Most university career fairs are a mess. You print 50 resumes, wait in line at generic booths, and leave with a tote bag full of branded pens you’ll never use.
MATCHUP is trying something different. On February 10, 2026, a curated group of just over 100 students will meet venture-backed startups in Berlin for what’s essentially speed dating for internships. No booth crawling. No resume black holes.
What Makes This Different From Regular Career Fairs
The format flips the usual dynamic. Instead of students pitching themselves at booths, startup founders present their companies and open roles in 5-minute pitch sessions, thinc! reverse recruiting.
After that, it’s structured networking. The emphasis is on actual conversations, not collecting business cards you’ll never follow up on.
Here’s what stands out:
- Application-based admission (not open-door)
- Focus exclusively on internships and early-career roles
- Strong European mix – students from Oxford, Bocconi, St. Gallen, Mannheim, TUM, ETH and Cambridge
The entire thing is organized by thinc!, a 25-year-old student entrepreneurship group from the University of Mannheim. They’re partnering with Creandum (a top-tier European VC) and five.degrees (a leading hiring startup).
Who This Is Actually For
MATCHUP targets students in business, tech, and AI-related fields who want startup experience. If you’re looking for traditional corporate internships at Siemens or Deutsche Bank, this isn’t your event.
The vetting process matters here. Every applicant gets reviewed to ensure quality matching between students and startups. It’s not about volume – it’s about fit.
International students are explicitly encouraged to apply, which is worth noting since many German recruiting events still skew heavily local.
The Timing Question
Applications close January 22, 2026 (applications submitted after this date will be added to the waiting list), with decisions by the end of January. That’s a tight turnaround, but it also means less waiting around wondering if you’re in.
The event itself happens at The Delta Campus in Berlin – a startup hub that’s become a legitimate address in the European ecosystem.
Why This Model Might Spread
Student-run recruiting events aren’t new, but the execution here is tighter than most. The partnership structure (student org + VC + hiring tech) creates built-in quality filters that typical university career services can’t match.
Startups get pre-vetted candidates who actually want to work at startups. Students get direct access to founding teams, not just HR reps reading from a script.
If it works, expect more variations of this model across European university hubs.
Key Details
- 📅 Date: February 10, 2026
- 📍 Location: The Delta Campus, Berlin
- 🤝 Partners: thinc! × Creandum × five.degrees
- 🎯 Focus: Startup internships and early-career roles
- ⏰ Application deadline: January 22, 2026 (applications submitted after this date will be placed on the waiting list)
- 💰 Cost: Free
- 🔗 Registration: Sign Up
What To Do If You’re Interested
Check if you fit the profile: European university student or recent grad in business, tech, or AI fields with genuine startup interest.
Applications are free and close January 22 (applications submitted after this date will be placed on the waiting list). Given the review process, apply earlier rather than later.
If you’re not in the target group but work in startup recruiting, watch how this plays out. The format addresses real problems with early-stage talent matching that most platforms still haven’t solved.
