation opportunities for participants

To support the teams in their preparations for the STAR*PARADE, we are offering additional activities alongside the competition. Participation in these activities is optional.

9 September 2026 – ‘Pitch Deck’ workshop

How should a compelling pitch deck be structured? What content is particularly relevant to the judging panel, and what should be borne in mind when presenting a technology or hardware idea?

In this workshop, participants will gain a concise overview of the structure, content and evaluation criteria of a pitch deck. There will also be an opportunity to discuss any questions regarding their own presentation.

9 September 2026 | 4.00–7.00 pm
IKMZ – BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, 7th floor

⁠Further information and registration for the pitch deck workshop

28 September 2026 – Dry Run Pitch

The Dryrun Pitch offers the chance to test your own STAR*PARADE pitch under conditions that are as realistic as possible.

Participants will have the opportunity to present their pitch and receive constructive feedback from experts and other start-up teams. The dry run is open to all STAR*PARADE participants, but is aimed in particular at teams in the Technology & Digital – Hardware category.

28 September 2026 | 5.00 pm–7.00 pm
Startblock B2 Start-up Centre, Small Hall, ground floor

⁠Further information and registration for the Dryrun Pitch

14 October 2026 – ‘Technology & Digital – Hardware’ Pitch

The highlight for this category is the actual STAR*PARADE ‘Technology & Digital – Hardware’ pitch.

Here, the selected teams will present their business ideas to the jury and then answer the jurors’ questions.

14 October 2026 | 4.30 pm–7.00 pm
Flyer va. tyler, Levine­straße 2, 03044 Cottbus

⁠Further information on the pitch and registration

Submit your application now!

Do you have an innovative business idea or are you working on a technology start-up with links to Lusatia?

Then take this opportunity to present your idea at STAR*PARADE ’26, receive feedback and make new contacts.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

⁠All information on STAR*PARADE ’26 and the application process

If you have any questions about the Technology & Digital – Hardware category, please contact the BTU Founders’ Service or the Lausitz Science Park.