Venture Connect Challenge
The Venture Connect Challenge connects SMEs in Baden-Württemberg with carefully selected start-ups through a structured, guided process. Initiated by L-Bank, delivered by NXTGN.
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The Challenge
From potential to implementation
More and more companies recognize the potential of collaborating with start-ups. Yet for many SMEs, access, experience, and capacity are lacking to initiate such collaborations strategically and integrate them into their organization.
The Venture Connect Challenge closes this gap with a structured, guided process—from defining the problem to initiating a concrete collaboration.
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Requirements
Who is the Challenge for?
The Venture Connect Challenge is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in Baden-Württemberg that:
the process
The Venture Connect Challenge at a glance
We guide companies step by step from problem definition to start-up matching and the initiation of a concrete collaboration.
01
Kickoff & Onboarding
We sharpen your challenge and define the scouting parameters.
02
Scouting & Longlist
NXTGN scans the market for start-ups that match your specific challenge. The result is a longlist where you can evaluate and shortlist your preferred candidates.
03
Match Day
You get to know your top start-ups and identify initial opportunities for collaboration.
04
Concept Phase
Initial opportunities become first tests and concrete solution concepts—the first step toward a proof of concept.
05
Demo Day
Participating companies present the initial results and planned collaboration roadmap together with their respective start-ups, live in Stuttgart on October 22, 2026.
Value
Why join the Venture Connect Challenge?
A clear, guided framework to successfully and sustainably get started with start-up collaborations.
Structured Entry
A clearly defined process lowers the barriers to getting started. The program is designed to be time-efficient and realistically integrated into your day-to-day work.
Curated Matchmaking
Startups are specifically identified and pre-selected based on your real-world challenge. The result: a curated selection of relevant startups.
Trusted Guidance
NXTGN provides moderation and guidance, creating confidence and clarity when working with startups.
Concrete Results
Gain a sharper understanding of your challenge and identify concrete solutions for implementing pilot projects.
Make Innovation Visible
Build internal support for innovation and position your company as an attractive partner for startups.
Learning & Network
Gain practical knowledge and methods for future collaborations while connecting with companies and startups.
Baden-Württemberg’s SMEs are strong, but the pressure to innovate is growing. With the Venture Connect Challenge, we provide companies with a structured and reliable way to benefit from the innovative power of young start-ups. Building this bridge between established businesses and new ideas is part of L-Bank’s mission.
Johannes Heinloth | Member of the Executive Board, L-Bank
Challenges
What types of challenges are suitable?
Any specific operational or technical challenge for which start-up solutions already exist on the market can be a good fit. Examples include:
L-Bank Innovation Voucher
What if the Challenge leads to a concrete collaboration project with a startup? L-Bank provides funding for further collaboration through its Innovation Vouchers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Venture Connect Challenge
The Venture Connect Challenge is a guided venture partnering format that gives SMEs low-threshold access to start-ups. The program aims to enable efficient collaborations between participating companies and start-ups. The Venture Connect Challenge is initiated by L-Bank and delivered by NXTGN.
The Venture Connect Challenge is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in Baden-Württemberg that are looking for low-threshold access to start-ups and are ready to engage in efficient collaborations with them.
Approximately 3 days in total, spread across the program: Academy (2 × 1.5 hours), scouting workshop, longlist review, Match Day, and Demo Day.
Participation in the program is fully funded by L-Bank. There is no cost for participating companies.
Specific operational or technical challenges. In a brief initial discussion, we determine whether your challenge is suitable for venture partnering.
Scouting covers the European market. If no suitable match is found, we will openly discuss the alternatives with you—without any obligation.
Contact us
Do you have questions about the Venture Connect Challenge?
Do you have questions about the program or participation? Feel free to get in touch with Lucia.
Lucia Tovenrath
Partnering Services Manager
