START Tank at THWS
THWS × START
START Nuremberg is coming to THWS for a fast, Shark Tank style pitch eve. Bring your idea, pitch on stage, win €1,000 in cash prizes, and connect with Bavaria’s startup community. Free drinks at the break and post event networking in Rundbau.
• Application deadline: Sunday, 02 November at 23:59 CET
"12 Shortlisted Teams" announced on Wednesday, 5 November.
Final decks due Tuesday, 11 November, 20:00.
Event basics
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Time: 15:00 to 19:00
Venue: Room 1.1.01 (Aula - Large lecture hall), Campus Ignaz-Schön, THWS Schweinfurt
Format: 12 shortlisted teams. 5 minutes pitch + 3 minutes Q&A before a jury.
Prizes: €1,000 total — 1st €500, 2nd €300, 3rd €200. Winners also receive direct invitations to apply to START Nuremberg.
Why join
Compete for cash prizes and recognition.
Get START × THWS visibility and feedback from experienced judges.
Network with founders, mentors, and peers on campus over free drinks!
Schedule
15:00–15:30 Welcome and opening remarks (THWS and START Nuremberg)
15:30–16:30 Pitch Round 1 (6 teams)
16:30–17:00 Break with drinks and networking
17:00–18:00 Pitch Round 2 (6 teams)
18:15–18:45 Results and awards
18:45–19:00 Closing
After Networking at Rundbau.
Who can apply
THWS students from any program, solo or teams of upto 5.
Stage from idea to early traction. Prototype optional.
Pitch in German or English.
Come prepared with a polished deck and a live pitch.
How to participate (quick)
RSVP on Luma to save your spot.
Complete the Quick Apply and upload a one pager (details below)
Application Deadline: Sunday, 02 November 2025, 23:59 CET.
12 Shortlisted Teams announced Wednesday, 5 November. Final decks due Tuesday, 11 November, 20:00.
One Pager includes: problem, solution, target user, market, business model, traction, team, contact
(Font Arial 11, Spacing 1.5, MAX 1 Page) - Detailed INFO HERE
If you are selected: event day logistics
Check in: 14:15–14:45 at Big Auditorium, Campus 1
Tech check: 14:15–14:50. Bring your laptop. Have PDF and PPTX versions, and any videos as local files.
On stage: Clicker and timer provided. HDMI available. 5 + 3 minutes strictly enforced.
Recording: Photos and video may be taken.
Fine print
Selection is at the discretion of the START × THWS organizing team.
Your IP remains yours. Only present what you are comfortable sharing publicly.
Questions? Contact Dhairya Shah (Organizer | Startups & Innovation Ambassador, THWS)
Ready to pitch? RSVP now and submit your one pager to be considered for one of the 12 stage slots.