Application phase for Afro-German pitch competition AiDiA launched
This year marks the third edition of the AiDiA Pitch, the first competition for Afro-German founders. The application period ends on April 7, and a total of 53,000 euros in prize money will be awarded in the final on September 7.
Several paths lead to the final
The competition will be held in two categories. For the idea pitch, it is not necessary to have already founded a company; a convincing idea is sufficient for the application. Three participants reach the final, with first place receiving prize money of 2,000 euros. Only startups that have already been founded and ideally can already demonstrate initial success can take part in the startup pitch. Five teams will take part in the decisive pitch, with 30,000 euros up for grabs. The decision is made by a panel of experts.
The route to the final involves a multi-stage selection process. First, the 20 most promising candidates are selected, who then have to convince the AiDiA Advisory Board, an independent panel of experts from business and science, via video or in an online pitch. This committee awards six final places. In addition, one team per category has the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket via a successful social media campaign in order to launch on September 7.
Black founders from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are eligible to participate. Once all selection procedures have been completed, the eight finalists will be announced on June 16. In preparation for the decisive pitch, they will undergo a program of workshops and mentoring sessions. The value of all cash and non-cash prizes as well as the training opportunities amounts to a total of 200,000 euros.
