KLU students & employees
2027 TBA
2027 TBA
16:00 - 19:30
KLU campus, HafenCity
Virtual participation not available
KLU Arena 2026: A Strong First Edition
The very first KLU Arena recently took place at KLU and it was a great success.
Eight Bachelor’s and Master’s students took the stage to present ideas rooted in their everyday experience at KLU, ranging from academic innovation and digital solutions to campus life and student experience. Their proposals were challenged and shaped by eight KLU Sharks, who combined sharp questions and operational perspectives with genuine encouragement.
What made the KLU Arena special was the spirit in the room: students didn’t just pitch ideas - they thought like operators. The result was honest, constructive dialogue focused on what could realistically work at KLU.
The positive feedback from students, Sharks, and the wider KLU community makes one thing clear: this format has great potential.
Will the KLU Arena return next year?
We certainly hope so - stay tuned for more.
What Is KLU Arena?
This is your opportunity to turn ideas into action. We are calling for students across all programs and study levels, as well as members of administration and faculty, who don’t just generate ideas - but feel responsible for driving them forward.
KLU SPARK- the platform for entrepreneurship & innovation at KLU - together with the entrepreneurial student initiative Young Founders Forge (YFF), invites the KLU community to step into the KLU Arena.
Whether you want to elevate how we learn, strengthen campus life, boost the KLU brand, or enhance career opportunities, the Arena is your launchpad.
The future of KLU is not something we are waiting for.
It’s something we build – together.
Create Impact in One of Four Key Areas:
Here are a few ideas - yours could be even better!
Academic Programs & Learning Experience
Ideas that strengthen the students' learning journey at KLU, from course formats and skill development to new ways of engaging with knowledge, technology, and for collaboration.
If you’ve ever thought “learning would be even better if…” - this is your category.
Campus Life, Community & Student Experience, and Digitalization
Ideas related to the everyday student experience on campus, including the physical campus environment, social life, digital tools, community culture, and overall well‑being at KLU.
If it improves daily life or strengthens the sense of belonging, it belongs here.
Marketing & Recruitment
Ideas that shape how KLU presents itself to the world, strengthening its identity, storytelling, outreach, and engagement with prospective students and a wider, global audience.
If you have a great story to tell about KLU, help us tell it.
Career Development, Corporate Partnerships & Employability
Ideas that deepen KLU’s connection to industry and help students prepare for future careers. This includes initiatives that support skill-building, professional exploration, networking, or collaboration between students, companies, and alumni.
Anything that improves career outcomes and industry relevance fits here.
What Happens After Submission?
Once you submit your idea, you will receive three weeks of structured support to refine your pitch and elevate your concept to implementation level.
Support Includes:
- KLU SPARK (formerly EIH)
Entrepreneurial coaching and sparring sessions to sharpen your value proposition, impact logic, and execution roadmap. - Alumni Experts
Practical feedback, real-world insights, and access to valuable networks.
By the time you enter the Arena, you will be ready - not just to pitch, but to deliver.
The Final Pitch
Defend your concept. Demonstrate feasibility. Show impact.
Showcase your idea to the ‘sharks’ and a live crowd of KLU members and key stakeholders on April 23, 2026, at KLU Campus.
The ‘sharks’ are a diverse panel of KLU decision-makers - faculty and staff with the expertise and authority to turn promising ideas into real initiatives. They assess each concept based on impact, feasibility, and long-term value for KLU.
If your vision convinces the sharks, you will receive the opportunity and institutional support to implement your ideas.
Why Participate?
KLU Arena is more than a pitch – it’s a high-impact extracurricular experience that lets you:
- Turn ideas into action: Your winning concept can be implemented on campus with KLU’s support.
- Build your skills & credentials: Develop your entrepreneurial, leadership, and innovation skills and receive a certificate of participation.
- Boost your network & visibility: Connect with peers, staff, and alumni while being featured in KLU communications.
- Access resources & opportunities: Receive guidance, tools, and potentially seed funding to bring your idea to life.
This is your chance to lead, create, and make a tangible impact at KLU - not just dream about it.
Interested to Take Part?
Submit your idea now and claim your spot in the KLU Arena by filling out this questionnaire. The deadline for 2027 will be announced asap.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply as early as possible to make full use of the coaching support and mentoring opportunities.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
