With their technological expertise, clear market focus, and bold entrepreneurial spirit, they impressed the jury: The winning teams of Phase 3 of the 2025 Munich Business Plan Competition have been announced. They are a powerful example of how research can lead to market-ready solutions — whether in medical technology, quantum computing, or robotics. A total of 241 teams from Munich and Southern Bavaria took part in the competition. Many of them come from academic backgrounds and are pursuing technology-driven approaches with high relevance for industry and society. The results speak for themselves: Bavaria’s startup scene is vibrant, solution-oriented, and ready to take the next step.
Here are the winners of 2025:
This medtech startup, a spin-off from TUM’s Rechts der Isar University Hospital, has developed an innovative blood and saliva test capable of detecting certain types of cancer early and non-invasively. This is made possible by analyzing tiny particles circulating in the bloodstream, which contain crucial information about disease processes. The test is not only faster but also significantly more cost-effective than conventional methods.
Marie-Nicole Theodoraki, CEO of BioExoTec, says:
"We joined the Business Plan Competition to further develop our innovative concept, receive valuable expert feedback, and expand our network within the startup and investor community. With the jury’s feedback, we aim to refine our strategy and optimize our business model. We learned about BayStartUP through our founder network and truly value the opportunity to take our company to the next level with professional support."
The team at Peak Quantum, a spin-off from the Walther Meißner Institute, is developing robust processors for quantum computers. With a novel, fault-tolerant architecture, their Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) are ten times more reliable than current models. Peak Quantum is laying the foundation to bring quantum computing to industrial applications — for complex simulations and optimization tasks.
Versatile Robotics, a robotics and automation startup spun off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is teaching robots a sense of touch. Their new control software makes machines more precise, faster, and safer. This allows robots to perform delicate or complex tasks — in logistics, manufacturing, or collaborative work with humans in sensitive environments.
Dr. Bernhard Schwab, Chairman of the Board at LfA Förderbank Bayern, says:
"Once again, the participants of the Business Plan Competition have shown impressive innovation and courage. Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are key drivers of our economy. That’s why LfA supports young talents who aim to shape the future with their ideas. With our recently expanded and optimized funding programs and risk guarantees, we stand by founders like these. Congratulations to the winners and best wishes for continued business success."
Thank you to our long-time partner LfA Förderbank for supporting the Munich Business Plan Competition and for your ongoing commitment to Bavaria’s startup ecosystem!
LfA’s involvement helps shape the competition and the broader BayStartUP initiatives, playing a vital role in fostering a thriving and successful startup ecosystem in Bavaria.
These startups were also nominated in Phase 3 of the Munich Business Plan Competition:
- agentix, from the Technical University of Munich, is developing an AI platform that turns natural language into digital assistants. With a modular multi-agent system, complex business processes — especially for SMEs — can be automated without any programming knowledge, from process definition to system integration.
- Legalian, based in Munich, automates all identity verification procedures required under anti-money laundering and compliance regulations. Their platform scans international data sources and registers, analyzes risks, and enables efficient, legally compliant, and scalable digital AML checks.
- Linque, from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, integrates photonic circuits into information processing — enabling systems that are up to 25x more energy-efficient and 10x faster. Their solutions are aimed at high-performance computing, data centers, and edge devices — particularly for large-scale AI applications.
- Onyx Biotech, based in Vaterstetten, Upper Bavaria, brings precision to drug development. Using mathematical models, the team realistically simulates cleaning processes for complex molecules such as antibodies. What previously required experimental testing can now be digitally modeled — saving time, resources, and costs.
- OVRLAY, from Grünwald, uses AI and machine learning to transform simple images and videos into high-quality 3D models. Their software solutions, Obsphera360 and ObspheraSTUDIO, help businesses create digital twins and marketing content up to 90% faster and more cost-effectively.
Max Achmedschin, Head of the Munich Business Plan Competition at BayStartUP, on the 2025 competition year:
"We’re seeing a moment where everything is coming together. The critical mass of know-how is there, capital is available, and more researchers are showing real interest in entrepreneurship. Many already have a clear vision of how their insights can become marketable solutions. What’s key to success in the competition is a coherent story — understanding business fundamentals, thinking through the details, and clearly articulating the core vision."
The Munich Business Plan Competition supports founding teams from Munich and Southern Bavaria through three stages — from idea to financial planning. More than 300 volunteer jurors from across Bavaria evaluate submissions, with the strongest teams pitching their ideas to a panel of experts.
Beyond the competition, BayStartUP supports startups with coaching, investor networks, and structured guidance in building their businesses. As a central platform in Bavaria’s startup ecosystem, BayStartUP connects founders, investors, and companies — with over 400 active business angels and 200 institutional investors. Since 2015, BayStartUP has helped raise over €650 million in capital. Alumni include Flixbus, EGYM, Magazino, and Transporeon.
Photo: BayStartUP / Andreas Gebert, Photos Startups: respective teams
The new competition season starts this fall!
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