The Rural Startup Incubators Bootcamp is an international intensive programme bringing together European students help boosting rural and regional innovation through startup incubators.
Rising Stars of our Regions
In the middle of Europe, in the very heart of Germany, lies the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve. Due to its panoramic views, the low mountain range is also called “Land der offenen Ferne” (Engl. land of open horizons). That is where the Bootcamp 2026 takes us this year, to immerse ourselves in a regional challenge far away from the everyday rush of campus life.
At night, the sparsely populated region offers an impressive view of the starry sky. Known as “Sternenpark” (Engl. International Dark Sky Reserve), the region is one of the darkest areas in Germany at night and provides an exceptionally natural and unspoiled night sky.
Fulda itself has been recognized as “Sternenstadt” (Engl. Dark Sky City), the first city in Germany to receive this title. This means that the city consciously reduces light pollution, allowing the stars to remain visible in the city’s night sky. Together with students from all over Europe, we draw inspiration from the starry sky and build on our diverse backgrounds to develop sustainable solutions for a viable Europe of the future.
The stars span the sky above the Rhön without boundaries. Their light illuminates the intersection of the three federal states of Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia in Germany. The Rhön region serves as a compelling backdrop for our Bootcamp. Historically a borderland, it has often been overlooked despite its significant potential for development and cultural enrichment. This area embodies the East-West divide that shaped Europe during the Cold War, and today, it reflects a blend of diverse identities influenced by varying political systems and regional infrastructure.
Europe is currently experiencing a resurgence of nationalist tendencies that threaten to deepen divisions between communities. In this context, the Rhön exemplifies the need for cooperation across former, existing or apparent borders. The stars, which are particularly visible here, serve as an inspiration for boundless creativity and the pursuit of harmony despite differences. Together we shine as guiding stars for a strong and united Europe.
Is the Bootcamp the right event for me?
The answer is simple: Yes! The Bootcamp is open to students from any background and offers you the chance to actively take part in designing the future of Europe. You will experience an innovative and creative working environment with support and motivation from our coaches and external stakeholders where you will learn to develop an idea from a problem into a solution with impact.
You will leave the Bootcamp with a deepened knowledge of design thinking, the Rhön region, new friends from the E³UDRES² partners, and last but not least, a better knowledge of yourself.
Want to find out more about what the student experience in a E³UDRES² Bootcamp is like?
Read our Student Story of Kevin Njondimackal who joined the E³UDRES² Bootcamp 2023 here.
Timeline of the Bootcamp 2026
Apply now for the E³UDRES² Bootcamp 2026!
Join us for the E³UDRES² Bootcamp 2026 and become one of the Rising Stars of our Regions! Applications for the E³UDRES² Bootcamp close on 07 April 2026, 09:00 (CET). ⚠️ For students of UCLL University of Applied Sciences, applications are already closed.
FAQ
What is the E³UDRES² Bootcamp?
The E³UDRES² Bootcamp is a co-creation format, where students from different backgrounds and different countries work together to develop a common solution for current regional challenges under the guidance of mentors and experts. This year, the Bootcamp will take place under the inspiring night sky in the heart of Germany.
How does the Bootcamp work?
This format takes place online and on-site in Germany. Travelling to Germany for the on-site week is necessary.
Applying to participate in the Bootcamp does not guarantee a spot. Your application will be reviewed by your home institution and a final selection of participants will be made.
The full Bootcamp experience comprises the following parts:
Mandatory online session(s) in June & preparational self-study tasks
On-site Bootcamp in Germany where physical participation is compulsory. The event takes place from Monday, 29 June 2026 to Friday 03 July 2026. Participants need to arrive on Sunday 28 June 2026 in Fulda. The Bootcamp starts in Fulda on Monday morning. In the afternoon, all participants will travel together to the Rhön. There, we will spend four days focusing on developing solutions, enjoying nature, and getting to know our fellow students. We will take advantage of the numerous opportunities to explore the Rhön as a balance to the intensive work phases. The event location, where participants will also be accommodated, is about a 45-minute walk from the nearest town.
A Personal Reflection & Team’s Project Report are to be submitted after the on-site Bootcamp is over
Who can participate?
All students from E³UDRES² partner universities can participate – no matter which study programme or background! Also, no prior knowledge is necessary.
What about the costs for attending this event?
Financial support is provided to participants depending on your home institution’s policies. The Bootcamp 2026 will be partially financed through an ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). For more information, please contact your institutional contact persons (see question below)
Sunday-Monday: Participants need to book their own accommodation in Fulda. Rooms are reserved at Hotel Esperanto in Fulda (85€ including breakfast). Participants will receive a booking code after selection.
Monday – Friday: The venue is located in the Rhön region, about a 45-minute walk outside of Bischofsheim in der Rhön. The accommodation from Monday-Friday is fully organised by the host. This accommodation is compulsory for all participants. The rooms are equipped with 2 beds (284 € + small administrative fee) or 4 beds (332€ + small administrative fee) and are separated by gender. The costs for the accommodation (including full board) need to be paid directly by you in cash or EC card at the venue’s reception.
Travel: All travel arrangements must be organised independently by the participants. Start and end point of the programme is Fulda (arrival date: Sunday 28 June; event closing date: Friday 3 July)
I have a specific question. Who can I turn to?
You can reach out to your local E³UDRES² team at your home institution for any questions regarding the Bootcamp. Alternatively, you can also reach us at office@eudres.eu.
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Fulda UAS |
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Vidzeme UAS |
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Saxion UAS |
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USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten |
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Politechnic University of Setúbal |
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Politehnica University Timisoara |
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UC Leuven-Limburg UAS |
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Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
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Jamk UAS |