In the sixth edition of Startup-Champs Germany, the joint competition of the German startup metropolises Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne, there is an investment of 300,000 euros to be won. The focus topic this year is artificial intelligence (AI). The application phase lasts until 14 September.
These are the application requirements
The aim of Startup-Champs Germany is to strengthen cooperation between the four business locations through joint projects, initiatives and formats such as this competition. The following participation criteria apply:
The startup must have been officially founded no more than seven years ago by the deadline of 14 July 2025.
It must have a branch registered in the commercial register in one of the economic regions of Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin or Munich.
The business model, products or services must have a clear connection to the focus topic of AI.
The startup demonstrably pursues an innovative and scalable approach.
A functional or demonstrable prototype or an already feasible or demonstrable service is available.
The pre-selections in the individual cities will run from 15 to 30 September. There, juries will select the three best startups in each region. A total of twelve teams will therefore compete in the final. This will take place on 5. November in Cologne as part of the STARTUPLAND conference. The main prize is particularly attractive this time: xdeck, an accelerator and venture capital provider, is awarding an investment of 300,000 euros. The prerequisite is a positive result in a subsequent due diligence. In addition, the regional champions from all four locations will receive tickets to Slush 2026 in Helsinki and ChefTreff 2026 in Hamburg.
