Venture Connect Award
18 November 2026 Application deadline: 30 September 2026
The Venture Connect Award recognizes three startups from Baden-Württemberg for successful collaboration projects with established companies. The award is presented by L-Bank and NXTGN on stage at the Match Arena.
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THE VENTURE CONNECT AWARD
We are looking for the best Venture Partnering projects from Baden-Württemberg
In co-operation with the L-Bank we are looking for the best collaborations between startups and established companies that have created measurable, real-world impact.
With a total prize of €3,000, awarded across three winning teams, and the opportunity to present your project success at the Match Arena on 18 November at MHP Arena Stuttgart, this competition offers a great opportunity to celebrate your partnership and share your story.
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the prizes
What the three winning teams receive
Prize money
€3,000 in prize money, distributed among the first three places.
Visibility at the Match Arena
Recognition on the Main Stage in front of more than 100 company representatives, plus your own booth at the Startup Expo.
Communication of your success case
Your collaboration case and award success will be featured across L-Bank and NXTGN's communication channels.
THE APPLICATION CRITERIA
These are the startups eligible to apply
Startups from all industries are welcome to apply. What matters is that you have already implemented a project with a company.
Your startup is headquartered in Baden-Württemberg and was founded no more than ten years ago.
Your startup has significant employee or sales growth (or is aiming for it). Alternatively, your startup is (highly) innovative in its technology or business model.
You have already carried out a successful project (e.g. PoC, pilot, development partnership) with a company.
Your corporate partner agrees to the publication of the case, and you are willing to present it at the Match Arena on 18 November.
The award ceremony
Award ceremony at the Match Arena
The award will be presented on the Main Stage of the Match Arena on 18 November. The NXTGN signature event brings together collaboration-ready startups and company representatives. The three winning teams will take center stage at the award ceremony:
Venture Connect Challenge
From potential to implementation
More and more companies recognize the potential of collaborating with start-ups. Yet for many SMEs, experience, and capacity are lacking to initiate such collaborations strategically.
At the Venture Connect Challenge, initiated by L-Bank, we connect small and medium-sized enterprises in Baden-Württemberg with carefully selected start-ups to address specific business challenges.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Venture Connect Award
The Venture Connect Award is presented by L-Bank and NXTGN to startups from Baden-Württemberg that have successfully implemented a collaboration project with a company.
Startups based in Baden-Württemberg, founded no more than ten years ago, that have already implemented a project with a medium-sized company. Startups from all industries are eligible to apply.
A total of €3,000 in prize money from L-Bank, distributed among the first three places, visibility on stage and a booth at the Match Arena, as well as communication through social media and other channels.
Yes. As part of the application, you confirm that the publication of the case has been agreed upon with your corporate partner and that the case may be presented at the award ceremony.
Applications are submitted via an online form. You will be asked to provide information about your startup, your corporate partner and the project, including specific outcomes supported by numbers, data and facts.
Following the pre-selection, the finalists will be notified. The three winning teams will be announced at the award ceremony on 18 November.
Yes. Your willingness to present your case at the Match Arena on 18 November is part of the application.
CONTACT US
Do you have questions about the competition?
Contact Lucia Tovenrath directly or use our general contact form.
Lucia Tovenrath
Partnering Services Manager
