At the Munich Business Plan Competition 2025, the Medical technology startup Bioexotec took first place. The team is developing a non-invasive blood and saliva test that can detect certain types of cancer at an early stage. The analysis is carried out using tiny particles in the body's circulation, which provide clues to disease processes. The procedure is faster and less expensive than conventional methods. Bioexotec is a spin-off of the TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar.
In second place follows Peak Quantum, a spin-off of the Walther Meissner Institute. The team is working on particularly robust processors for quantum computers. The novel architecture of the Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) is expected to offer ten times greater reliability than existing models. This brings the industrial use of quantum computers for simulations and optimization closer.
Third place goes to Versatile RoboticsThe robotics startup, which emerged from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is developing intelligent control software that enables robots to perform complex and sensitive tasks – for example, in logistics, manufacturing, or human-robot collaboration.
Diversity from research and high-tech
A total of 241 startups from Munich and southern Bavaria participated. Many teams originate directly from the scientific community. The strong focus on deep tech and hardware solutions is striking.
"We are currently experiencing a phase in which many things are intertwined. The critical mass of know-how is there, capital is available, and many researchers are also interested in the topic of startups. They often have a clear entrepreneurial vision of how their findings could become concrete, marketable solutions. Crucial to competitive success is a clear common thread: understanding business contexts, considering details, and clearly encapsulating one's own vision."
says Max Akhmedschin, Head of Competition at Baystartup.
Finalists from AI, Legaltech and Photonics
The other finalists also demonstrate the breadth of the startup scene. They include Agentix (AI automation without programming knowledge), Legalian (digital money laundering prevention), Linque (photonic chips), Onyx (simulation software for drug development), and Ovrlay (automated 3D modeling from images).
The competition, endowed with €48,500, is divided into three phases. Over 300 volunteer judges contribute to the evaluation. Baystartup continues to support the teams even after the finals – for example, with coaching and access to investors.
