In search of bio-based, sustainable solutions in industry and society, the startup competition "PlanB — Biobased.Business.Bavaria" is entering its fourth round. Green startups from across Germany with a "Plan B for petroleum" can submit their idea sketches by August 16, 2020.
Since the PlanB start-up competition was first announced by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2014, around 100 founders have submitted their green ideas in the last three competitions. These included processes, products, and services that fit into the bioeconomy's value chain.
“With this competition, we want to consciously set an example and motivate startups not to wait and see, but to keep at it,”
says PlanB project manager Claudia KirchmairThe aim of PlanB is to build innovative strength for the post-coronavirus period and to strengthen it through industry contacts.
The process of PlanB
Participation in Phase 1 takes place online on the Competition website based on an idea sketch. This can be submitted until August 16, 2020. A jury of experts will then determine who can advance to Phase 2. From September onwards, the participants can then develop their idea sketches into a Pitch deck During this time, collaborations with partners from the PlanB network and with other startups will also be stimulated.
“Bringing these actors, their ideas and the resulting potential together is a practical form of start-up support and one of the main goals of the competition,”
explains PlanB team leader Ann-Kathrin KaufmannThe jury will then select the best submissions from the pitch decks in February 2021, which will be presented to industry and financial experts at the awards ceremony in Straubing. Phase 3 will follow independently of the competition: Starting in summer 2021, it will offer further opportunities to network with potential partners and business clients, as well as to initiate financing contacts.
The winner will receive €6,000 in prize money, as well as coaching and the opportunity to move rent-free into a starter module at the TGZ in Straubing-Sand harbor for one year. The second- and third-place startups will also receive mentoring and prize money of €4,000 and €3,000, respectively.
All information about the competition at www.planb-wettbewerb.de.
