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Out of the Box.NRW Award

The OUT OF THE BOX.NRW competition stands for the most innovative startups from North Rhine-Westphalia. We are looking for forward-thinking startups that focus on digital processes, services or business models, founded 01.01.2022 – 31.12.2024 and based in NRW. It’s time to get out of your box and shine!

Calling aLL Digital StartuPs from NRW

This is your Chance to shine

Application closes in
Ootb Timeline Phase1 En

Calling all digital startups from NRW: This is your chance to shine!

Discover the TOP24 Innovators of 2024

Our exclusive TOP24 startups of 2024 Booklet is now available for download as a PDF. Dive into the future of technology with just a click. You can also flip through our digital version right here and get to know our TOP24 OOTB.NRW startups.

Who are we looking for?

OUT OF THE BOX IDEAS

Forward-thinking startups that focus on digital processes, services or business models.
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Homebase NRW

Your startup must be located in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW).
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Early stage

Your startup must have been founded between 01.01.2022-31.12.2024.
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Our VC Partners

Neoteq
Simon Capital Schwarz
Cuscapital
Coparion Logo Co Office Schwarz
Realyze Logo Schwatz Transparent
Logo Transparenter Hintergrund

A strong alliance

Ak Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz Und Energie Schwarz Rgb Englisch
Nrwbank Schwarz
Hinterland Wbm Schwarz
Founders Foundation Logo Schwarz (1)
Mona Neubaur
With the OUT OF THE BOX award, we support the dedication of our founders and honor the courageous and creative minds who are shaping the digital and sustainable transformation of NRW with their entrepreneurial ideas. Because we are committed to support their growth, spread their innovations and to successfully connect them with corporates as well as investors. 

Mona Neubaur

Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Dominik Gross
OUT OF THE BOX.NRW is the most important startup competition in North Rhine-Westphalia and has become a true benchmark for other federal states. With a screening process conducted by professionals, namely the VC funds from NRW, and a public voting system, the competition offers a platform that truly stands out. It is fantastic that the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes entrepreneurial spirit and that NRW.BANK supports this commitment with a substantial cash prize that goes directly to the startups without any detours. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when everyone works together. I am looking forward to the teams, their ideas, and an exciting finale at the Hinterland of Things in Bielefeld.

Dominik Gross

Co-Founder & CEO Founders Foundation gGmbH
Nrw Bank Foto
Start-ups are shaping the future for North Rhine-Westphalia. With their innovations, they are driving digitalization forward and developing the technologies with which we can create a climate-neutral and sustainable transformation. With the OUT OF THE BOX.NRW competition, we are helping to ensure that these ideas become known and can grow quickly.

Gabriela Pantring

Deputy Chairwoman of the Managing Board of NRW.BANK

Startup Ecosystem NRW

Digihub Bonn Lang
Digihub Düsseldorf Schwarz
Digihub Muenster Schwarz
Digitalhub Aachen Schwarz
Ruhrhub Schwarz