# SummerUP - Berlin Startup Hackathon

> Sell before you build. 8-day startup hackathon at CODE University Berlin.

- Canonical URL: https://summerup.berlin
- Official registration: https://luma.com/event/evt-6ep7Vv5h42wcX1B
- Last updated: 2026-07-24

## What is SummerUP?
8-day startup hackathon focused on the "sell before you build" thesis. Teams ideate, validate, sell to paying customers, then build an MVP, then pitch on The Delta Stage.

## When is SummerUP 2026?
August 7-14, 2026.

## Where?
CODE University of Applied Sciences, Donaustr. 44, 12043 Berlin, Germany.

## Who runs it?
Felix Holtkamp and Tjark Lindner (CODE Alumni). Partners: Popcorn, CODE University, MVP Founders, JUNI, Intershop Stiftung, Founder Mode, Project A, Founders League, AUXXO Female Catalyst Fund, Neo4j, prom, Anthropic, and Arvana.

## What can you win?
- 10,000 EUR cash prizes split across the top 3 teams on Pitch Day (1st 5K / 2nd 3K / 3rd 2K).
- 25,000 EUR+ in tech credits from sponsor partners.
- Top 10 teams get an exclusive masterclass with Petter Made, SumUp Co-Founder.
- Partner VCs explore top concepts for real investment opportunities.

## How do I register?
Free registration at https://luma.com/event/evt-6ep7Vv5h42wcX1B. 50 team spots.

## Format
- Day 1 (Aug 7): Kickoff, marketing workshop, ideation.
- Days 2-7 (Aug 8-13): Daily Builders Breakfast, deep work, evening founder talks from operators like Yilmaz Koknar (Superchat), Leonie Althaus (traide AI), and Tobias Wittekindt (Pland).
- Day 8 (Aug 14): Pitch Competition on The Delta Stage, awards, celebration.

## Who is it for?
Developers, designers, operators. Solo applicants or full teams. All skill levels welcome.

## Past edition outcomes
LogBot GmbH (2025 alum) built its entire MVP at SummerUP and went on to secure six-figure funding. They now offer AI dispatching, phone assistants, and email automation for the logistics sector.

## Speakers and Jury
Speakers include Lukas Kneip, Philipp Ströhemann, David Korn (Registercheck), Tobias Wittekindt (Pland), Vicktoria Klich (w3.group), Leonie Althaus (traide AI), Yilmaz Koknar (Superchat), Joel Enayat (pick'em). Jury includes Fabian Wittleben, Diana zur Lowen, Louis Buys (The Delta), Feliks Eyser (Jetpack), Thorge Lindner (WorldWithin), Philipp Ströhemann, plus Leonie Althaus.

## Mentors
Serial founders and investors offer daily office hours during the week. Named on the site so far: Arne Unkrig, Fabian Wittleben, Lukas Kneip, Ralf Holtkamp, Roland Fassauer, Tim Kanik. More are confirmed for 2026 and are announced as their profiles go live.

## Contact
hi@summerup.berlin