To participate in the first stage of the competition, a completed application form and a concept paper of up to three pages (PDF, DIN A4, font size 11, simple line spacing) of a research-based product or business idea must be submitted. 

The concept paper is supposed to include the following information at the top of the first page:

• Name of the project
• Category the idea is submitted to (Digital & Technologies / Life Sciences & Health / Cultural & Social)
• A contact person for queries

Please send TWO PDFs to: marketchallenge@science-startups.berlin

1. Completed application form as a PDF file (10MB max.) – download application form here
2. Concept paper as a PDF file (10MB max.)
   • 1st round: Up to three pages
   • 2nd round: Up to five pages – please mention “round 2” at the beginning!

Affiliated person(s)

Please briefly describe the persons involved as well as their positions.

Connection to research

Describe the connection between your idea and the research of your university / research institution.

Idea and product innovation

Describe your idea and the product innovation and, if necessary, the technology.

Customer value and market

Please indicate the potential benefits of potential customers. If possible, also describe in which specific market (e.g. FinTech, software industry, health technology, education) you could be active with your project.

Practicability

Please provide a brief overview of the practicability of your idea: Where can development and research risks arise? What is needed for a transition into the market?

Ideas can be submitted in the categories„Digital & Technologies“, „Life Sciences & Health“ and „Cultural & Social“.  In addition, a check mark can be placed in Artificial Intelligence if the idea is connected with this topic.

Examples are below. If you are not sure whether your idea qualifies for any one of these categories, feel free to contact us: marketchallenge@science-startups.berlin

Digital & Technologies

The category “Digital & Technologies” is open to all ideas based on information and communication technologies. Including but not limited to:

• Telecommunication infrastructure/services
• Apps & mobile applications
• Web & software applications, such as Games, Web portals, Databases, Social media devices, E-Commerce, Business-Intelligence solutions
• Big Data applications
• IT hardware, such as technical devices or accessories
• IT based network solutions
• IT providers
• Fin-Tech solutions
• Virtual-Reality applications
• IT based solutions concerning logistics, traffic and mobility
• IoT based solutions
• IT security
• Geo information systems
• Energy industry
• Materials
• Process Engineering
• Nanotechnologies
• Photovoltaics
• Magnetic material
• Magnetoelectronics
• Materials systems
• Analysis & measurement processes
• Technical environmental protection  

Life Sciences & Health

The category “Life Sciences & Health” is open to all ideas based on theories and methods of engineering, natural and life sciences. Including but not limited to:

• Development of medical devices
• In vitro diagnostics
• Drugs
• eHealth
• Senior Health
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Food products
• Animal health

Cultural & Social

The category “Cultural & Social” is open to all ideas related to cultural and creative economy and social entrepreneurship. Including but not limited to:

• Digital media and service, such as Broadcasting (radio, TV etc.), News (online, print etc.), Advertising, Media management, Publishing
• Creative and cultural products related to Music, Writing, Arts, Movies, Design, Architecture, Theater, Dance

Social Entrepreneurs want to achieve sustainable social change with innovative ideas and entrepreneurial concepts. Common topics are:

• Social related innovationsEducationInclusion (disability rights)
• Integration of refugees
• Equal opportunity
• Sustainability
• Fair trade including services
• International aid