Incubation Workshop: Pitch & Storytelling
A good idea is only convincing if it’s presented clearly and understandably. In the workshop, the teams develop a concise three-minute story for their startup and refine their core messages. The focus is on structure, relevance, and a pitch that sticks in people’s minds.
Incubation Workshops @ TechLaB
Step by Step Toward a Stronger Foundation for Your Startup
A good business idea is just the beginning; however, the successful growth of a startup requires many other building blocks. In the Incubation Workshops @ TechLab Teams can develop their startup fundamentals in a practical, step-by-step manner.
This workshop series offers concise insights, practical methods, and opportunities to ask individual questions. It focuses on topics that are particularly relevant to teams in the pre-launch phase: from business models to prototyping and pitching, all the way to financing, operations, AI tools, and team development.
What can participants expect?
The teams will receive:
- practical insights from experienced experts,
- Methods and tools for direct application in your own startup,
- Feedback and new perspectives,
- the opportunity to network with other startup teams,
- Ideas for the next steps in development.
When and where will the workshops take place?
The Incubation Workshops will take place from October 1 through December 10, 2026 in the TechLab at the MAFINEX Technology Center will take place. Registration is open until September 24, 2026 possible.
Address:
1 Julius-Hatry Street
68163 Mannheim
We’re looking forward to a hands-on series of workshops, dedicated teams, and many concrete next steps on the journey from the initial idea to a viable startup.
If you have any questions about registration, organization, participation, or the program, please contact:
Maja Boscher
Program Coordination
boscher@next-mannheim.de
Eva-Maria Markutzik
MAFINEX Center Manager
markutzik@next-mannheim.de
Overview of all Incubation Workshops:
October 1, 2026, 4:00–5:00 p.m.:
Kick-off Workshop
Getting to know the participating teams, introducing the program, and clarifying expectations.
October 1, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m.:
AI Tools and Automation
A practical introduction to AI tools and automation options for startups.
October 8, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Prototyping and User Testing
How can you develop the right prototype and test it with real users?
October 15, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Business Model Development
Development and refinement of the business model using the Business Model Canvas.
October 22, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Pitch & Storytelling
Developing a clear and compelling three-minute story for your own startup.
October 29, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Business Case Development
Make business assumptions transparent, develop realistic scenarios, and refine the business case.
November 5, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Funding Story and Financing Strategies
An overview of financing options, such as business angels and venture capital, as well as the development of an initial funding story.
Location: Meeting Room A3
November 12, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Tax, Operations & Business Processes
Fundamentals of taxes, accounting, organizational structures, and operational business processes.
November 26, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Team Building and Leadership
Strengthen teamwork, clarify roles, and reflect on leadership during the early startup phase.
December 10, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.:
Reflect, Learn, and Celebrate
A joint review of the workshop series, key takeaways, and next steps.