Startup Arena
Startup Arena is for student and young teams who want to present their ideas, prototypes or technology solutions to a jury and get expert feedback.
Is Startup Arena
the right format for you?
Student and young teams
For students, young founders and project teams who want to present an idea to an expert audience.
Early ideas and prototypes
Your project can be at the concept, prototype, MVP or early user-testing stage.
No registered company needed
Your team does not need a registered startup. What matters is a clear problem, a solution and real potential for use.
We welcome projects in technology, robotics, automation, AI solutions, smart city concepts, education, sustainability, mobility, health and social impact.
Which projects fit?
Technology prototype
A device, platform or system that shows how the solution can work in practice.
AI or software solution
An app, algorithm, tool or digital service that solves a concrete user or business problem.
Robotics and automation
Robotic systems, sensors, automated solutions or smart devices for real-world scenarios.
Smart city and mobility
Solutions for transport, urban services, logistics, accessibility and quality of life in the city.
Education, health and sustainability
Projects that use technology for learning, prevention, accessibility, the environment or better services.
Social impact
Ideas with a clear positive effect on the community, schools, young people, institutions or the local area.
What should you prepare?
A short pitch
A clear account of the problem, the solution, who it is for and why it matters now.
Problem and solution
A concrete problem, your proposed solution and the basic logic of the value it brings to users.
Prototype or demo
If you have one, a prototype or demo helps the jury judge how far the work has come. It is not required for every project.
Roles in the team
Who the team members are, what each of them does and what knowledge or experience they bring.
User and use case
Who the solution is for, in what situation it is used and how you check that the need is real.
The next step
What the team needs next: mentoring, a partner, a pilot, users, technical support or visibility.
What does the pitch look like?
Startup Arena is a short presentation of an idea or project to a jury, with room for questions and a practical conversation about what comes next.
- Presentation length: to be confirmed in the final rules.
- Q&A with the jury: to be confirmed in the final schedule.
- Team size: solo or team; the exact limit will be announced.
- Materials: slides, a project description, and a demo or prototype if available.
- Detailed rules and technical requirements will be published before the event.
How is the pitch judged?
Clarity of the problem
Whether the team clearly understands the user, the need and the context the problem sits in.
Quality of the solution
How sensible and focused the solution is, and how closely it answers a real need.
Feasibility
Whether the team shows a realistic path to developing, testing and applying the solution.
Innovation
Whether the project brings a different approach, a new application or a smart combination of technologies.
Presentation
Whether the team presents the idea clearly, convincingly and with structure in a limited time.
Potential impact
How much the project could contribute to users, the market, the community or education.
What can a team take away?
Startup Arena is above all a place to test an idea, talk to people working in the field and present a project in public.
- Feedback from the jury, mentors and an expert audience.
- Greater visibility for the project within the event and the technology community.
- Contact with companies, institutions, educators and potential partners.
- A chance to present the idea publicly and test how you communicate it.
- Any prizes or further support will be listed once they are confirmed.
Entry and preparation timeline
To be announced before entries open.
Teams receive feedback once the entries have been reviewed.
Participants receive guidance on the final pitch format and materials.
The slot will be set within the official event programme.
The jury gives feedback; any prizes or support will be listed once they are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a registered startup?
No. Startup Arena is open to teams that do not yet have a registered company but do have a clear idea, prototype or technology solution they want to present.
Is a prototype required?
Not for every project. A prototype, demo or user example can help the jury understand the solution better, but teams can also enter an early idea if it is well argued.
Who can enter?
Students, young founders, startup teams and technology or project teams can all enter. The final eligibility conditions will be published before entries open.
How long is the pitch?
The exact length of the presentation and the Q&A will be confirmed in the final rules and the programme schedule.
Can solo participants enter?
Yes. Solo entries are possible, as are team entries. If there is a limit on the number of team members, it will be stated in the detailed rules.
When will the detailed rules be published?
The detailed rules, technical requirements and final format will be published before the event.