Hey LinkedIn-Subs!
Bartosz Kajdas
Science-Tech Venture Building Expert ? B2B-Pitchtrainer ? Author @Springer Verlag ? Podcaster
I hope you're all well and had a fantastic Halloween yesterday! Today is “All Saints Day” (Allerheiligen), so if you're lucky enough to have a day off, I hope you enjoy it! Not all German states have a holiday today, but for those that do, it's a nice break at the end of the week. As we approach the end of the year, I'd like to share with you some exciting news I've received:
It’s messages like the one I got from Arina from DeepFile ?? that keep me fired up. She wrote:?
"Thanks to your tip we have made top10 of the Innovationspreis Berlin-Brandenburg".?
That’s exactly what this newsletter is here for – to fuel your growth with the right connections, funding sources, and resources to push your vision forward.
In this edition, I’ve done a deep dive into some high-stakes competitions, and here’s a little insider scoop: I’m one of the few people who can nominate startups for the Deutscher Gründerpreis next year. If you think you or your team fit one of their categories, be sure to check the link below.
And you’ll find a few killer competitions listed below, and all you have to do is click the buttons. These will direct you to the forms. No fluff, just action.?
If you’re serious about getting non-dilutive grant money to grow your business, this is your chance. Don’t waste it.
Remember: this newsletter is all about execution. If you’re not taking action, you’re just reading. Reading doesn’t make you money. Taking action does.
Let’s go. Bartosz
P.S. Invite your friends (– https://www.pitch-competition-alert.com). If they’re not here, they’re missing out. And yeah, feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or shoot me an email if you’ve got questions.
Learn more about the PCA- Community
DeepFile
We are team DeepFile, your semantic search for documents that are too sensitive for ChatGPT.?
We came across the Innovationspreis Berlin-Brandenburg through Bartosz’s July newsletter. We applied, and wow—we made it to the TOP 10! Our advice for fellow founders is to always have a short description of your startup ready, never skip reading the monthly Pitch Competition Alert, and seize the opportunities Bartosz uncovers!
What's coming up in this Newsletter
Finest Pitch-Pick Competitions
Don't Miss These Competitions (LIST)
Content From Me!
Finest Pitch-Pick Competition
Deutscher Gründerpreis?
Name of the Competition: Deutscher Gründerpreis (German Entrepreneur Award) 2025 .
Aim: The Deutscher Gründerpreis is an initiative to celebrate and support exemplary entrepreneurship in Germany. It highlights innovative, successful businesses with high growth potential and entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to foster economic growth and acknowledge outstanding business achievements across different phases.
Sponsors/Supporters: The award is supported by the German Sparkassen- und Giroverband (German Savings Banks Finance Group), representing significant support from the financial sector in Germany. Additional partners include prominent industry players (like Porsche AG )?and the media (like stern and ZDF ), ensuring broad recognition and a supportive network for awardees.
Focus: The competition emphasizes key growth and impact stages for startups:
Areas Covered: Broad focus across sectors, accommodating industries such as technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and services, particularly highlighting innovations in growth and market leadership.
Eligibility:
Prize Fund: The Deutscher Gründerpreis provides extensive recognition and networking support for winners, including media exposure, mentorship, and connection opportunities within a broad industry network, though no direct cash prize is specified.
Selection Process: Participants are assessed on criteria specific to each category:
Applications are submitted online, evaluated based on both quantitative and qualitative metrics.
Deadline for Application: 15.11.2024?is the final date for submission for the 2025 award cycle.
Application Instructions: Applications are submitted at this Google-Forms.
Applications should include all required eligibility details to ensure consideration.
My Comment: I was this year at the award-winning ceremony, and it was amazing! Great show and opportunity to connect and expand your network!?
Don't Miss These Competitions & Events
Alright, let's start with amazing opportunities!
:-)
Rheinland Pitch Winterfinale 2024
Get ready for the Rheinland-Pitch Winter Finale, Germany’s largest pitch event, happening on December 12 in Cologne! This year, startups will compete in three categories:?
showcasing their innovative ideas in front of a combined jury and audience vote. Each category finalist has five minutes to pitch, with winners chosen for their impact and creativity.?
Startups participating in Rheinland-Pitch gain valuable feedback, meet potential investors, and build connections across the startup scene. If you’re a startup eager to make your mark, apply by November 29 for a chance to participate in this inspiring event.?
Don’t miss out—get ready to pitch, network, and propel your journey!
Deadline: 29.11.2024
My Comment:?Rheinland-Pitch has an easy application process. Give it a try!
Pitch Me! (Pitching in German only)
Join for Pitch Me!, a vibrant pitch event for innovative startups and business ideas from Berlin-Brandenburg. Held in partnership with the Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg, this event offers founders a unique opportunity to test their ideas in front of investors. Each pitch is limited to five minutes and should address key aspects: team, problem statement, solution or technology, market entry strategy, competition, and unique value proposition. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your potential, gain valuable feedback, and make connections within the startup ecosystem. Apply now to secure your spot for the November 14 event and get ready to impress—your breakthrough idea could be next in the spotlight
Deadline: 04.11.2024!
My Comment: This event is in German only, but the next event on 12.02.25 will be in English!?
BPW Competition?
The Businessplan-Wettbewerb Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW) offers aspiring entrepreneurs in Berlin and Brandenburg a structured pathway to refine and validate their business ideas. With three competition phases, founders can submit either a full business plan or a Business Model Canvas, each reviewed confidentially by industry experts. Each phase offers increasing prize money—starting at €10,000 in Phase 1 (deadline: November 19, 2024), €15,000 in Phase 2 (deadline: February 18, 2025), and €20,000 in Phase 3 (deadline: May 20, 2025).
Deadline: 19.11.2024!
My Comment: This competition is for all start-up around Berlin and/or Brandenburg!
The FEMALE FOUNDERS CUP 2024
The FEMALE FOUNDERS CUP 2024 is open for applications! This empowering pitch competition, organized by the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, aims to elevate the visibility of women entrepreneurs and their innovations within Baden-Württemberg’s economy. Women founders and startups with at least 50% female leadership—established within the last five years—are invited to present their ideas to a jury and audience on December 16 in Esslingen. Apply by November 30, 2024, for this opportunity to showcase your business, gain recognition, and connect with industry leaders. Don’t miss your chance to join this inspiring platform for female-driven innovation!
Deadline for application: 30.11.2024
My Comment: If you match the criteria, go for it!
Grant Option in NRW
Ok, back to Nordrhein-Westphalia.
About the Energie.IN.NRW Program: The "Energie.IN.NRW" innovation competition provides funding for SMEs in partnership with universities and research institutions to develop sustainable energy, industrial, and construction solutions. Part of the EFRE/JTF Program NRW 2021-2027, it supports projects that align with North Rhine-Westphalia's goal of becoming a leader in climate-friendly innovation. A total of €105 million is available to support these initiatives.
The Elevator Pitch Region Heilbronn-Franken 2024
The Elevator Pitch Region Heilbronn-Franken 2024 is calling all Baden-Württemberg startups! On November 19, founders will take the stage at the IHK Heilbronn-Franken , pitching their innovative business ideas to a jury and live audience. Hosted with the Campus Founders, this event offers a competitive platform where the top three teams will be awarded prizes, and the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the statewide Start-up BW Elevator Pitch finals for 2024/2025. Applications are open until November 8, 12:00 PM, for pitch participants. Spectators are welcome to attend for free, with registration open until November 12. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your idea, connect with other innovators, and gain exposure for your startup!
Deadline: 08.11.2024
My comment:?This is a regional event. Be sure, that you match the criteria
2025 Startup Alley Application
Apply now for the 2025 ABA Techshow Startup Alley (Chicago) to showcase your legal tech innovation in front of industry leaders at this premier event, held April 2-5, 2025. Selected startups will compete in a live pitch competition on opening night, with audience voting to determine the winner. To qualify, your startup must be under five years old, serve legal professionals, and show measurable traction. The top 15 finalists gain discounted exhibit space, featured listings in legal tech directories, and media exposure on platforms like LawSites and Above the Law. The winning pitch secures a 10x10 booth for the 2026 TECHSHOW, valuable media credits, and more. Submit your application by December 13, 2024—no extensions, so act fast to join this influential gathering!
Deadline: 13.12.2024
My comment:?This is a great opportunity for all legal tech start-ups. If you want to travel to the US next year, maybe this is the perfect occasion for you
SXSW Pitch
Get ready for the SXSW Pitch 2025, a premier global showcase of cutting-edge startup technology, happening during SXSW from March 7-15 in Austin, Texas! Now in its 17th year, SXSW Pitch invites startups to present groundbreaking innovations across diverse categories like AgTech, HealthTech, Extended Reality, Smart Cities, and more. Early adopters, industry experts, and VC/Angel investors will be among the audience, offering startups unparalleled exposure. Apply by November 3, 2024, to join this prestigious event. The competition is open to startups with products or services launched post-January 2022 and under $10M in funding. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your startup on a world stage—submit your application soon!
Deadline: 03.11.2024
My comment: It's the second time I mentioned this event. In my previous newsletter I wrote to you, that there are political initiatives that helps you get a booth or discounts to this event. Go check my previous newsletter or write me.
In case you missed my content
Revolutionary Stretchable EL Lamp: X-TENSE Pitch at Heilbronn Slush'D 2024!
#80 | Dein Unternehmen w?chst mit dir – Pers?nlichkeitsentwicklung als Schlüssel
Meet Tim Jefferys | Co-Founder ZENARIS | Elevator Pitch
Meet Maja from SimulAir
I was interviewed by Dennis Niederhagen & Harald Holzer about Competitions (German only)
DigitalValley?? - Seed Talk · Episode
Would you help someone you've never met, if it didn't cost you money, but you never got credit for it?
If so, I have a favor to ask. Many founders out there are struggling to build their businesses. Sometimes, by participating in a pitch competition, these founders not only have a chance to win prize money but also gain trust, self-confidence, and belief in their own ideas.
Please help me reach these founders by sharing this newsletter with them. Use the pre-written email below—just click on it, and you can use the text in the mailto link.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Share this newsletter and signup www.pitch-competition-alert.com
See You Next Month!
I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next month! :)
Best,
Bartosz
About Pitch-Competition-Alert
Pitch-Competition-Alert is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.
Entrepreneur, Venture Analyst & Consultant
4 周Thank you for putting together this brilliant pitch competition alert Bartosz —it's got to be THE NEWSLETTER we look forward to most every month. Cannot recommend it enough ??
Empowering CEOs and Government leaders with AI tools and Networks of Expos to: ?Drive digital transformation ?Monetize their digital assets to boost revenue and funding ?Expand market reach ?Accelerate SDGs and CSR goals
4 周Excellent work Bartosz