StartUp Academy – Heilbronn
A week as… an entrepreneur, a founder, a CEO, an inventor, an English speaker.
The date is set – the week becomes bookable through our partner venue, the DJH youth hostel Heilbronn. Enquire here and we will let you know as soon as booking opens there.
Get booking updates- Format
- Overnight camp
- Ages
- Ages 14–17
- Location
- Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg
- Dates
- 29 Aug – 4 Sept 2027
From idea to launch in one week – in English: at the StartUp Academy, teens aged 14 to 17 build their own (practice) start-up. Through idea generation workshops, the Business Model Canvas, design thinking, finance and marketing challenges and urban challenges across Heilbronn, they work towards the big final pitch – complete with a certificate ceremony on the last day. Accommodation at the DJH youth hostel Heilbronn, all meals and materials included.
The concept
Welcome to the StartUp Academy
One idea, one week, one pitch: participants travel the road from first idea to their own mini start-up – through ideation workshops, the Business Model Canvas and design thinking.
In between: marketing challenges, budget games and team missions through the city. Presenting, debating and deciding all happen in English – the language of innovation.
At the final pitch competition everyone stands before the jury – with an idea, a team and a new ease in speaking freely.
- Day oneFinding ideas & founding teams
- All weekCanvas, challenges & city missions
- The finalePitch competition before the jury
What the kids experience
- Idea generation workshops and team founding
- Business Model Canvas and design thinking
- Finance and marketing challenges
- Urban challenges across Heilbronn
- Pitch training with native-speaker trainers
- Big final pitch with a certificate ceremony
- Evening programme and time by the Neckar
Venue & location
English holiday camp in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg
DJH Jugendherberge Heilbronn
The DJH youth hostel Heilbronn sits close to the city centre on the Neckar: multi-bed rooms, full board and group rooms for workshops and pitches – the city is the playing field for the urban challenges.
Dates & booking
- 29 Aug – 4 Sept 2027Get booking updates
What’s included
- Full English programme with our native-speaker trainer team
- Accommodation & meals at the camp venue
- All materials & workshops
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Big final presentation with a certificate
The date is set – the week becomes bookable through our partner venue, the DJH youth hostel Heilbronn. Enquire here and we will let you know as soon as booking opens there.
You’re part of the camp week too
From midweek updates to the big Final Presentation — you won’t miss a thing.
The Final Presentation
On the last day, you’re warmly invited to watch the campers show off what they’ve built over the week — from magical short films to adventure journals, from businesses they’ve launched to the final dance ensemble. Standing up and presenting in English is often the moment their new confidence really shows. Ceremony, snacks and a certificate for every camper included.
Midweek updates
You don’t have to wait until the last day to see what’s going on — our trainers share photos and stories from camp midweek, so you can follow along with what the group is up to almost live.
Frequently asked questions
My child only speaks a little English – is that a problem?
No. Our trainers run the whole day in English but meet every child at their own level: understanding comes first, and speaking follows once it feels safe. Playing, building and rehearsing together, even quieter kids warm up quickly.
Who looks after the kids?
A LevelUp team of native-speaker and international trainers runs the programme and stays with the group throughout the camp week. Midweek we share photos and short updates, and you are warmly invited to the final presentation on the last day.
How are the children accommodated?
In multi-bed rooms at the camp venue, with separate sleeping areas for girls and boys. The LevelUp team stays in the same house all week and is on hand at night too.
What if my child gets homesick?
Our team is around day and night and knows the classic second-evening dip well: closeness, distraction and a full programme usually do the trick. If a child needs more than that, we call you directly and decide together.
How do I register my child?
Right from the booking section on this page – via the booking link or an enquiry. After registering you receive all details on the schedule, packing list and payment.
Questions about this camp?
We are happy to help with the programme, travel and registration.
Ask about this camp