KLU students & employees
March 31. 2026
23. April 2026
16:00 - 19:30
KLU campus, HafenCity
Virtual participation not available
Current Status and Next Steps (As of April 2026)
Update on the Call for Ideas
Thank you to everyone who submitted their proposals! The deadline for the Call for Ideas ended on March 31st. We are overwhelmed by the creativity and quality of the contributions.
Current Status: Validation Phase
We are currently in the process of reviewing and validating all submissions. Our team is working hard to finalize the selection for the upcoming event.
Save the Date: April 23rd
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the event on April 23rd. Please note that this is an exclusive event for members of our university.
In line with this exclusivity, registration is handled internally. All eligible participants have received a personal registration link. No public registration link will be provided on this website.
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 is March 31, 2026.
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.
