House of Startups
at TECH by Handelsblatt
Reach the people who are almost
impossible to reach.
This year, Campus Founders is partnering with TECH by Handelsblatt in Heilbronn, taking place from May 31 to June 2. TECH 2026 brings together over 1,800 of Europe’s leading decision-makers, from CEOs and board members to founders creating a highly curated C-level network across industry, technology, politics, and science.
As part of this partnership, the HOUSE OF STARTUPS will be hosted on-site by Campus Founders. A dedicated space where high-potential startups can exhibit and connect directly with the investors, operators, and industry leaders who are shaping the future.
Opportunities to exhibit are typically very limited and entry costs reach €5,000. However, the House of Startups offers a stage that is otherwise out of reach, with a contribution of just € 500 per exhibition spot.
We are looking for high-potential startups operating in advanced technology fields with a working product, early customer traction or revenue, and a path toward scaling. The selected startups will gain the kind of access and connections they would not get otherwise.
There are only 30 spots available, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply the better.
For more Information about TECH by Handelsblatt, the House of Startups and the application process, you can also download our short information brochure.
More about our partnership
Campus Founders is taking the next step in fostering the region’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem by partnering with TECH by Handelsblatt for their 2026 Conference.
Over the past years, Campus Founders has played a central role in Heilbronn’s emergence as an internationally recognized innovation hub. Our Heilbronn Slush’D startup festival became a defining catalyst in that journey: it attracted thousands of founders, investors, and industry leaders, created international visibility for Heilbronn, and helped establish a culture of ambitious entrepreneurship and collaboration between startups and established companies. It has proven that Heilbronn attracts the relevant people, sparks real momentum, and turns a strong community into a recognizable destination for innovation.
When SLUSH Helsinki launched the Slush’D event series in 2022, the founding idea was to ignite local ecosystems and connect them into a powerful global network – something Campus Founders and Heilbronn have taken advantage of and put into practice. As part of SLUSH’s strategic decision to discontinue the Slush’D event series worldwide, this chapter now closes.
“Campus Founders was given a rare opportunity — and our community turned it into something truly special and awarded. I’m deeply grateful to the SLUSH organization for the trust, and to every founder, partner, and supporter who brought Heilbronn Slush’D to life. Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed defining encounters, unforgettable moments, and built relationships that didn’t just feel great on the day of the event — they translated into tangible progress, startups, and success stories. Heilbronn Slush’D helped lay the foundation for the energy and momentum our ecosystem is building on today”, says Oliver Hanisch, CEO of Campus Founders.
At Campus Founders, building community has never been about a one-time event—it’s what we do every day, all year round. As the Slush’D chapter closes, we’re doubling down on the programs, events, and partnerships that will take our ecosystem to the next level: larger community gatherings, high-impact demo days, and deeper international collaboration – including our new partnership with TECH – so our community keeps growing stronger, more connected, and with more visibility and impact.
“With our newly formed partnership with TECH by Handelsblatt, we’re now taking the next step. By combining Campus Founders’ founder and investor networks and hands-on community building with Handelsblatt’s reach, convening power, and access to industry, technology, politics, and science, we are launching the “House of Startups” at TECH as a platform that turns Europe’s innovation potential into successful startups and scaleups – and into tangible competitive advantages for the German Mittelstand and established enterprises.”
The House of Startups will add a focused layer to that platform: curated startup visibility, high-quality networking, and direct access to investors, partners, and customers – with a clear goal of creating startup success stories and accelerating co-innovation.