We are looking for innovative, technology-oriented startups that are in the early stage/pre-seed phase have their headquarters in Germany

Innovative, technology-oriented startups can apply from 1 May to 31 June 2025 via the button on this page.

We are looking forward to receiving your pitch deck with the following content: Problem and solution Market and competition USP Technology Business model and financial planning Milestones and achievements Outlook Team In addition, an application video (maximum two minutes, preferably a selfie video) is mandatory. You are welcome to send us any additional documents.

You have already applied - but you didn't win (yet)? No problem - a lot can happen in a year! Convince us of your new developments and that you are now one of the winners.

The jury evaluates the following criteria: Market: target groups, scalability ( in other markets), risk and competition analysis, marketing and sales. Product / service: customer benefits (proven in pilot projects), USP, technology, degree of innovation, competitive advantages, applicability, perspective of implementation and future prospects Business model: customers, go-to-market strategy, scalability, profitability, company success to date, turnover Team: competencies, startup and business experience, heterogeneity, coherence of team composition Finance: Financial planning, economic attractiveness, capital requirements and financing. Motivation for applying to WECONOMY: expectations, compatibility with WECONOMY / our sponsors, potential benefits by applying to WECONOMY Personal impression / presentation to the WECONOMY jury: portrayal of product / services, personality and appearance of the founder(s), persuasiveness and passion for startup / idea, structure and content of the presentation, answers to questions

Our jury (see Startups) chooses the winners together.

The organiser of WECONOMY is Wissensfabrik - Untenehmen für Deutschland e.V. in cooperation with UnternehmerTUM and Handelsblatt.

Every year, renowned member companies support the Wissensfabrik. A list of these companies is here.

The partners benefit from the close exchange with the startups. They learn first-hand about relevant trends and technologies. In contact with the founders, they receive new, creative impulses that stimulate changes in their companies.

To protect the founders, all participants sign a confidentiality agreement before meetings. The WECONOMY winners are reported on in the media. The products or services are mentioned. The start-ups decide on the level of detail.

What value does WECONOMY have to offer us? You will receive access to WECONOMY's top-class network for one year, as well as support and know-how from top managers, coaches, experts and mentors in the implementation of your business idea. You get to know other founders and become part of the network. The programme does not explicitly focus on finding investors and customers.

Jury meeting: Travel expenses for one person will be reimbursed up to an amount of 200 euros. WECONOMY Final Event and WECONOMY Days: Travel costs for two people will be reimbursed up to 200 euros per event. Costs for accommodation and meals will be covered. Personal meetings with mentor or coach: Travel costs are to be paid by you.

Please contact us via email at unternehmertum@wissensfabrik.de.