The START Program opens at the beginning of each academic year and lasts for 8 months.
Successful graduates of the START program can continue developing their idea in the UPCELERATE Program. It lasts for one year, and startups have the option to rent office space at the University Centre.
About the START Program
The main goal of the START program is to test the entrepreneurial potential of your idea and help you find the right direction to further develop it — so that you can turn an innovative concept into a sustainable business.
When and how to Apply to the Program?
The START program opens every autumn and runs for 8 months. The number of spots is limited to a maximum of 20 projects, selected by an evaluation committee based on a thorough assessment of all submitted applications.
You can apply with your idea by filling out the application form.
Benefits of the Program
Participants in the 8-month START program receive:
- Workshops that will help you take your idea to the next level
- Mentoring sessions with industry experts from various fields
- Free access to a new coworking space in the center of Bratislava
- The opportunity to receive up to €1,000 by presenting your idea at a startup pitch event
- Intensive support and consultations from the STU Incubator team
- Networking opportunities and introductions to people from the startup community
Who is the Program for?
The START program is open to applicants who:
- Have entrepreneurial ambitions
- Have an idea they want to turn into a real product
- Already have a prototype or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and want to validate it
The only condition for joining the STU University Technology Incubator is that at least one team member must be affiliated with STU (a student, PhD student, graduate, or employee).
What is the Cost of Participating in the Program?
All services provided by the STU University Technology Incubator within the START program are free of charge. However, it is your idea and your project — your main investment in the program will be your time and effort dedicated to its development.
Program Structure and Activities
The START program timeline follows the STU academic year and lasts 8 months.
The foundation of the program is intensive collaboration — participants meet every two weeks for workshops, consultations, or joint sessions.
The program consists of two main parts:
The first phase includes workshops on topics such as: The first part concludes with an Idea Pitch event, where participants present their projects to a panel of experts and receive professional feedback. Before the start of the second phase, based on the evaluation of each project’s viability and team effectiveness, the most promising projects will be selected by an expert jury to continue in the second part of the START program. The workshops in this phase focus on topics such as: The entire program concludes with the final Startup Pitch event in May, where participants present their projects to a panel of investors and industry experts.
About the UPCELERATE Program
A pilot 4-month acceleration program designed for those who already have a functioning company and want to achieve rapid and sustainable growth.
Who is the Program for?
The only condition for joining the UPCELERATE program is that at least one team member must be affiliated with STU (a student, PhD student, graduate, or employee) and that the team already has an established company.
Benefits of the Program
- You’ll move forward with your company and learn how to solve real business challenges.
- You’ll gain entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in growth strategy and short-term implementation planning.
- You’ll learn how to present your company based on customer needs and market understanding.
- You’ll become part of a university-based startup community of founders, customers, partners, and investors!
And what else?
- Connections to potential customers from our network (including large companies)
- Access to investors and investment opportunities
- Free use of coworking space in the city center during the program
- Opportunity to rent office space in the center at member rates
- Access to our network of mentors and personal consultations with them
- Becoming part of a vibrant startup community!
Program Structure and Activities
Business Fundamentals & Strategy
We help startups refine their business model, set short- and long-term goals, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Funding & Investment
We provide an overview of financing options — from venture capital, convertible loans, and private investors to public grants and funds.
Product & Sales Strategy
We support startups in creating effective growth strategies, pricing models, and sales funnels based on real-world experience.
Presentation Skills & Pitching
We train startups in professional communication, negotiation, and preparation of sales and investor pitch decks.
Tailored Individual Support
We provide one-on-one mentoring in areas such as market analysis, growth strategy, pricing, and customer engagement, based on each team’s needs.
Pitch Deck Creation & Mockups
We assist with the development of sales and investor presentations, including practical mockup sessions focused on clarity and persuasion.
Networking & Matchmaking
We organize meetings with STU representatives, partners, and other startups to encourage collaboration and experience sharing.
