Inspiring Innovation at KLU
Welcome to the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub at KLU
At the EIH, we believe that entrepreneurship is not only starting a company - it’s a mindset that empowers individuals to create value, drive change, and shape the future. As Kühne Logistics University’s hub for entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, we bring together students, researchers, startups, and corporate partners to turn ideas into action.
Whether you're looking to launch your own venture, solve real-world business challenges, or develop the skills to lead innovation in any industry - the EIH is your platform. Through interactive programs, hands-on projects, and a vibrant community, we support you in becoming a changemaker at KLU and beyond.
Explore what we offer, get inspired by past initiatives, and find your place in the KLU innovation ecosystem.
Become a Future Leader by Developing Innovative Solutions
At the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub, students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship, they live it! Whether you’re curious about starting your own venture, passionate about solving real-world challenges, or eager to work with cutting-edge companies, the EIH gives you the tools, community, and experiences to thrive.
To support this journey, we’re developing tailored entrepreneurship course offerings that equip students with the practical skills and mindsets needed to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and turn ideas into action.
Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just for founders – it’s a must-have in today’s dynamic job market. From launching a startup to driving transformation inside established companies, skills like initiative, problem-solving, adaptability, and value creation are essential across all industries.
Unlock Your Potential With Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub
Disrupt
- Get inspired and fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
- Experience unforgettable events with like-minded learners and innovators.
Empower
- Boost your future-ready skills through our interactive Moodle platform.
- Take part in mindblowing workshops that spark new ideas.
Incubate
- Nurture your (startup) idea with individual advisory, peers, mentors and perks.
Activate
- Direct industry connections.
- Collaborate with top companies and work on real business challenges.
Become a Part of EIH
For students who want to take it one step further, we invite you to become part of our Entrepreneurship Student Initiative. This is where ideas turn into action and you will take real ownership for transforming KLU. As a member, you'll engage in interdisciplinary teamwork, collaborate on corporate innovation projects, and explore startup opportunities alongside peers, mentors, and industry experts.
Whether you're testing your first business idea, co-organizing events, or working on real-world challenges from our partners, the initiative gives you hands-on experience in building, leading, and innovating helping you grow into the kind of leader the future demands: creative, proactive, and impact-driven.
This is your chance to shape ideas into action – and your career in the process.
Get in Touch With the Student Initiative
oleksandra.shvets@stud.the-klu.org
About Us
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub (EIH) at Kühne Logistics University is the university’s dedicated platform for turning bold ideas into real impact. Rooted in KLU’s values of responsibility, global perspective, and applied learning, we empower students, researchers, and corporate partners to drive meaningful innovation.
We act as the bridge between academia and the real world, fostering hands-on collaboration with startups and corporates. Students exploring entrepreneurship for the first time to experienced professionals pushing boundaries in innovation, we support every step of the journey.
We believe successful entrepreneurship is more than just business—it’s a mindset. Our approach combines inspiration, action, and reflection across three core principles:
Think – Ideate & Innovate
We help students and partners unlock creativity through design thinking, ideation tools, and exposure to global trends and technologies.
Feel – Entrepreneurial Mindset & Culture
We cultivate the inner drive to create change. Through storytelling, failure-sharing, and hands-on projects, participants build the resilience and curiosity needed to lead innovation.
Act – Build, Test & Scale
From idea to execution, we guide founders and teams in building real solutions. We focus on validation, lean experimentation, and sustainable scaling—whether it's a student startup or a corporate innovation initiative.
Our Approach
Our unique funnel approach ensures broad accessibility while enabling deep engagement:
- At the top of the funnel, we raise awareness and spark curiosity through open events, speaker sessions, and entrepreneurial networking.
- In the middle, we engage students through challenge-based learning, workshops, and co-creation opportunities with startups and corporates.
- At the bottom, we support those ready to go further - through incubation programs, mentorship, and funding access.
This structured approach, combined with an operations mindset, allows us to run the hub like a lean venture: agile, user-centered, and outcome-driven.
Meet the Team
We are a diverse team of builders, educators, and innovators creating value through action. Backed by a strong partner network, we combine academic knowledge with real-world startup and industry experience.
Advisory Board & Mentors
Our advisory board and mentor network includes seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, corporate innovators, and alumni founders-offering strategic guidance and real-world support to our students and startups.
They regularly contribute through:
- Mentoring student teams.
- Judging pitch competitions.
- Delivering workshops and keynotes.
- Opening doors to networks and opportunities.
Whether you're a student looking for a mentor or a startup seeking guidance, this is your access point to deep entrepreneurial wisdom and practical insights.
Partners and Showcases
Startup Ecosystem & Support Networks
- Startup Port
- Startup City Hamburg
- Digital Hub
- Factory
- Logistics Tech Talks
Corporate Innovation & Logistics Leaders
- HHLA NEXT
- KRAVAG HK 100
Hamburg Invest
Hamburg Invest is the city’s central business development agency, supporting startups, SMEs, and established companies with funding, location services, and expert guidance to grow successfully in Hamburg’s dynamic economy.
We work closely with Hamburg Invest and are proud to connect our founders with their comprehensive services, including startup consulting, funding advice, and access to Hamburg’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Stiftung Entrepreneurship – Peerlearning
Stiftung Entrepreneurship and its Peerlearning platform support aspiring founders with resources, courses, and a global network dedicated to sharing entrepreneurial know-how.
Digital Hub
Digital Hub Logistics is Germany’s leading innovation platform connecting logistics companies, technology providers, startups, and research institutions to shape the future of digital logistics.
As part of the nationwide Digital Hub Initiative, it drives collaboration and knowledge transfer between established industry leaders and innovative startups.
Our collaboration has included expert talks, knowledge exchange sessions, and joint activities designed to inspire students and foster practical connections between academia and the logistics innovation ecosystem.
HHLA Next
The innovation unit of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, HHLA Next actively drives the development of digital business models in logistics and beyond.
Our collaboration has included interactive workshops, the exchange of real-world business challenges and solutions, and valuable recruiting opportunities that connect students with one of Europe’s leading logistics innovators.
Startup Port
Startup Port unites universities and research institutions across Northern Germany to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem.
Together, we co-hosted a course earlier this year that introduced students to key entrepreneurial skills and provided practical insights into launching and scaling their own ventures.
