Summer School for Diverse Startups
A programme by SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator
A free one-week programme in Leipzig of workshops, one-to-one coaching and a public pitch event, for teams with at least one member from a diverse background.
At a glance
| Best for | Teams with at least one member from a diverse background, in any topic, who can be in Leipzig for one week. |
|---|---|
| Duration | One week |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
| Run with | HHL Digital Space, City of Leipzig |
About Summer School for Diverse Startups
The Summer School is run with HHL Digital Space. It is a one-week programme in Leipzig, in English, with German possible. SpinLab takes no shares and no fees.
What you get
- Workshops and one-to-one coaching during the week.
- A public pitch event, where teams compete for the Digital Award given by the City of Leipzig.
Who can apply
- Teams with at least one member from an underrepresented or diverse background.
- A concrete business idea. A registered company is not required.
- At least one team member in Leipzig for the week. SpinLab accepts applications from all over Europe and does not say whether teams from other regions can apply.
How selection works: Teams are chosen from the applications. SpinLab does not describe the process in more detail.
How to apply: Apply on the F6S startup platform with a questionnaire and a pitch deck or a pitch video of up to 120 seconds. Questions go to summerschool@spinlab.co. The 2026 edition has taken place. The 2027 week is listed for 19 to 23 July 2027 and the application deadline has not been announced, so the programme is not open now.
Where to apply
Other SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator programmes
- SpinLab Startup Acceleration ProgramA hybrid accelerator in Leipzig for technology startups in energy, smart city and eHealth, with no fee and no equity; the January 2027 class closes for applications on 8 October 2026.
- Alumni Growth MembershipA paid membership for graduates of the SpinLab accelerator, covering coaching, investor introductions, events and workspace bookings. Not for new applicants.
- Landing PadA market-entry service for startups sent to Germany by a foreign region or institution. It is arranged with the institution and is not an open application for individual founders.