Get a unique opportunity to enter the German market.
As part of the project, one startup from Georgia will be selected to travel to Germany with funding from IHK Dortmund and participate in a one-week program from June 30 to July 4. The program includes:
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Meetings with potential clients, partners, and investors
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Getting to know the NRW startup ecosystem
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Gaining insight into the German market
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A final competition with a prize fund of 15,000 euros. The winning startups will receive:
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1st place – 7,500 EUR
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2nd place – 5,000 EUR
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3rd place – 2,500 EUR
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Bonus Opportunity:
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The startup that reaches the final stage will receive 500 euros for expenses.
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In addition to the cash prizes, the winners will also receive an invitation to the Future Tech Fest, which will be held on September 11, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the business contacts established during the tour.
START. UP! GERMANY 2025 is open to all interested Georgian startups operating in the following areas:
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Green Tech
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Industrial Solutions
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Life Science
Eligibility Requirements:
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The startup must be no older than 10 years.
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The startup must have completed the Seed stage and have a proven track record of revenue. It must also have finished the initial investment stages.
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The startup must have a business model designed for the international market, preferably focused on Europe/Germany. Previous experience in a foreign market will be considered an advantage.
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The startup must have a plan for adapting to the German market and information about success criteria.
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The startup must not officially have an office in Germany, although having a German customer will be considered an additional advantage.
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The startup must be able to communicate in English and conduct pitches at a professional level.
To travel to Germany, startups must pass the selection stage in Georgia.
Application Submission:
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A startup wishing to participate in the selection stage must fill out the application at this link no later than April 15, 2025.
Selection of Applications:
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The project jury will review and make a decision on the participants of the selection stage no later than April 17, 2025. The selected startups will be notified immediately.
Pitch Event:
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The selected startups will be invited to a Pitch Event, which will take place on April 30, 2025. During the event, startups will make their presentations. The event jury will select one winner based on the following criteria:
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Presentation
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Idea
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Perspective on the German market
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The winner will travel to Germany.
START. UP! GERMANY TOUR is an international project funded by IHK Dortmund, aimed at discovering and supporting startups operating in the fields of green technologies, industrial solutions, and bio-technologies.
Project Representative and Implementer in Georgia:
German Economic Association (DWV)
Project Supporter:
Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency
