SINGA Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award & Newcomer Solutions Incubator 2026
One connected program for founders building solutions for migration, mobility, and belonging - in NRW.
SINGA Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award & Newcomer Solutions Incubator 2026
One connected program for founders building solutions for migration, mobility, and belonging - in NRW.
Applications for the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award 2026 are closed!
What is the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award?
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award is SINGA Deutschland’s award platform in NRW for founders building solutions shaped by migration, mobility, and belonging. In 2026, it is connected to the SINGA Newcomer Solutions Incubator: teams can join the incubator first and later apply to Rheinpreneur
or apply directly to Rheinpreneur if they are already more advanced.
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award: the public-facing award format with visibility, jury feedback, and prizes
Newcomer Solutions Incubator: the preparatory support program for earlier-stage teams
or apply directly to Rheinpreneur if they are already more advanced.
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award: the public-facing award format with visibility, jury feedback, and prizes
Newcomer Solutions Incubator: the preparatory support program for earlier-stage teams
One Program. Two Ways to Join.
One Program. Two Ways to Join.
Incubator and Rheinpreneur are part of one connected journey. You can join at the stage that fits your experience and goals.
- Start with the Newcomer Solutions Incubator
- Open to everyone
- Workshops, mentoring, peer learning
- Build skills, confidence, and networks
- Test and develop your idea
- Join the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award
- For more advanced teams
- Pitch to experts and community
- Funding, visibility, long-term support
- Open to incubator participants and external applicants
Who Can Join?
Early-Stage Venture
Your project is in the idea, prototype, or MVP stage and is still being developed or tested, with no repeatable revenue model. Early traction and beta customers are welcome.
Solutions for Newcomers
Your solution addresses challenges affecting newcomer and migrant communities, such as inclusion, education, employment, housing, language learning, or belonging.
Team Eligibility
Applications are open everyone (newcomers, locals, and mixed teams).
NRW-Based
Applicants should be based in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) or planning to build and grow their solution in NRW.
Rheinpreneur Timeline
Over 3 months, founders join workshops, mentoring and peer learning sessions across NRW.
May 11
May 11
Rheinpreneur Applications open!
June 5
June 5
Q&A + Rheinpreneur Alumni Talk
Join a live Q&A session and hear firsthand from previous Rheinpreneur participants about their journey, challenges, and key lessons learned.
June 8
June 8
Rheinpreneur Application Close
Selected incubator and external applicants move into the award phase, including application review, final selection, and the public Rheinpreneur event.
June 13-14
June 13-14
12 selected applicants submit a short video
Selected applicants are invited to submit a short (up to 2 min.) video answering the question: Why should you win?
June 22
June 22
Peer Pitch Review
Meet fellow applicants, practice your pitch with experienced coaches, receive valuable feedback, and discover which teams advance to the final stage!
June 23 - July 7
June 23 - July 7
Finalists Pitch Coaching
Selected finalists receive tailored coaching to refine their pitch, strengthen their presentation skills, and prepare for the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award stage.
July 8
July 8
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award 2026
Selected incubator and external applicants move into the award phase, including application review, final selection, and the public Rheinpreneur event.
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
-
Degree of Innovation of Product or Service Solution
- Entrepreneur/Team and Network
- Clear Understanding pf and Attractiveness for a Target Group
- Business Model
- Competition in the Market
- Business Responsibility and Feasibility
Designing Innovation for a World in Movement
A focused edition for founders building solutions shaped by migration, mobility, and belonging — launching in NRW.
What is in for you?
Community & Belonging
Connect with people who understand your journey.
Practical Skills
From idea validation to pitching and fundraising.
Expert Feedback
Get constructive feedback and guidance from experienced founders, mentors, and professionals.
Visibility & Funding
As a finalist of Rheinpreneur, you’ll have the opportunity to present your idea to a wider audience - gaining visibility, recognition, and new opportunities.
Our Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award Prizes
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award is the final public-facing format of the overall journey. Finalists receive visibility, expert feedback, and the chance to win financial prizes.
1st Prize
10.000€
2nd Prize
7.500€
3rd Prize
5.000€
Audience Prize
5.000€
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award 2026:
Process Overview
Process Overview
Two connected formats. One shared journey.
1
1
Start with the Newcomer Solutions Incubator (Optional)
Take part in our workshops, community sessions, and mentoring formats to explore your idea, connect with others, and build strong foundations. No matter your background or experience level — you’re welcome.
2
2
Develop Your Solution
Work on your impact, business model, and pitch with support from experts, peers, and our community. Turn lived experience and ideas into practical solutions.
3
3
Apply to Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award
Apply for the Rheinpreneur Award — whether you joined the Incubator or are coming in independently with a more advanced project. Both paths are equally welcome.
4
4
Grow Through Capacity-Building Workshops
Teams take part in focused trainings, coaching sessions, and pitch preparation. We help you sharpen your story, strengthen your strategy, and get ready for the next stage.
5
5
Jury Review & Final Selection
A diverse jury evaluates projects based on impact, feasibility, innovation, and team strength.
6
6
Award & Growth
Celebrate your journey, gain visibility, access funding, and continue growing within the SINGA community and partner network.
IMPACT & LEGACY
Learning from 2025
Our first edition showed what happens when people feel seen, supported, and trusted.
Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award 2025 Impact Report
Relive the Rheinpreneur Moment
Experience the energy, emotion, and inspiration of the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Award. From powerful pitches to personal stories – these videos capture what this event is truly about.
Rheinpreneur 2025 – Recap
A celebration of courage, community, and newcomer innovation!
This short video captures the energy, warmth, and powerful stories from the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Startup Award 2025 in Düsseldorf. From inspiring pitches to meaningful connections — this is what inclusive entrepreneurship looks like.
This short video captures the energy, warmth, and powerful stories from the Rheinpreneur Newcomer Startup Award 2025 in Düsseldorf. From inspiring pitches to meaningful connections — this is what inclusive entrepreneurship looks like.
Belonging Builds the Future – Voices from Rheinpreneur 2025
Behind every business idea is a human story. At Rheinpreneur 2025, we witnessed what happens when people are seen, supported, and celebrated.
This video is a tribute to newcomer entrepreneurs who are shaping the future – with courage, resilience, and vision.
At SINGA, we believe migration drives innovation. And when people feel they belong, they can truly thrive.
Join the SINGA movement.
This video is a tribute to newcomer entrepreneurs who are shaping the future – with courage, resilience, and vision.
At SINGA, we believe migration drives innovation. And when people feel they belong, they can truly thrive.
Join the SINGA movement.
Impressions from Rheinpreneur 2025
A look back at an unforgettable day. Explore moments of connection, celebration, and community – and meet the people behind the ideas.
RHEINPRENEUR WINNERS
Get inspired from previous Rheinpreneur winners and their business ideas!
SINGA Newsletter
Subscribe to our email newsletter for useful tips and valuable resources, sent out every month
Meet our Rheinpreneur 2026 Jury
We are so proud to have these amazing experts on board with us!
- Sophia TranSophia is Founder & CEO of Spotlight!, Tech Influencer, and one of the most active voices in Germany’s startup and innovation ecosystem. As NRW State Spokesperson for the German Startup Association and a member of the advisory board for the Young Digital Economy NRW, she works closely with founders, investors, and technology leaders. Through her work as a speaker and moderator at leading conferences across Europe, Sophia champions innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity in tech.
- Nicole KaruvallilNicole is Managing Director of TechHub.K67, a startup hub dedicated to supporting innovation, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurial growth in the Düsseldorf region. She is also the founder of her own recruitment company, connecting international talent with opportunities across borders. As a mentor for women with a migration background, Nicole actively supports career development and brings together technology, community, and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Martina LarteyMartina is a business consultant specializing in social entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation, with a focus on diversity and social change. As Program and Community Manager at AiDiA, Germany’s largest business and culture event, she guides startups from idea to investor pitch. Known for her strategic insight and strong network, Martina supports founders aiming to create meaningful impact.
- Eugenia GaginEugenia is co-founder of dentalheld.de and a board member of StartupDorf e.V. She is a passionate networker and regularly shares her own start-up experience as a mentor or speaker. As part of her work at StartupDorf, she brings together various stakeholders from the start-up scene in NRW, true to the motto ‘connecting the dots’.
Meet our team
Contact our Project Lead!
-
Izabella Neves de MoraisIzabella Neves de Morais is a Project Lead with 15 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising & Publicity, a Master’s in Service Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Social Innovation Management.
She has five years of experience in the financial sector and two years leading EU-funded programmes. With expertise in the Latin American, European, UAE, and Indian markets, she has managed high-impact global projects, large-scale startup events, and equity product development. As a teacher, speaker, and mentor, she specialises in developing scalable solutions for immigrant women and international communities with an impact-focused approach.
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Get to know us and our Partner
Get to know SINGA Deutschland and our partnership with TARGOBANK, united by a shared vision of innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
-
SINGA Deutschland was founded in 2016 to create meaningful connections between newcomers and locals and shift the paradigm of migration. Today we have devoted our work to building impactful, ground-breaking, and sustainable solutions for inclusive societies and innovative economies. -
We are proud to have TARGOBANK as our key funding partners. With a strong commitment to financial support and innovation, TARGO Bank empowers businesses and individuals with tailored banking solutions. Their dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth aligns with our mission to support emerging startups and visionary projects.
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