The stage is set for your idea – STAR*PARADE 2026

Apply for registration at www.startuplausitz.de/registration/

Attractive prizes, access to the exclusive Startup Lausitz start-up ecosystem and valuable feedback from experts in business, science and society await the winners – the LAUSITZ*STARS 2026.

It does not matter whether the candidates have only recently (up to 5 years ago) founded their company, are just starting out with their idea, have undertaken an innovative reorientation as an established company, or have taken over an existing company as a successor. What matters is that the idea has its sphere of influence in Lusatia. 

STAR*PARADE 2026 schedule

• 31 March to 31 August: Application phase

• 1 April to 30 September: Workshops

• 11 September, Senftenberg: ‘Services, Trade & Tourism’ pitch

• 11 September, Senftenberg: Pitch ‘Skills and Trades’

• 17 September, Cottbus: ‘Health’ pitch

• 17 September, Wildau: Pitch “Technology & Digital – Software”

• 23 September, Cottbus: Pitch ‘Cultural & Creative Industries’ 

• 30 September, Cottbus: Pitch “Social Entrepreneurship”

• 2 October, Görlitz: ‘School Students’ pitch

• 14 October, Cottbus: ‘Technology & Digital – Hardware’ pitch

• 5 November, Cottbus: Final of the STAR*PARADE 2026

The STAR*PARADE is a further development of the Lausitz Start-up Competition (LEX) and has been organised since 2024 as a joint project by a wide range of stakeholders in the Startup Lausitz start-up ecosystem, including the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. 

Organisers of STAR*PARADE 2026 (in alphabetical order)

Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre, Startup Lausitz Start-up Advisory Service, Founders’ Service of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Lausitz Science Park, Cottbus Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Cottbus Chamber of Crafts (HWK), Dresden Chamber of Crafts (HWK), Reaktor Wildau, Startblock B2, Startup Lausitz Accelerator.

“Lausitz is full of bright minds, courageous founders and people with ideas that can change our future. It is precisely these ideas that the STAR*PARADE provides a platform for. Whether it’s a start-up, business succession, research project, technological innovation or a social initiative – if you’re working on something that has the potential to drive our region forward, then show it to the public. Last year, we received 100 ideas – a strong signal of our region’s innovative strength. We want to reach this level again in 2026 – with you. Have the courage to put your idea forward. Show what you’re made of and become part of the STAR*PARADE 2026!” say the organisers.