We accept products / ideas from start-up companies founded no more than 10 years ago, or whose new business branch is based on an idea no older than 6 years (deadline August 31, 2025, in each case).

We also accept products / ideas from young companies that are no older than 15 years as a spin-off from a company, a university, or an independent foundation.

For verification purposes, we ask startups to provide a copy of their business registration or comparable proof of the date of incorporation, or corresponding proof of a strategic realignment or the establishment of a new line of business. For student projects, we ask for proof of enrollment for the participating students.

Those interested in the award can apply online via this website until August 31, 2025 / 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 / approx. 3 minutes
  • Existing videos (min. 2 minutes / max. 5 minutes) may be used.
• 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.

From all submissions, a jury from business, science, and politics will select the start-ups in a preliminary round that will participate as 2025 finalists on October 17 during 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 (Oct 17-19, 2025) 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 September 1, 2025, the jury will select the 2025 winners in a second evaluation stage. These will then be announced during the Trade Visitor Day on October 17, 2025, 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 present on-site should ideally arrive on the afternoon of October 16 to set up their stand / exhibition space. The exhibition ends on Sunday, October 19, at 5:30 PM.

• 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 tickets for 2 people on Trade Visitor Day, October 17, 2025; discounted tickets (70% discount) for another 2 people on Trade Visitor Day, October 17, 2025; unlimited free tickets for the public days Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, 2025.
• Participation in the networking evening at the Porsche Experience Center on October 17, 2025.

• Award certificate from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport, presented by Mr Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport.
• Media coverage of the award ceremony
• One year of 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

• School projects and student projects can apply free of charge. We ask that you contact Ursula Kloé / uk@ju-know.com before registering.

• In return, we offer an outstanding platform, visibility in the industry and with end customers, and the benefits listed above.

If an award submission needs to be canceled, this is possible free of charge in writing until the registration deadline (August 31, 2025 / 11:59 PM).

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).