BW Startup Award 2025: stage, prize money and strong networks for courageous founders

The BW Startup Award is one of the central competition formats for promoting innovative start-ups in Baden-Württemberg. The program is aimed at start-ups in the early company phase and combines financial support with targeted access to networks, experts and visibility in the state's start-up ecosystem.

Part of Venture Day - a stage for strong ideas

The competition is organized as part of Venture Day, an established event of the Finance Accelerator that brings together startups, investors, industry experts and other business-related players. The focus is on promoting business ideas with high potential for scaling and social or technological relevance.

Who can take part? - Criteria & selection process

Start-ups in the pre-seed or seed phase that are still at an early stage of development are eligible to participate. We are looking for concepts with an innovative approach, strong start-up expertise and a clearly recognizable strategy for market development. The finalists are selected by an independent jury made up of experts from business, investment and start-up consulting. Decisive criteria include the degree of innovation, feasibility, market potential and team structure.

Pitch, prize money & mentoring - this is what the award offers

The selected startup will have the opportunity to pitch on stage at the Finance Summit and win prize money of 10,000 euros, which can be used flexibly for the further development of the project. In addition, the winners receive access to a mentoring program that is individually tailored to the needs of the respective start-up teams. Contents include business model development, financing, go-to-market strategy and entrepreneurial growth. In addition, the teams benefit from qualified feedback and are integrated into an active network of experts, investors and startup funding institutions.

More than just a prize - a sustainable funding instrument

The BW Startup Award therefore serves not only as an award, but also as a long-term funding instrument. The combination of financial support, strategic mentoring and targeted networking creates concrete growth opportunities for the participating startups. The regional economy also benefits by gaining access to new technologies, digital business models and innovative solutions.

Apply now and shape the future

The BW Startup Award makes young startups visible and strengthens Baden-Württemberg as a place for new ideas. The program promotes sustainable entrepreneurship and underlines the importance of structured funding offers for future-oriented economic development.

Apply now at: Events - Finance Accelerator