Building the Future Together: Recapping the Community Summer Jam & the Mission of the Innovators Club
A Buffet as Diverse as the Ideas of the Region
That innovation doesn't always happen in stiff conference rooms was proven by the atmosphere at the Lehmbau. Over a colorful potluck buffet featuring everything from grilled goods and homemade cheesecake to authentic Indian dishes. A wide variety of backgrounds came together.
Participants from the STAR*Parade startup competition, established partners from the startup ecosystem, Innovators Club members, and guests drawn in by the live music connected in a relaxed setting. Alongside spontaneous musical performances by Club members, meaningful conversations were at the heart of the evening: at every corner, project ideas were pitched, new connections were made, and synergies for future collaborations were discovered.
A special highlight was the interactive "Popcorn Share": in short, spontaneous micro-speeches, attendees shared why they were there and what they appreciated about the ecosystem. It quickly became clear how deeply rooted the sense of community already is within this young group.
How Does the Innovators Club Fit Into the Startup Ecosystem?
The Lusatian ecosystem is growing dynamically and offers a wide range of established support structures. The Innovators Club seamlessly integrates as a pre-incubator of the Lausitz Science Park, serving as a valuable addition at the foundational level:
- A Low-Barrier Entry Point: As an upstream initiative, the Club meets aspiring innovators right where the very first idea is born. We create an open space to test initial concepts without bureaucratic hurdles before entering the formal advisory offerings of the wider ecosystem.
- A Culture of Experimentation ("Safe Space"): Innovation requires the courage to experiment. The Innovators Club fosters a culture where missteps are valued as crucial learning experiences. The mindset is simple: Try, adjust, keep going.
- Connecting at Eye Level: Before a formal startup is founded, you need the right team. In the Club, research expertise, creative entrepreneurial spirit, and interdisciplinary skills meet to form strong teams early on.
Once ideas gain traction and substance within the Innovators Club, we seamlessly connect them with established ecosystem partners such as the BTU Startup Service, the Startup Lausitz network, or regional funding programs.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters for Lusatia
Lusatia is undergoing a historically unique transformation. The phase-out of coal mining requires not only preserving existing structures but, above all, creating new, future-proof jobs and technologies.
- Renewal From Within: Sustainable change succeeds best when solutions emerge directly on-site from research and the local community.
- Attracting Talent: A vibrant startup scene makes Lusatia a magnet for young talent, researchers, and international professionals eager to shape the future.
- Economic Diversification: Bold founders introduce fresh business models in fields like the energy transition, digitalization, lightweight construction, and life sciences, making the region more resilient.
Looking Ahead: Become Part of the Movement
The Community Summer Jam demonstrated that the energy in Lusatia is real. When people gather to drive change, they don't just generate ideas — they create real transformation.
Do you have an idea in mind, want to contribute your skills to a team, or simply want to see what’s growing in Cottbus? The Innovators Club is open to everyone — students, researchers, and locals alike.
- When & Where? Every Wednesday during the semester from 17:00 to 19:00 at the BTU Mensa Co-Working Space.
- More info & registration:Innovators Club Events
If you are moving, we move with you.
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