The non-profit Society for the Promotion of Research Transfer (GFFT) is hosting the German Startup Cup for the third time this year to highlight promising startups and their technologies, products, and founding teams, and to support them in networking with decision-makers. Participating startups have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a professional audience and a panel of experts and convince the audience of their offerings. The competition focuses on cybersecurity, fintech, Industry 4.0, logistics, and organizational intelligence.
To participate in the Startup Cup, a startup must meet two requirements. First, the business model must be based on the development of an innovative product or platform. Second, the company must have been founded no earlier than January 1, 2016. Interested startups can apply until September 1, 2021.
Timetable of the competition:
- From mid-September 2021: Four digital preliminary rounds with 4 startups in each category
- From February 2022: Two digital semifinals with 4 startups in each category
- In May and June 2022: The final events at large companies with the best startups from the semifinals (as far as the situation allows for F2F events; alternatively: digital finals)
Participation fee:
- Basic offer:
This offer is open to startups founded after January 1, 2019, and with fewer than 15 full-time employees.- Participation in the Startup Cup
- Booth at the startup fair of the final event (regardless of the elimination time) including two tickets
- Participation is free
- Premium offer:
For advanced young companies- Participation in the Startup Cup
- Booth at the startup fair of the final event (regardless of the elimination time) including five entrance tickets
- Presentation at other GFFT events
- YouTube video of the lecture
- Participation fee of 500 euros plus VAT.
Benefits for startups:
- Pitch in front of decision-makers and chance to win the cup
- Networking with a specialist audience of major technology users and other startups in the industry
- Booth at startup fair on the final day
- Free profile in GFFT Tech Database
- The winners will receive a physical trophy
- Digital winner or finalist badge for the website or other marketing materials
