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Tenders & Awards

Startups in Hamburg: Apply now!

In this section, startups can find an overview of our current startup tenders and offers, such as the participation of Hamburg startups in trade fairs or conferences and awards. These are offered by the Startup Unit an the Scaleup Landing Pad, which offer their services under the umbrella of HIW Hamburg Invest Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH. Startups can find more information on the calls for entries and the application process in the respective linked PDFs and further links.

Current calls:

Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg 2024

Application period:
March 4 – March 31, 2024

About the project:
Hamburg once Again Supporting Scaleups from Around the World

The Hamburg-based initiative Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg is supporting selected GreenTech companies with extensive assistance. Matchmaking and venture clienting are the centerpieces of the scaleup programme. The centerpiece of the scaleup program is a dedicated matchmaking process. The objective is to connect scaleups with established companies in the greater Hamburg region as early as possible to accelerate business opportunities. To accomplish this, Hamburg-based companies are asked to submit their innovation requirements and use cases for targeted innovation scouting.

In 2023, Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg welcomed 11 scaleups from 7 countries across 3 continents, demonstrating its global reach and impact. Standout examples from the first batches include Infinite Mobility, Fybra and SungreenH2 which successfully initiated pilot projects with established companies in Hamburg.

With its strategic location as Germany's hub for mobility, logistics, and renewable energy, Hamburg offers unparalleled opportunities for scaleups to thrive. Its vibrant ecosystem, coupled with robust infrastructure and supportive policies, makes it an ideal destination for companies looking to expand their footprint in Europe.


What is included in the offer?

  • Business Development​ – Benefit from the Landing Pad’s unique hands-on approach to matchmaking scaleups to established corporations in Hamburg.

  • Location Consulting - Strategic market analysis for setting up in Hamburg, organizational and process development, and recruitment guidance.​

  • Workspace and Accommodation - Offering up to 8 weeks of accommodation in a furnished flat and co-working space in central Hamburg.​

  • Business Services - Administrative support for visas, taxes, registration, insurance, residency and work permits.

Who can apply?
International scaleups with an innovative GreenTech approach in mobility, logistics, energy, and construction can apply until the end of March. To be considered, companies must demonstrate business success in their home market, be in a strong growth phase, cannot yet have established a presence in Germany and have to demonstrate an intention to grow their business in Hamburg’s ecosystem. All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts. The first admission phase and onboarding will begin in May 2024.

Any questions? Get in touch with the Landing Pad team at: landingpad@hamburg-invest.com

© VivaTech 2023
© VivaTech 2023

VivaTech Paris

Application period:
March 11- March 24, 2024

About the project:

VivaTech accelerates innovation by bringing together startups, technology leaders, large corporates and investors to tackle the world's biggest challenges. Every year, Europe's largest technology and startup event takes place in Paris over four exciting days, exploring the most disruptive technology topics with world premieres, launches and conferences in a collaborative ecosystem. This is where business meets innovation.

More than 11,400 startups, 2,600 investors and over 90,000 visitors from almost 150 countries come together over four days to exchange ideas about the technologies of the future, network and meet profitable partners, conclude deals and enter into long-term partnerships.

Be there when VivaTech takes place for the eighth time from 22 to 25 May 2024 at the Expo site Porte de Versailles, Paris (https://vivatechnology.com).

© VivaTech 2023

What is included in the offer?

• 4 exhibitor passes per startup

High visibility at the French-German Tech Lab (Hall 1 in the EuropaTech zone)

Exhibitor space: personalised startup panel at the French-German Tech Labs at VivaTech on Saturday (25.05.2024) with power and connection options for laptops)

Listing as an exhibitor in the official VivaTech Big List

• Participation in topic-related pitch contests with a jury of companies and VCs (part of the official VivaTech programme)

Listing in the FGTL brochure

• Extensive preparation and on-site support by the Franco-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) and Hamburg Invest

• Participation in the German Startup Night on 22 May 2024

• Startups with a registered office in Hamburg (commercial register entry serves as proof)

Age of the startup max. 10 years (deadline 5 March 2024)

• Meaningful proof of a strong product-market fit of your own product, which must have a clear connection to the main topics of VivaTech (Artificial Intelligence, Climate Tech, Mobility, Deeptech, Future Societies, Internet & Democracy, Creators' Economy and Gaming & Esport)

• Presentation of a well-founded entrepreneurial interest in participating in VivaTech 2024

Any questions? Get in touch with the Startup Unit team at: startup-unit@hamburg-invest.com

© Dustin Preick, Slush 2023
© Dustin Preick, Slush 2023

Slush 2024

Application period:
March 11 – May 12, 2024

About the project:

Slush is the most significant international networking event for tech startups and scaleups, taking place in Helsinki from 20 to 21 November 2024. The conference is designed to connect startups with investors, media, and policymakers, and features several stages for inspiring presentations and discussions.

This year, we are proud to support four Hamburg startups, providing them with the opportunity to experience Slush firsthand and take their businesses to the next level. We are currently looking for three more startups that would like to travel to Helsinki with us, in addition to the regional winning startup of the "Startup-Champs Germany 2024"!

© Julius Konttinen, Slush 2023
© Julius Konttinen, Slush 2023

What is included in the offer?

Conference ticket for 1 person per startup

Compensation Cooperation agreement in the amount of up to 500€

• Participation at the German "Startup-Champs Germany" joint booth

Integration in own events and networks of the Startup-Unit

• Startups with their company headquarters in Hamburg

Age of the startup max. 10 years

• Meaningful proof of a strong product-market fit of the own product

• Presentation of a justified entrepreneurial interest in participating in SLUSH 2024

The booking and organisation of the trip is done by the participants themselves. The Startup Unit will assist with matchmaking in the run-up to the event and on site.

The Startup Unit is a department of Hamburg Invest and receives its funding from the Ministry of Economics and Innovation.

Any questions? Get in touch with the Startup Unit team at: startup-unit@hamburg-invest.com

© Headway, Unsplash

The Next Web 2024

Application period:
March 11 – April 7, 2024

About the project:

The TNW conference is an incredible two-day technology forum in the greater Amsterdam area that brings together the most high-calibre industry leaders and technology enthusiasts to explore the limitless potential of technology! This event serves as the ultimate interface for startups, large corporations, and investors to collaborate in pursuit of new and exciting business opportunities, while expanding their networks and horizons. TNW is the ultimate conference with a global perspective on Internet technologies! The annual conference attracts thousands of participants from around the world, including startups, investors, established technology companies, and media representatives. The event boasts exhibition stands and a festival atmosphere that will leave you feeling energized and inspired! The agenda is packed with exciting presentations, pitches, and exhibition stands, offering a fantastic opportunity for interactive dialogue and exploration of cutting-edge technologies.

This year, the Startup Unit is proudly supporting three Hamburg-based startups to experience The Next Web (20.-21. June 2024) first hand.

© Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash

What is included in the offer?

  • Cooperation contribution in the amount of €500

  • Participation in the German "Startup-Champs Germany" joint stand

  • Inclusion in the Startup-Unit Hamburg's own events and networks

• Startups with their company headquarters in Hamburg (commercial register entry serves as proof)

Age of the startup max. 10 years

• Meaningful proof of a strong product-market fit of the own product

• Presentation of a justified entrepreneurial interest in participating in TNW 2024

The booking and organisation of the trip is done by the participants themselves. The Startup Unit will assist with matchmaking in the run-up to the event and on site.

The Startup Unit is a department of Hamburg Invest and receives its funding from the Ministry of Economics and Innovation.

Any questions? Get in touch with the Startup Unit team at: startup-unit@hamburg-invest.com