Module 3 of the Venture Creation Course, the Start-up Competition, is designed to provide students with a practical, real-world experience in developing and pitching their start-ups. Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in Module 1 (Fundamentals) and Module 2 (Lean LaunchPad), this module challenges students to refine and present their start-up ideas in a competitive setting.

Before the competition, students receive technical and entrepreneurial mentoring from both business and academic experts, helping them prepare and optimize their business concepts. The competition is structured in two stages—national and international—allowing students to first compete locally and then present their ventures on a broader stage, simulating the real pressures and dynamics of the entrepreneurial world.

This Module is an exceptional two-stage startup competition dedicated to fostering innovation, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship across the European Union and young entrepreneurs.

Who Can Apply?

• Inclusive Teams: Startup teams must include at least one member who is a student (BSc, Master’s, or PhD).
• EU-Based: Your startup should be registered in the European Union, demonstrating our commitment to regional development and innovation. For unregistered startups, it’s required that part of the team is located within the EU. Additionally, there must be a firm commitment to register the startup within the EU should it win the international competition.
• Sustainability Champions: We invite startups that directly contribute to environmental sustainability with their products or services—for example, but not limited to, those in renewable energy, clean tech, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, waste management, reducing carbon footprints, advancing sustainable urban development, striving for net zero emissions, or applying deep technology to solve environmental challenges. This call also extends to all startups across various sectors that operate under a business model adhering to the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities. Your initiative plays a crucial role. We encourage a broad spectrum of innovations, aiming to support a diverse array of ventures that collectively push the envelope of environmental sustainability.
• Female Founders: Startups with female founders are highly encouraged to apply, underscoring our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech ecosystem.

Competition Structure

• Two-Stage Approach: The competition kicks off with national contests in Tromsø, Kyiv, and Varna at the end of May 2024 (exact dates to be announced). Participants can join either in person or online. The top three startups from each location will win financial support to compete in the SEEDplus International Competition in Lisbon in September/October 2024.
• Evaluation Criteria: success in the competition hinges on the quality and maturity of your business idea, the quality of your pitch and your team’s ability to address the selection committee’s questions.

Rewards

• National Winners: Nine startups (three from each national competition) will receive financial support to participate in the SEEDplus International Competition.
• Grand Prize: The ultimate winner of the international competition will be awarded a three-month free acceleration program, tailor-made to supercharge your startup’s growth. This exclusive program is designed by our business partners, seasoned experts in nurturing startups and unleashing entrepreneurial potential.

Application Deadline

Mark your calendars: the deadline to express your interest and submit your application is May 1st, 2024.

Please submit the application form digitally through this link.