Discover the Start-up BW Elevator Pitch: A platform for aspiring entrepreneurs

Since 2013, the Start-up BW Elevator Pitch has offered founders, start-ups and young companies in Baden-Württemberg a unique opportunity to present their business ideas to a wide audience. This state-wide competition is more than just an event - it is a platform that enables ambitious entrepreneurs to present their visions to a jury of experts and an interested audience.

With the bundling of all activities of the state government to promote start-ups in the state of Baden-Württemberg under the umbrella brand "Start-up BW", the Elevator Pitch was also given a new design. However, the tried-and-tested format has remained the same since 2013.

 

Insight into the event format

The idea behind the Start-up BW Elevator Pitch is simple: in just three minutes, you have the opportunity to get to the heart of your business idea and inspire the audience. It's not about presenting an elaborate business plan, but rather about conveying the essence of your idea clearly and convincingly. The event format offers space for creativity and conciseness, and every start-up that is no older than 3 years and based in Baden-Württemberg - regardless of the start-up stage - is invited to take part.

 

Special Cups and regional qualifiers

In addition to the main competition, there are also Special Cups, which are dedicated to specific focus topics or industries. These offer an additional opportunity for entrepreneurs to present themselves and network with like-minded people.

Regional preliminary rounds are also organised, giving you the chance to qualify for the national final.

 

So if you have an innovative business idea and are ready to present it to a wide audience, then the Start-up BW Elevator Pitch is just right for you.

Further information and the current dates, as well as conditions of participation can be found here.

Do you want to use this opportunity to promote your idea and expand your network? Then get in touch with us and we'll get you ready for the pitch together:

A focus on five key technologies

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub focuses on five areas of technology that are of particular importance to the region’s competitiveness:

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use in production, logistics, quality management and data-driven services
    • Cyber security: Critical infrastructure protection, industrial IT security and secure data rooms
    • Industry Tech: IoT applications, sensor technology, automation, data analysis and networked production processes
    • Sustainability and energy efficiency: CO₂ reporting, energy-saving potential in production and buildings, and drivers for the circular economy – all measurable through key digital technologies
    • The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR): Virtual and augmented reality as platforms for collaboration, training and product development, digital twins and immersive experiences

AI-powered matching platform: The right partner at the touch of a button

A key component of the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is the AI-powered matching feature. Companies and start-ups can describe their specific requirements or technology needs. The AI then identifies suitable Contact person and offers from the region’s partner network.

The aim is to match a specific need with a suitable contact as quickly as possible, and for this to lead to a concrete collaboration.

Events, funding opportunities and venues all in one place

In addition to AI-powered matching, the Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides a continuously updated overview of regional events, funding opportunities and workshops.

Also available Spaces for meetings, co-working and innovation projects across the entire metropolitan region are consolidated on the platform.

In this way, the Digital Hub makes the region’s various services and areas of expertise visible and accessible via a single digital portal.

Working together for innovation in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is supported by a regional network. Consortium partners are the innoWerft, the City of Mannheim and the 5-HT Chemistry & Health.

As associated partners support the Heidelberg Technology Park, the IHK Rhine-Neckar, the Economic Development Unit of the Rhein-Neckar District Office, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciencesthe NEXT MANNHEIM and that Smart Industries Network the project.

Together, the partners bring together regional expertise and services relating to key digital technologies.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Trades and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg promoted.

Discover the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub now

The Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides start-ups, businesses and research organisations with shared digital access to services and expertise relating to key technologies in the metropolitan region.

You’re a founder and would you like to use the Digital Hub for your start-up? Explore the platform and find out which services and contacts might be relevant to your idea!