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Nominated startups >>>

Do you know a startup that is totally out of the box? Then go ahead, nominate it!

Nominate startups >>>

With its OUT OF THE BOX.NRW challenge, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is celebrating its digital startup scene – and everyone’s invited to get involved. Each person can nominate a startup or - by leaving a "like" - help it get one vote closer to the final pitch at the PIRATE Summit 2021. Let your favourite startup OUT OF THE BOX! A total of 50,000 euros are on offer – and plenty of fun and excitement.

Nominate your startup now

All you need to know about the new startup award for NRW

THE COMPETITION

What it's all about

You can give innovations a real boost! You have until March 8, 2021 to nominate digital startups that belong “out of the box”! Entrepreneurs who manage to win the most votes from the community and convince the jury will be able to take part in the challenge. In the final at the PIRATE Summit 2021, the ten best startups will be competing for prize money totalling 50,000 euros.

More about the competition

The jury

THEY HAVE A SAY

Apart from the community, the jury helps to decide which ten startups get the chance to present themselves at the PIRATE Summit 2021. Here you can find out more about our jury of established investors and experts.

Economics and Digital Minister Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart:

After the great success of the premiere of our new state prize for startups, we are now gearing up and further developing the motto 'Out of the Box'. This year, the creative and exceptional is to take center stage even more. We hope that our founders will take bold, courageous, direct and surprising steps and that they will seek the great opportunities of networking and exchange. After all, it is cooperation that brings innovation. And this is where we in North Rhine-Westphalia have the best conditions to offer.