Why I Skipped January’s Newsletter

Here’s the truth: I burned out.

Over the holidays, I hit a wall. Normally, I’m on fire, digging up the best pitch competitions for you. But this time? I had nothing left in the tank. The work felt heavier than ever.

Then January rolled in, and instead of recharging, I got slammed with new projects. Exciting? Sure. But they drained me even more. I kept pushing, thinking I could handle it all. Spoiler: I couldn’t.

One night, I sat there, staring at my list, completely fried. That’s when it hit me: If I don’t change something, I’m going to crash.

The fix? I’m getting help. This year, I’m bringing someone on board to share the load and make this newsletter even better.

Lesson learned: sometimes, scaling isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing it smarter.

Best wishes, Bartosz

P.S. Invite your friends. If they’re not here, they’re missing out. And yeah, feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or shoot me an email if you’ve got questions.

Finest Pitch-Pick

Name of the Competition:

INNOVATIVE MINDS Pitch-Off 2025

Aim:

The INNOVATIVE MINDS Pitch-Off is an exciting competition within the FCMH funding line Experimentierräumeand the Creative Space initiative of the University of Marburg. It provides researchers with a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, secure funding, and expand their professional network.

Organizer:

Research Campus Mittelhessen (FCMH) & Creative Space (UMR)

Focus:

Participants can pitch their early-stage or fully developed project ideas to a broad audience of researchers, industry experts, and potential collaborators. The event is structured to maximize networking and funding opportunities.

3 Reasons to Participate:

1. Funding: The best projects receive financial support of up to €5,000.
2. Networking: Connect with potential partners and expand your project team with interdisciplinary expertise.
3. Training: All participants will receive professional pitch training on March 10, 2025.

Covered Areas:

The competition is open to PhD students, postdocs, academic staff, and professors from the three FCMH universities:

• Justus Liebig University Giessen
• Philipps University Marburg
• Technical University of Central Hesse

Early-stage ideas are welcome, even if additional team members are still needed.

Eligibility:

• Who can pitch? Anyone affiliated with one of the three FCMH universities.
• Project stage? Both new and developed ideas are eligible.
• Team expansion? If your idea needs more members, you can find collaborators during the event.

Prize Fund:

Up to €5,000 in funding for selected projects.

Selection Process:

• Submission: Apply with a short project description by February 24, 2025.
• First-Come, First-Served: Spots are limited—early registration increases your chances.
• Pitch Day: Present your idea on March 12, 2025, at Lokschuppen Marburg.
• Awards: The best pitches will be rewarded at the closing ceremony.

Application Instructions:

• Deadline: February 24, 2025
• How to apply? Submit a short project description (first come, first served!)
• Want to watch instead? Join as an audience member and support the teams!

My Comment:

The INNOVATIVE MINDS Pitch-Off is a golden opportunity for researchers and academics to bring their ideas to life. With funding, expert feedback, and strong networking potential, this event is a must-join for anyone looking to make an impact. Don’t miss out—register now before spots fill up! 🚀

Go to the application form

LOKSCHUPPEN MARBURG Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen Philipps-Universität Marburg Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen Vera Volkmann Velia Benthin

Don't Miss These Competitions & Events

Alright, let's start with amazing opportunities!

:-)

Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition 2025

Ready to showcase your breakthrough space innovation? The Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition 2025 is here—an exclusive platform for startups shaping the future of the space industry!

This year’s competition focuses on cutting-edge space technologies, featuring:

🚀 Innovation & Disruption: Startups driving advancements in aerospace, defense, and commercial space ventures. 🌍 Global Participation: Open to companies worldwide with solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–7. 🎯 High-Impact Pitching: Finalists will pitch to an invite-only audience of top decision-makers, including government, military, investors, and industry leaders.

Finalists gain unparalleled exposure, expert feedback, and networking opportunities at Space Symposium 2025, the premier space industry event. Winners receive exclusive mentorship, strategic guidance, and VIP access to Space Symposium 2026.

📅 Pitch Day: April 9, 2025 | Location: Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO 📝 Apply by: February 14, 2025 (11:59 PM PT)

🚀 Don’t miss this chance—pitch, connect, and accelerate your space startup to the next level!

My Comment:

This is the must-attend pitch competition for space startups. If you're ready to disrupt the industry, now’s your moment—apply today! 🚀

Go to the Website

Institute of Space Commerce Starburst Space Foundation

Innovators’ Pitch 2025

💡 Are you a startup ready to showcase your innovation? The Innovators’ Pitch 2025, hosted by Bitkom e.V., is here—offering emerging startups the chance to present their groundbreaking solutions and compete for prize money and exclusive industry exposure!

This year’s competition features two categories: 📚 EdTech – Innovations transforming education 🚚 Smart Logistics – Solutions shaping the future of supply chains

Finalists will pitch their ideas live on March 19, 2025, in front of a distinguished jury. Winners will be selected on March 20, 2025, based on their pitch performance and business potential.

Why participate?

🏆 Win €5,000 in prize money per category 🔗 Exclusive Membership: Free one-year Bitkom Get Started Membership for eligible startups 🎤 Live Pitching Opportunity: Present in front of top industry leaders and investors

📅 Pitch Day: March 19-20, 2025 | Location: Berlin, Germany 📝 Apply by: February 23, 2025

🚀 Don’t miss this chance—pitch, connect, and accelerate your startup’s growth!

My Comment:

A fantastic opportunity for startups to gain visibility, funding, and connections. If you're working on a game-changing idea, apply now and make your mark! 🚀

Go to the Website

Bitkom David Kregler Vodafone Stiftung KION Group

Startup Pitch & Partner 2025 @ BioVaria

🚀 Are you ready to showcase your life-science innovation? Startup Pitch & Partner 2025 is the premier venue for European life-science and biotech entrepreneurs, founders, and startups to pitch, connect, and compete!

This year’s event features two competition categories: 🧬 Emerging: Pre-seed teams in the founding process or founded within the last 4 years (€1,000 BioVaria Emerging Startup Award) 💡 Rising: Post-seed teams seeking follow-on funding (€2,000 BioVaria Rising Startup Award)

Selected startups will pitch live on BioVaria’s main stage, gaining visibility among top investors and industry leaders. Participants also get one-on-one speed dating sessions with investors and access to exclusive networking opportunities.

Why participate?

🏆 Win up to €2,000 and gain industry recognition 🤝 Meet top VCs & biotech/pharma leaders through exclusive networking & speed dating 🎤 Live Pitching: Compete in front of the BioVaria Startup Jury of leading life-science investors

📅 Pitch Day: BioVaria 2025 | Location: Munich, Germany 📝 Apply by: February 14, 2025

🚀 Don’t miss this chance—pitch, connect, and take your biotech startup to the next level!

My Comment:

An incredible opportunity for biotech and medtech startups to gain funding, visibility, and industry connections. Don't be surprised about the application process (you'll need to fill out a .docx file. -But it's short) :-)

Go to Website

BioVaria Ascenion GmbH Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH Sören Rindfleisch Sandy Blin Maurits Brandt Karen Chan Melanie de Almeida Frank Hensel Amy K. Marek Kozlowski, PhD MScEng Caroline Lehmann Marianne Mertens Martin Strehle

Would you help someone you've never met, if it didn't cost you money, but you never got credit for it?

If so, I have a favor to ask. Many founders out there are struggling to build their businesses. Sometimes, by participating in a pitch competition, these founders not only have a chance to win prize money but also gain trust, self-confidence, and belief in their own ideas.

Please help me reach these founders by sharing this newsletter with them. Use the pre-written email below—just click on it, and you can use the text in the mailto link.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Share this newsletter

See You Next Month!

I wish you much success with your applications!

See you next month! :)

Best,

Bartosz

bartosz@pitch-competition-alert.com

About Pitch-Competition-Alert

Pitch-Competition-Alert is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.