3 Day Startup FAQ.
Straight answers.

3 Day Startup (3DS) is a non-profit, student-run founders bootcamp at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar, Germany. Twelve teams spend three days developing an idea, business model, and MVP with experienced mentors, then pitch to a jury of investors and founders. Mentor support continues after the event ends.

Yes. 3 Day Startup @ WHU has run at WHU since 2011. It is organised by a student team and runs once a year. The next edition is January 22-24, 2027 at WHU in Vallendar, Germany. Applications are open through our Luma page.

No. The US-based 3 Day Startup nonprofit started at the University of Texas in 2008 and ceased operations in May 2023. 3 Day Startup @ WHU is the founders bootcamp at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany, run by WHU students, and it continues every year.

No. 3 Day Startup is open to students and young professionals from any university and any background. Giving external participants access to the WHU startup network and its alumni mentors is one of the goals of the bootcamp.

No. You can apply with an idea, with a team, or on your own without an idea. We form teams before the event and match people with complementary skills.

In person. All three days take place on the WHU campus at Burgplatz 2, 56179 Vallendar, near Koblenz. Accommodation in Vallendar is included in the 35 EUR fee.

The 2027 edition runs January 22-24, 2027 (Friday to Sunday) at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar, Germany. The campus sits at Burgplatz 2, 56179 Vallendar. Your participation fee includes accommodation.

Anyone with motivation for startups is welcome to apply. We accept participants from many backgrounds: business, computer science, design, mathematics, and natural sciences. You do not need a business idea. We encourage team applications.

Yes. All teams pitch on Day 3. A jury of corporate partners and investors picks a winner on startup viability and business model strength. The winning team gets expert feedback, a chance to pitch to the leadership team of our main sponsor for funding, and legal help to set up the company.

Winners get detailed feedback from the jury and mentors, a chance to pitch to the leadership team of our main sponsor for funding, and legal support to establish a startup. Prize details change each edition.

Participation costs €35 per person. The fee prevents no-shows and covers your accommodation and food during the 72-hour event. You pay it through Luma, the same page you apply on.

Everything runs through Luma: you apply there, and the €35 fee is paid there too.

Yes. We give each participant accommodation in Vallendar. The €35 fee covers your stay, food, and event materials for the full 72 hours.

We encourage preparation. Work through the Business Model Canvas to understand your idea. You will get more out of the mentor sessions. There is no limit on how much you prepare.

We form teams before the event. Apply as a team for a stronger fit between members. If you apply alone, we put you in a team with skills that complement yours.

12 teams join each cohort. We size teams to balance skill diversity with fast decisions. The limit is deliberate. Smaller cohorts give every team more mentor access and better feedback.

Apply through our official Luma page, linked from the Apply page on this website. We ask about your education and motivation, and optionally a Business Model Canvas and pitch deck. The organizing team reviews every submission and contacts you with a decision. The current deadline is shown on the Luma page.

Founders, investors, and operators volunteer their time to work with your team. You meet seven mentors matched to your industry and stage, drawn from our 50+ mentor network. They review your business model and help you prepare your pitch.

Workshops, coaching sessions, team work, and the final pitch fill all three days, evenings included.

Mentor support continues after the event. Past alumni include Bitahoy, Prematch, Eco2Grow, CIMK, and KASKO.

Email us at info@3dsgermany.com. We respond directly.