Program 2025
Over five exciting days, you’ll explore NRW’s thriving startup ecosystem, connect with industry leaders, and showcase your innovation on a grand stage. Get ready for exclusive networking, corporate collaborations, and the chance to compete in The Grand Final - where the best startups in Europe take center stage!
Monday, June 30, 2025
EVENING
5.30 PM: Arrival and Registration
6.00 PM: NETWORKING & INTRODUCTIONS
Get to know your fellow participants and meet key multipliers, accelerators, and institutions from NRW
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
MORNING
RATE THE CORPORATES - REVERSE PITCH
The roles are flipped! More than 10 leading global companies and hidden champions from NRW pitch to YOU. Discover what they’re looking for in startup collaborations and how you might be the perfect match. Among others, you’ll hear from:
Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed networking session with all participants.
Location: Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Dortmund, Märkische Str. 120, 44141 Dortmund
EARLY AFTERNOON
BUSINESS MEETS FOOTBALL
Take an exclusive tour of Borussia Dortmund’s legendary Signal Iduna Park stadium and dive into the intersection of sport, business, and culture.
LATE AFTERNOON
IMPACT, INNOVATION AND RELAXATION
In Duisburg, we will visit Anthropia, the region’s leading incubator for impact-driven startups. After a brief introduction to their work and some of the inspiring projects and startups they support, the space will be open for you to use in a co-working atmosphere – a perfect opportunity to network, get some work done, or simply recharge between program points.
EVENING
LOGISTICS UNDER THE STARTS
Join a sunset cruise within the Port of Duisburg, Europe’s biggest inland port. Get to know Startport, the logistics and innovation platform, and connect with their extensive network of companies and multipliers.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
MORNING
DIGITAL INNOVATION EXPIRIENCE
Get inspired by the digital transformation happening in the heart of the Ruhr region. At Digital Hub Ruhr, hosted by Gelsen-Net, startups will explore how cutting-edge technologies and smart applications are developed, tested, and implemented to solve real-world challenges.
AFTERNOON
DISCOVER THE ECOSYSTEM
Meet the local supporters, hubs, and key players who are eager to introduce you to the region’s thriving startup scene. This is your chance to connect with the people who can help shape your future. Afterwards, you can take advantage of dedicated workspaces to manage your business.
EVENING
THE NETWORKING POWERHOUSE
Get ready for an exciting networking opportunity with influential business leaders, regional corporates, and other startups. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with great food and drinks, all while taking in breathtaking views of Essen from the Ruhr Tower.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
MORNING
DIGIDAY: INNOVATION FAIR FOR DIGITAL BUSINESS
Showcase your startup at the DigiDay event in one of the industrial vibrant regions of NRW, meet exhibitors, potential clients, and engage with visitors from your industry.
11.00 AM
Offical start of DigiDay 2025
11.30 AM
Guided tour across the exhibition
12.15 PM
Pitch Session
1.45 PM
End of Pitch Session / Lunch Break
EVENING
THE GRAND FINAL
The Grand Final is the highlight of the Start.up! Germany Tour, where the partcipating startups take the stage to pitch their ideas in front of a high-level audience of investors, corporates, and ecosystem experts. Compete for prizes worth €18,000, donated by the NRW government, and seize the opportunity to gain visibility, attract potential partners, and take your startup to the next level. Impress the jury and secure your spot among the top innovators in Europe!
Friday, July 4, 2025
By arrangement with our partners, the startups can secure individual meetings with corporates, institutions and organizations who represent the dynamic economic powerhouse NRW.
Get in touch!
