We are thrilled to announce that our team recently achieved third place in Bavaria’s renowned Business Plan Competition, organized by BayStartUP—the central hub for startup financing in Bavaria. This achievement was not only a testament to our hard work but also an incredibly rewarding experience filled with learning, networking, and valuable feedback.
BayStartUP connects startups, investors, and industry leaders, helping innovative entrepreneurs secure early-stage and growth capital. The competition, structured in three phases, challenges participants to refine and validate their business concepts before presenting them to an expert jury.
The competition is divided into three increasingly demanding phases:
In each phase, participants receive constructive feedback from BayStartUP experts, helping them refine their business plan and prepare for the final presentation before a jury of investors and industry leaders.
Even though we hadn’t participated in the first two phases, we decided to jump straight into Phase 3. Our goal was simple: to receive expert feedback as early as possible, even if it meant submitting the full 30-page business plan upfront.
We knew that evaluations from 20 experienced experts would be invaluable in refining our strategy and sharpening our vision.
Despite being our first time submitting a business plan, it was very well received. Out of 150 teams, we were selected as one of the 10 finalists and given the opportunity to present our plan in person before a panel of investors and industry experts.
Thanks to our previous experience applying for EXIST funding, we were well-prepared for this high-stakes presentation. However, we left nothing to chance. We fine-tuned our slides, practiced our timing down to the second, and prepared answers to critical questions the jury might ask.
On the day of the presentation, everything went smoothly. The jury responded positively to our slides, our timing was perfect, and we were able to answer even the toughest questions with confidence and clarity.
Later that evening, we attended a networking event where the competition winners would be announced. The atmosphere was electrifying. Surrounded by other innovative teams and industry professionals, we engaged in conversations that opened up new opportunities and connections.
After two insightful panel discussions, the award ceremony began. We knew that the competition was tough—many of the other finalist teams had participated in earlier phases and were further along in their development.
As the moderator began announcing the winners, we held our breath. When Team CiX was called to the stage to receive third place, we were overjoyed.
It was an incredible moment. All our hard work, the long nights, and the preparation had paid off. A huge congratulations to GA.GG and excav, who took first and second place!
While celebrating this success, we deeply missed our valued team member, Hanadi, who was unable to attend the award ceremony. Her presence would have sent an important message—showing other women that entrepreneurship is not just a "man's game." Hanadi’s contribution has been essential to our journey, and we know that her presence would have served as an inspiring example for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
This experience taught us a great deal—not just about presenting our vision, but also about taking risks. True to the startup mindset, we put ourselves out there with an unfinished, unpolished product and asked for feedback. And what incredible feedback we received!
We are incredibly grateful to BayStartUP and the entire jury for their insights, which will help us fine-tune our business plan and improve further.
This third-place win has only motivated us even more to keep pushing forward. Stay tuned as we build on this momentum and continue our journey to make a real impact in water treatment technology!
