The Bavarian start-up competition PlanB aims to recognize green business ideas in the bioeconomy and biotechnology. According to the organizer, Biocampus Straubing, young companies need support and stable ecosystems for their business development, especially now during the coronavirus crisis. This is even more true for startups in the bioeconomy. While the sector shows great growth potential, it also struggles with high investment intensity and significant barriers to market entry.
A signal in times of crisis
“With PlanB, we offer […] individual support, networks and publicity for a topic that must not fall victim to current developments,”
says Andreas Löffert, Managing Director of the PlanB organizer Biocampus Straubing. The PlanB project manager Claudia Kirchmair confirms this:
“With this competition, we want to consciously set an example and motivate start-ups not to wait and see, but to persevere.”
The aim of PlanB is to build innovative strength for the period after the Corona crisis and to strengthen it through industry contacts.
Who can participate in PlanB?
PlanB is looking for innovative business ideas for bio-based, sustainable solutions in industry and society. These can be processes, products, or services that fit into the value chain of the bioeconomy. Companies should be no older than seven years. Even founders who have not yet registered a company are welcome to participate.
How the competition works
In Phase 1, all you need to do is submit a short idea sketch or a video. Expert feedback is provided, and the best idea is awarded.
In Phase 2, the ideas are (further) developed together with industrial companies, business coaches, and experts from the bioeconomy sector, and then awarded prizes by a jury. Those who make it to this stage receive access to the network, coaching tools, and partnering events with participants from industry, startup support, and financing. Networking is particularly important in the bio-based economy as a cross-sector sector. Therefore, the network brings together a wide variety of stakeholders, from agriculture and forestry to biotechnology and chemistry.
The founders and startups that make it to the final phase will submit a pitch deck in November 2020. Those who win the awards ceremony in February 2021 can win prizes totaling up to 25,000 euros.
The application deadline for PlanB is August 16, 2020. Further information can be found here.
