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Innovators Challenge

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Become A Program Partner

TOPIC

Transformation for
Medium-Sized Businesses

Transformation for
Medium-Sized
Businesses

SUITABLE FOR

Already founded Startups, MVP available

Already founded Startups,
MVP available

LOCATION

Frankfurt am Main

PROGRAM DATES

24.07. - 03.09.2025

LANGUAGE

German

APPLICATION

until 18 July

Program Partners

Program Benefits

What is it about?

In a collaboration with WIBank, we are offering a five-week program for medium-sized companies from Hessen, designed to support you in navigating structural change by purposefully connecting you with innovative startups.

Participating companies define specific internal challenges, and startups apply with innovative solution approaches. Guided by an experienced mentor, you will collaborate with the most promising startups over a five-week program to co-develop tailored solutions. The results will be showcased at the EDITH Innovation Day on 3 September.

How we support you

01 Personalized Mentorship

Collaboration is strengthened through a dedicated mentoring program that provides intensive guidance throughout the process.

02 Know-How

We equip you with practical knowledge and tools around venture clienting to lay the foundation for effective partnerships.

03 Scouting & Matchmaking

Our targeted scouting and matchmaking process connects startups and companies based on their specific challenges and innovation goals.

Topics

The challenges of our corporate partners are related to these topics:

Digitalization

Process Optimization

Sustainability

R&D

Automation

Digitalization

Process Optimization

R&D

Automation

Sustainability

Digitalization

Process Optimization

Automation

R&D

Sustainability

Key Dates

until

13 June

until

13 June

until

13 June

Corporate Aquisition

July

Virtual Meet-and-Greet

Corporates and Startups
get to know each other

Corporates and Startups get to know each other

until

20 June

until

20 June

until

20 June

Challenge Definition

31
July

Match Day

Start of the Challenge in Frankfurt

until
18 July

Startup Application

Sep

Demo Day

Presentation of results in Frankfurt

For Corporates

For Startups

The future?
Already happening!

In a world of rapid technological change, rising costs, growing compliance demands, and a shortage of skilled workers, innovative solutions are more critical than ever.

But innovation doesn't always have to come from within. The Innovators Challenge gives you the opportunity to tap into the fresh ideas and dynamic energy of emerging startups — and strategically strengthen your business for the future.

The Benefits

01 Efficient Access to Innovation

Leverage the innovative power of the entire startup ecosystem for your solutions — risk-free with no long-term commitments or high costs.

02 Competitive Advantage

Secure your competitive edge by embracing cutting-edge solutions early — and position yourself as a true pioneer in your industry!

03 Networking & Visibility

Expand your network with valuable connections to startups, experts, and funding initiatives. Take advantage of our platform and shine at the EDITH Innovation Day!

Let’s Build Together

Explore how venture clienting helps you unlock innovation potential and future-proof your organization — starting with a short call.

Let’s Talk Innovation

For Corporates

For Startups

Think
Forward.
Act Together.

In a world of rapid technological change, rising costs, growing compliance demands, and a shortage of skilled workers, innovative solutions are more critical than ever.

The Benefits

01 Efficient Access to Innovation

Leverage the innovative power of the entire startup ecosystem for your solutions — risk-free with no long-term commitments or high costs.

02 Competitive Advantage

Secure your competitive edge by embracing cutting-edge solutions early — and position yourself as a true pioneer in your industry!

03 Networking & Visibility

Expand your network with valuable connections to startups, experts, and funding initiatives. Take advantage of our platform and shine at the EDITH Innovation Day!

Let’s Build
Together

Explore how venture clienting helps you unlock innovation potential and future-proof your organization — starting with a short call.

Let’s Talk

For Corporates

For Startups

Think
Forward.
Act Together.

In a world of rapid technological change, rising costs, growing compliance demands, and a shortage of skilled workers, innovative solutions are more critical than ever.

The Benefits

01 Efficient Access to Innovation

Leverage the innovative power of the entire startup ecosystem for your solutions — risk-free with no long-term commitments or high costs.

02 Competitive Advantage

Secure your competitive edge by embracing cutting-edge solutions early — and position yourself as a true pioneer in your industry!

03 Networking & Visibility

Expand your network with valuable connections to startups, experts, and funding initiatives. Take advantage of our platform and shine at the EDITH Innovation Day!

Let’s Build Together

Explore how venture clienting helps you unlock innovation potential and future-proof your organization — starting with a short call.

Let’s Talk Innovation

Program Recap 2024

From Challenge to Change

The Innovators Challenge 2024 successfully brought startups and SMEs together to tackle critical challenges in digitalization, climate change, and the talent shortage. In this edition, nine startups addressed eleven real-world challenges submitted by seven SMEs — carefully selected from over 34 scouted, high-potential solutions. Through a program of hands-on workshops, targeted scouting, and structured matchmaking, the Challenge culminated in an inspiring Demo Day, where startups showcased their customized solutions.

Designed to spark long-term partnerships, the initiative promotes sustainable business models and strengthens regional economic resilience. The Innovators Challenge 2024 proved that when startups and SMEs collaborate, they can drive innovation and future-proof their businesses.