Rheinland Pitch #126 Düsseldorf 2026

🚀 3 Live Pitches 💰 Free Admission 🎯 Direct Investor Contact

Time Until Event:

69 Days
4 Hrs
19 Min
Düsseldorf, February 23, 2026

Rheinland Pitch #126 Düsseldorf 2026

Germany's largest regularly held pitch event

The Rheinland Pitch is Germany's largest regularly held pitch event, where innovative startups present their business ideas to an expert jury and a broad audience. In a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere, founders get the chance to gather valuable feedback, win over potential investors, and expand their network. Whether as a participant or spectator – Rheinland Pitch offers unique insights into the exciting world of startups and fosters exchange within the startup community.

 

You and your startup want to be part of it? 

Apply now and become part of Germany's largest pitch event. Benefit from valuable feedback, connect with potential investors, and expand your network within the startup community. We look forward to your application!

 

Partners 

Our host and cooperation partner Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences & GRÜNDUNGSZEIT:

The Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences (HSD) is today one of the largest universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. The study programs are distributed across the fields of architecture, design, electrical engineering and information technology, mechanical engineering and process engineering, media, social and cultural sciences, and business sciences.The modern campus in the heart of Düsseldorf on the former slaughterhouse grounds in Derendorf is excellently equipped to promote teaching and research.The team GRÜNDUNGSZEIT supports students and employees of HSD with all startup-related challenges. In addition to coaching and consulting, events, networking meetings, and topic-specific workshops are part of the GRÜNDUNGSZEIT team's offerings.Find more information here:https://gruendungszeit.hs-duesseldorf.de/https://www.instagram.com/gruendungszeit_hsd/https://www.hs-duesseldorf.de/

The Düsseldorf Economic Development Agency supports founders, startups, and companies with consulting, networks, and funding opportunities. It connects the local startup scene with investors, corporates, and international partners. As a partner of the Rheinland Pitch, it supports the visibility of innovative ideas directly from the state capital.

 

As always at Rheinland Pitch, food and drinks will be provided!

 
3

Innovative startups pitch live

100+

Successful events since 2013

400+

Startups have already pitched

FREE

Admission for all visitors

Why should you join?

Experience Real Startup Action

No theoretical lectures - experience live how real founders present their ideas to investors. You'll see up close how a pitch works and what really moves startups.

Make Connections

Meet like-minded people, experienced founders, and potential mentors. The perfect environment to take your first steps into the startup world or expand your network.

💡

Get Inspired

Let innovative business ideas inspire you and discover new trends and opportunities.

🤝

Experience Community

Become part of the vibrant startup community in Düsseldorf and the Rhineland.

🎯

Learn from the Best

Gain insights into successful business models and learn from experienced investors.


What happens during the evening?

The Live Pitch Moment

Imagine: The stage is lit, 3 brave founders are ready to present their dreams. You're sitting in the audience and experiencing live how innovative ideas are born - from the first minute to the decisive jury decision.

7 minutes that can change everything

Each startup has exactly 7 minutes to convince the jury and audience. This is followed by 7 intensive minutes of questions and feedback.

You decide!

As an audience member, you vote for your favorite startup. Your vote counts towards the evaluation and can help determine the winner.

These startups will pitch for you

3 handpicked startups from various industries – each with a unique story

🚀 Will there be a tech startup...

...that uses AI to solve an everyday problem? Or has developed an innovative app?

Find out on February 23!

🌱 Or a sustainability startup...

...that shows how business and environmental protection can go hand in hand?

Let yourself be surprised!

🏥 Perhaps a HealthTech company...

...that helps people live healthier lives or overcome medical challenges?

Health meets innovation!

🛍️ Or an e-commerce pioneer...

...that has invented a completely new type of online shopping?

Shopping will never be the same!
The final startup selection will be announced on February 19!
Secure your free ticket now and don't miss these unique presentations.

What previous participants say

"Rheinland Pitch was my first real contact with the startup world. The energy in the room was incredible - I immediately felt that I could also found a startup."

- Sarah K., Aspiring Founder

"I was just there as a spectator, but the conversations during the break opened up so many new perspectives for me. Six months later, I founded my own startup!"

- Michael T., Founder

Startup Application: Your Path to the Stage

Feb 8, 26 - Application Deadline

Last chance for startup applications at midnight

All industries welcome
Feb 9, 26 - Review of Applications

Internal evaluation and selection of candidates

STARTPLATZ Team
Feb 10, 26 - Notification

Communication: Which startups are admitted to the digital jury pre-pitch

Email notification
Feb 18, 26 - Digital Jury Pre-Pitch

Online pitches before the expert jury

Final selection
Feb 19, 26 - Final Announcement

The 3 finalists for the live event will be announced

The final 3 are set
Feb 23, 26 - Live Event 🚀

The 3 finalists pitch live in Düsseldorf before audience and jury

The big day!

Apply as a Startup Now

All Industries
Tech, Health, E-Commerce & more

Expert Jury
Investors & Industry Experts

Direct Feedback
From the first round to the finale

 

Join Rheinland Pitch!

Free participation in an evening full of inspiration, networking, and genuine startup insights

Your free ticket includes:

  • ✓ Live pitches from 3 startups
  • ✓ Networking with founders
  • ✓ Food & drinks
  • ✓ Participation in audience voting
  • ✓ Access to STARTPLATZ network
  • ✓ Inspiration for your own ideas
Register for Free

Free • Instant confirmation • Cancellation possible up to 24h before

When:
23.02.2026 from 18:00 to 21:00 o'clock.
Where:
Düsseldorf
Yes, I would like to be informed about further events.
At our events, recordings for social media can be made.
By registering, you agree that image recordings may be used for social media.
3 Live Pitches
Free Admission
Direct Investor Contact

The Location

Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences

Derendorf Campus

Address

Münsterstraße 156

40476 Düsseldorf, Germany

How to get there

S-Bahn: Lines S1, S6, S11 to "Düsseldorf Derendorf" station

Tram: Lines 701, 704 to "Derendorf" or "Rather Straße/Hochschule HSD"

Bus: Lines 733, 752, 754, 756, 758, 834

Parking: Underground garage via Toulouser Allee/Münsterstraße

🇩🇪 DE | 🇬🇧 EN