News
Update on registration and invitation to Hack the StackWritten on 11.11.25 by Sven Bugiel Dear all, Second, on behalf of the CISPA Tech Transfer Team, we invite you to Hack the Stack – CISPA’s upcoming cybersecurity hackathon, which… Read more Dear all, Second, on behalf of the CISPA Tech Transfer Team, we invite you to Hack the Stack – CISPA’s upcoming cybersecurity hackathon, which is backed by real industry challenges from DocuWare and offers an opportunity to turn an idea into a startup and to pitch to DocuWare. We uploaded the full agenda to the "Misc" category in the course materials on CMS. When: November 14–16, 2025
Four real-world cybersecurity challenges:
For your students (Hackers & Makers): ✓ Fully equipped workspaces and all-day catering ✓ Pitch opportunity to DocuWare management ✓Potential for startup ideation and launch
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LSF RegistrationWritten on 04.11.25 by Sven Bugiel Dear all, apparently the LSF had issues but registration should now be possible. Given the deadline at Nov 07, please register as soon as possible if you intend to participate. |
New lecture slot: Wednesdays 10-12Written on 28.10.25 by Sven Bugiel Dear all, please note that due to logistical reasons, we have had to shift the lecture slot to Wednesdays, 10:15-11:45. The schedule has been updated accordingly. Please consider this change before signing up. The course should also be visible in LSF by the end of the week for mandatory registration,… Read more Dear all, please note that due to logistical reasons, we have had to shift the lecture slot to Wednesdays, 10:15-11:45. The schedule has been updated accordingly. Please consider this change before signing up. The course should also be visible in LSF by the end of the week for mandatory registration, which will remain open until November 7. |
Kick-off slides and Discord server link in CMSWritten on 21.10.25 by Sven Bugiel The slides and the discord link are in the Materials section on CMS. |
Kick-off via ZoomWritten on 20.10.25 by Sven Bugiel Dear all, Best, |
New date for kick-offWritten on 10.10.25 by Sven Bugiel Please note that the kick-off will take place Oct 21. |
Overview
Students learn to develop a business idea from current research topics, refine it in a market-oriented manner, and pitch it to experts as a mock-up with the aim of demonstrating a proof of concept that can lead to the development of a prototype and subsequent start-up. This Launchpad course lays the groundwork for the following IT Founder’s Lab courses Bootcamp and Accelerator, where students will implement their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and pitch to investors/experts.
Students attend a series of lectures (by the lecturers and guests; attendance is mandatory) to eventually develop a business idea in the field of computer science with the aim of founding a company based on it. Lecture topics include
- developing a business idea
- current research topics that could be turned into a business
- rapid prototyping
- writing a business plan
- pitching a business idea
- experience reports from founders
The business idea should incorporate current research topics in a marketable manner; it is developed and refined by the students during the project with the assistance of lecturers and technology transfer experts.
Submissions and Grading
During the course, students submit four results that determine the final grade:
Part 1 – Summaries (25% of final grade)
Written summaries of the lectures offered by the guests and lecturers.
Part 2 – Initial business plan (25% of final grade)
An initial business plan that covers the following areas:
Idea: What is the objective of the company/project? What is the innovative character of the service and product portfolio? Which characteristics give the product or service a unique position?
Team: How is the project team composed? What complementary skills does the founding team have?
Market and Competition: Is the addressed market big enough? What are the success factors in the market? What role do innovation and technical progress play? Which companies are competitors within the market?
Business Model: How is your service new and useful?
Marketing and Sales: What sales (volume) and turnover (value) is the planned company aiming for?
Part 3 – Mock-up (25% of final grade)
A mock-up, wireframe, or prototype that describes the idea from a customer’s perspective.
Part 4 – Sales pitch (25% of final grade)
Presentation of the business idea and mock-up to a jury. The jury comprises lecturers, other examiners, and, if applicable, guests from technology transfer and industry. The presentation should persuade potential investors to invest in the business idea. Annotated slides and the initial business plan must be available to the jury before the sales pitch.
Schedule of the Lectures
This lecture occurs every Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:45 in CISPA C0, room 0.05.
| Date | Presenter | Topic / Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 21 | Sven Bugiel and Andreas Zeller |
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| Nov 26 | ||
| Dec 03 | ||
| Dec 10 | ||
| Dec 17 | ||
| Jan 07 | ||
| Jan 14 | ||
| Jan 21 | ||
| Jan 28 | ||
| Feb 04 |