C3 - Campus Competition Cologne
The competition for Start-ups from Cologne's universities
The Fast Lane for your Start-up
Apply to the C3 Campus Competition Cologne, the competition for Start-ups from Cologne’s universities.
Your chance to take your team and yourself straight to the next level:
- Wildcards for the Gateway Factory Accelerator
- Wildcards for Campus Capital’s Investment Committee
- Prize packages for growth and visibility
- Plus: Networking & pitch training
Here’s what to expect at the C3 Competition
3 Ways to Win:
Category 1: Wildcards for the Gateway Factory Accelerator
The two strongest DeepTech teams will receive direct access to the Gateway Factory’s accelerator program. This opens up the opportunity to further develop their Start-up in a targeted manner, tap into new growth potential, and take the next step toward scaling up.
Category 2: Wildcards for the Campus Capital Investment Committee
Two wildcards will be awarded for a pitch to the Campus Capital Investment Committee - including personalized preparation coaching. This allows you to skip two stages of the selection process and present your startup directly to the decision-makers for a potential investment.
Category 3: Prize Packages for Growth and Visibility
Our attractive prize packages help you raise awareness of your business and continue to grow it. These include, among other things, presentation spaces at renowned Cologne startup events, exclusive workshop sessions, and free workspaces.
Additionally:
A Strong Network
Interacting with entrepreneurs and industry experts at the final event leads to valuable connections and new perspectives. The C3 Competition offers you the opportunity to build partnerships, share experiences, and become part of a strong innovation network.
Expertise & Valuable Feedback
Submissions are evaluated by an experienced jury and the Start-up coaches from the Gateway universities. This provides participants with constructive feedback, valuable insights, and practical ideas for further developing their business models.
Professional Pitch Training
The eight finalist teams participate in an intensive pitch training session before the finals. This session helps them refine their presentation skills and ensures they are fully prepared to present their business ideas convincingly and effectively to the jury as well as to potential investors.
Application
The application period for the C3 Competition runs from June 29, 2026, until the submission deadline on August 9.
You can apply using the application form.
You can find all the details in the FAQs.
We look forward to innovative ideas, strong teams, and exciting business models.
Important Dates
July 29
C3 Special Sundowner – Networking Event (not mandatory)
August 9
Deadline for submitting the Read Deck
Calendar Weeks 34
Selection interviews with the teams
August 28
Announcement of the finalist teams
August 31
Pitch training 1/3 (30-minute call for the presenter(s))
September 4
Pitch training 2/3
September 11
Pitch training 3/3
September 17
C3 Final Event*
*Note: The pitch event will be held in German
Campus Competition Cologne - Finals 2025
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Who is the Gateway C3 best suited for?
You can apply as a solo founder or with your team.
You have already validated your idea and are ready to create a business plan or a detailed pitch deck.
You plan to enter the market and/or launch your startup in the near future, or you have recently done so.
What prizes will be awarded in the C3 in 2026?
Category 1:
2 Wildcards for the Gateway Factory Accelerator (DeepTech startups only)
Category 2:
2 Wildcards for a pitch to the Campus Capital Investment Committee, including a preparation workshop
Category 3:
2 packages; details to be finalized
1. xDeck “Ask Me Anything” workshop session,
Exhibition booth at Gründertag,
Workstation in the Workspace (University of Cologne)
2. xDeck “Ask Me Anything” workshop session,
Booth at STARTUPLAND
What are the eligibility requirements?
General:
At least one member of the team must be a student, researcher, staff member, or graduate of a university in Cologne.
Prize: Wildcard Gateway Factory Accelerator
Deep Tech*:
- The solution is based on a genuine scientific or technological innovation.
- The development is technically challenging and requires substantial research, development, or engineering work.
- The technology is a core component of the business model.
*Note: At least 2 of the 3 criteria listed must be met.
Prize: Wildcard for a pitch to the Investment Committee
- No incorporation of a corporation or revenue generated before August 30, 2025
Prize: Visibility Package
- No incorporation before August 30, 2025 (Prize: Workspace)
- No investment of 500K or more (Prize: Workspace)
By submitting your application, you agree to mandatory participation in all scheduled events (see “Important Dates”).
When can I/can we apply?
The application period for the 2026 competition runs from June 29 to August 9, 2026.
Please apply only using the application form provided on this page.
What is being evaluated?
• Clarity of your pitch deck
• Presentation of the problem and your solution
• Idea, innovation, and business model
• Scalability and growth potential
• Market and competition
• Team
• Chances of success and next steps
A maximum of eight teams will have the opportunity to participate in the final event.
How can I/we apply?
Fill out the application form and upload your complete application materials (including the read deck and logo).
You can find information on how to structure your read deck and a fact sheet with all relevant details under “Application Documents” further up on this page.
If you encounter any problems, please contact us at: c3@gateway-unikoeln.de
Once we’ve reviewed all applications after the submission deadline on August 9, 2026, we’ll get back to you.
We would like to thank our premium partners for their support:
We would like to thank the following for providing the prizes:
Do you have any concerns or questions about the C3 competition?
If so, please send us an email: c3@gateway-unikoeln.de
Contact person:
