How it works - Our competition

PlanB How it Works

Phase 1

In a first step, we would like to get to know you and your business idea. From May 11th 2020 until August 16th 2020, you will find the template for your brief idea sketch here on this website. The template also includes the conditions for participation.

In case you want to get creative and hand in a short film or any other creative presentation form, this is also possible, as long as you cover the basic information we want to see from you.

At the end of phase 1, start-up and branch experts assess your submission. You will receive feedback and if your submission is evaluated high enough, you will reach Phase 2. The idea most highly ranked in Phase 1 will also receive a first cool prize and we will all celebrate the end of Phase 1 together at our PlanB Coaching Bootcamp BBQ.

11.05.2020: Start application online

16.08.2020: Deadline for submitting an idea sketch

Evaluation with feedback from the expert jury

Qualification for phase 2 with award for the best idea sketch

Phase 2

In Phase 2, we will focus on further developing your business idea or start-up with a special emphasis on your individual needs.

The tools to do this will be the PlanB Coaching workshops with lots of time and space for learning and networking in October (please note: the workshops are currently only offered in German, unfortunately; there will be a reduced English online format available for those interested), individual B2B talks that will be organized for each participant interested and – if you opt for it – mentoring.

For the B2B talks, we will jointly identify where you and your idea may need support from experts – be it financing, technology partners, legal expertise, or potential customers – and subsequently arrange individual meetings with fitting experts from the PlanB network.

At the end of Phase 2, you will hand in a pitch deck based on a set of criteria to be announced after Phase 1. The PlanB Jury will rate your pitch deck and invite the most promising ones to the PlanB big award event in February 2021.

Of course, all participants handing in a pitch deck will receive detailed feedback as well as an expert assessment. The deadline for the pitch deck in Phase 2 is November 15th 2020.

09./10.10.2020: Coaching boot camp weekend in Straubing (only in German; English online format planned).

B2B Talks & PowerPitchDay

15.11.2020: Deadline for submission of pitch deck – based on this criteria

Jury evaluation and finalist selection

08.02.2021: Award event with pitches of the finalists and award ceremony

Showdown at the PlanB Award and Pitch Event

At the big PlanB Event in February 2021, the best ideas will have the opportunity to pitch in front of an audience of experts from business, finance, politics and bioeconomy-experts. The PlanB Jury takes your pitch performance into consideration, adds it to your result from Phase 2 and then the final order of PlanB winners will be announced.

After the “official part” of the evening is over, we join for good talks, exceptional food and some surprises in a relaxed atmosphere.