GUIDE

• BASIC: Do you have a rough idea of how to (better) solve a target group-specific problem, but don't have a concrete business model in mind yet? Then this category is just right for you! All you have to do here is outline the main features of your idea in the entry form. Describe it very briefly: What is the problem, what could a solution look like and which target group are you addressing?
• ADVANCED: If your idea has already been developed further, this category offers you more space to explain the business model. To do this, fill in the additional fields “Unique selling point”, “Business model”, “Market & competition”, “Results to date & next steps” in the entry form.

1. After reviewing the submissions, the jury will invite 10 teams per category to the semi-finals. There, the participants will present their idea live in front of the jury for the first time. In preparation for this pitch, GUIDE will provide all invited participants with an online course on “pitch training” worth 200 euros from 12.11.2024.
2. In the semi-finals, 5 teams per category will qualify for the final on 05.12.2024.
3. For the final, the selected teams will prepare pitch presentations including a pitch deck. To support the finalists, we have prepared a group pitch training session with an experienced trainer. The training will take place on 29.11.2024.
4. Based on the pitch training, the finalists have the opportunity to adapt their pitch deck and submit it by 04.12.2024.
5. The grand finale will take place on 05.12.2024 in front of the jury and a large audience in the library hall at Campus Essen

All participants who have submitted the form correctly and in full will receive access to the “Pitch Training” online course worth 200 euros.

All semi-final participants will also receive a group pitch training course worth 700 euros.

BASIC category:

1st place - non-cash prizes on the topic of start-ups/entrepreneurship as well as participation in the sbm I GUIDE courses “Orientation course entrepreneurship” and “sbm goes hightech” with max. 2 people

2nd place - non-cash prizes on the topic of start-ups/entrepreneurship and participation in the sbm I GUIDE Entrepreneurship Orientation Course with a maximum of 2 people

3rd place - non-cash prizes on the topic of start-ups/entrepreneurship

ADVANCED category:

The winners will receive prize money for 1st to 3rd place and - regardless of their ranking - attractive special prizes to support their start-up idea from our partners in the start-up ecosystem.

1st place - 1,000 euros

2nd place - 750 euros

3rd place - 500 euros

The special prizes offered by our partners provide participants with the perfect support from the start-up ecosystem to tackle the implementation of their own idea.

​ ​	startport: Ticket for 10 admissions for startport coworking (use a workstation at startport for 10 days within 6 months of issue & book meeting rooms at discounted rates)
​	EWG: Wildcard for the EWG Business Builder (Requirement: already founded in Essen or planning to establish a business in Essen in 2024)
​	BRYCK: 6 months of BRYCK Startup Lab Membership (including co-working space, BRYCKademy Kickstart, introduction to experts/mentors from the medical startup ecosystem, and participation in BRYCK as well as external events) - Valued at €900 per person.

Further special prizes will follow shortly.