We accept products / ideas from start-up companies that were founded no more than 10 years ago or whose new line of business is based on an idea that is no more than 6 years old (deadline 10 September 2024 in each case).

We also accept products / ideas from student projects at research institutions / universities / colleges.

For verification purposes, we ask start-up companies to provide a copy of their business registration or comparable proof of the date of foundation or corresponding proof of the reorientation / establishment of a new line of business. For student projects, we request a certificate of enrollment from the students involved.

Those interested in the award must apply online via this website by 10 September 2024 / 11:59 pm.

The jury needs a convincing application to make a well-founded selection of award winners. Here is an overview of the most important points:

• Description of the innovation / idea (Word or Power Point)
  • Brief description – the most important facts in a nutshell
  • Introduction of founders – expertise and role in the team
  • The problem and the desired solution
  • The product / the service / the service
  • The unique selling point – the competitors
  • The market – target group(s) and market situation
  • Proof of Concept
  • Short presentation business model
  • Key partners
• Pitch Video / 3 minutes
• More information
  • Photos / videos of the innovation
  • Link to the website and social media channels (if available)
  • Logo (if available)
  • Address / Contact details

The online application form lists in detail the documents and information required by the jury.

Registration takes place exclusively online. You enter all the information required for your submission online. We can only consider submissions for participation in the competition if they are complete and have been submitted online and finalised online. As soon as all documents have been submitted in full, you will receive a confirmation of participation from us by e-mail.

In a preliminary decision, a jury from the worlds of business, science and politics will select the start-ups from all the entries that will take part as finalists 2024 on 25 October as part of the trade visitor day at the Porsche Experience Center at the Hockenheimring.

• All nominated finalists for the Start-up Award will be notified by e-mail by 30 September at the latest. This nomination must be reconfirmed.
• Those who confirm their nomination will receive free exhibition space for all three e4 TESTIVAL days (25-27 October 2024) to present themselves and their idea to the public over the three days.
• Finalists with approved vehicles can use the appropriate track for test drives – the organiser reserves the right to set time slots for this.
• Those who are unable to attend the event can tune in online for the awards ceremony. The right to exhibition space is cancelled.
• From 1 October 2024, the jury will select the 2024 award winners in a second evaluation stage. These will then be announced at the Trade Visitors’ Day on 25 October 2024 by the Minister of Transport of the State of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Hermann, MdL (or, if applicable, by a representative of the Ministry of Transport).

All finalists who will be on site should be there on the afternoon of 24 October if possible. arrive and set up your stand / set up at your exhibition space. The exhibition ends on Sunday, 27 October. at 17:30.

• Set-up and dismantling times, electricity requirements, other infrastructure, space requirements, etc. must be stated on the application form.
• Special requests / requirements for infrastructure and equipment must be agreed with the organisers. We are happy to provide a link to the stand builder who is in charge of the e4 TESTIVAL as a whole.
• Size of the exhibition area 2x2m up to max. 3x3m – if you need more space, please contact us at u.kloe@e4testival.com
• All start-ups that are invited to the e4 TESTIVAL and accept this invitation undertake to exhibit their ideas in the Start-up Box on all days during the trade fai

• Free admission tickets for 2 people on the trade visitor day 25 October 2024, discounted admission tickets (70% discount) for a further 2 people on the trade visitor day 25 October 2024, discounted admission tickets (50%) on the public days 26 + 27 October 2024 for a total of 12 people.
• Multichannel media services / comprehensive communication package before / during / after the e4 TESTIVAL (e.g. advertorial on the e4 TESTIVAL website with integration into the newsletter, integration into the activities on the e4 TESTIVAL social media channels and much more.
• Participation in the Exhibitors Night with networking on the exhibition grounds on 26 October 2024.

• Award certificate from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport, presented by Mr Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport.
• Media coverage of the award ceremony
• Access to the e4 TESTIVAL Network with numerous experts from business development, finance, marketing and sales
• Networking with experts on the topics of sustainability, climate protection, mobility and energy transition
• Special conditions for selected consulting services from the e4 TESTIVAL Network
• On request, workshop day with experts from the start-up institute at SRH University Heidelberg, InnoWerft Walldorf, JU-KNOW GmbH and other accelerators
• Arranging free/discounted exhibition space/presentation opportunities at trade fairs and events organised by suitable industries or association

The winning packages are each worth € 6,000.

The participation fee is € 149.00 net

• In return, we offer an outstanding platform, visibility in the industry and with end customers, and the benefits listed above.
• The application fee is due when the jury has nominated the application as a ‘finalist Applications that are not nominated as finalists by the jury do not have to pay an application fee

If an award submission has to be cancelled, this can be done in writing free of charge until the registration deadline (10.9.2024 / 23:59).

For later cancellations, the registration fee will be charged in full.

Participants in the e4 TESTIVAL Start-up Award are responsible for the costs of transport, insurance, any customs duties for import and export, travelling expenses of the persons involved and accommodation costs.

The start-up is liable for any damage, loss or additional costs incurred. It is recommended that all participants take out appropriate insurance to cover any damage (e.g. during transport).