The following contests may be of interest to aspiring entrepreneurs:
The “Starterin Hamburg” competition by Hamburg Startups honours the best solo female entrepreneurs, teams of female founder and female founders in the technology, commerce and impact sectors. Applications from startups that have been in business for no more than five years old can be entered until the deadline of September 15, 2025.
Future Founder is calling on students in Hamburg and the metropolitan region to develop their startup ideas from October 2025 to January 2026 to turn them into a functioning business model. Instruction will be in English. The deadline for applications is October 24, 2025.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region can develop their promising business ideas during the Labor X-Bootcamp. Applications for the eight-week course are being accepted until the deadline of September 22, 2025. Participation is free of charge.
The Zebra Investment Night on November 19, 2025, gives startups that combine social or environmental impact an opportunity to pitch for funding. Applications are being accepted until the deadline of September 28, 2025.
The non-profit initiative, Deep Tech Innovation Sprint, boosts researchers’ novel and sustainable business ideas and their entrepreneurial skills. Organised by Impossible Founders, the scheme is underway from September 10 to 17. Apply here.
The Marketing Club Hamburg is looking for the best startup and marketing idea for the MarkenSlam or brand slam contest. The first prize is an advertising campaign worth over €100,000. Startups from all over Germany that were founded after January 1, 2021, and have achieved initial sales success, but do not belong to an existing company, are eligible to enter. Brief presentations of the startup and marketing idea can be entered until the deadline of October 14, 2025.