Women Start-up Award

Women Start-up Award 2025: Empowering Female Founders in Bavaria

This award isn't just about winning a prize—it's about providing women in tech with a platform to showcase their talent, gain valuable skills, and connect with industry leaders. Becoming a finalist is a win in itself! You'll be immersed in an exclusive program that includes hands-on training, personalized coaching sessions, and mentorship from renowned experts. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to present your venture at the spectacular Pitch Night and Award Ceremony.

All our finalists benefit from:

Dedicated sparring sessions with our "Angels"
Exclusive Live Training & Workshops
Individual Coaching and Expert Feedback
Access to Exclusive Events
Enhanced Visibility
Individual Pitch Feedback session in front of expert jury
The VINCI Energies Prize (1000€) in the special category "Sustainability" will be awarded to one finalist for an exceptional sustainable business model. This special award is in recognition of VINCI Energies' commitment to the environment and sustainability.
The MUNICH INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM Prize (1000€) in the special category "Artificial Intelligence" will be awarded to one finalist for an exceptional business idea using AI.

Prizes for the final three winners include:

First prize: 1000 € provided by Bayern Kapital
Marketing packages (3000 €), provided by IHK
Exclusive dinner with multi-investor Martina Pfeifer, provided by encourage ventures
Tickets for the Slush festival in Helsinki in November 2025, provided by Munich Startup and the Digital Hub Initiative
Tickets for the HTGF Family Day 2026
Tickets for the DLD Conference
Tickets and Pitch Slots at UnternehmerTUM's Ultimate Demo Day
Prototyping Grants by Funding for Innovators

The prizes will be presented during our award ceremony on October 23rd.

Our Women Start-up Angels

All our finalists will have the extraordinary opportunity to engage with prominent figures from the start-up and corporate landscape, receiving personalized guidance and support to propel their venture to new heights.

Steffi Czerny

Managing Director at DLD Media

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Sarah Fleischer

Co-Founder tozero

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Dr. Saskia Juretzek

Co-Founder & Beirätin Futurewoman

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Anna Kaiser

Co-Founder Encourage Ventures

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Ksenija Milicevic Neumann

Co-Founder tozero

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Magdalena Oehl

Founder Talent Rocket & Board member Start-up Verband

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Dr. Tina Ruseva

Founder & CEO Mentessa

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Bettine Schmitz

Founder & General Partner Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund

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Dr. Helmut Schönenberger

Co-Founder & CEO UnternehmerTUM

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Johannes von Borries

Managing Partner UVC Partners

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Dr. Julia Zimmermann

Founder & CEO terraplasma

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Application

Entry Criteria

You have at least one female founder in your team,
You should either live, study or plan your project in Bavaria,
You're in the early founding stage and aren't yet officially founded,
You already have a team or are looking for a co-founder,
Your idea or product has a reference to technology.

To apply for the Women Start-up Award, you and your team must meet this criteria.

Find here our terms and conditions for the Women Start-up Award to learn more.

Applications for the Women Start-up Award are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who applied! Our team is now busy reviewing all submissions. Stay tuned for updates on the selection process and the announcement of our finalists!

Want to see our finalists pitch live? Save your spot for the Women Start-up Award Pitch Night now and be there to witness the innovation!

Save your ticket here!

Coaches, Experts and Jury

Finalists get exclusive support from our coaches and experts who are committed to helping you succeed.

Florian Becke

Start-up Coaching