Strong solutions from Northern Bavaria
Whether in medical technology or the development of high-precision simulation technologies – the winning teams of the Northern Bavaria Business Plan Competition demonstrate how research and technical excellence can be transformed into marketable products. With well-thought-out approaches and a clear focus on application, they impressed the jury.
These are the winning teams
The spin-off from the University Hospital Würzburg is developing an implantable platform technology for the precise, localized release of medication directly into the arterial bloodstream. By targeting affected tissues and organs, systemic side effects are reduced and treatment efficacy significantly increased. ENDOLEASE thus offers promising new approaches for hard-to-treat conditions in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and transplant medicine.
Anna Fleischer, founder of ENDOLEASE, says:
“We’re taking part in the Business Plan Competition to further develop our innovative concept, gain targeted expert feedback, and expand our network. The opportunity to refine our business strategy and connect with potential partners and investors is especially valuable to us.”
2nd Place: BreatheAssist
BreatheAssist, from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and funded by the EXIST research transfer program, brings clear improvements to ventilation therapy: A patient-mounted measurement and control unit responds in real-time to every breathing impulse. For the first time, tube resistance is fully compensated. This enables “electronic extubation.” Patients can breathe spontaneously while awake, maintaining active respiratory muscles. The result: fewer lung injuries, shorter ventilation times, reduced need for sedation, and noticeable relief for hospital staff.
fiveD, from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, is developing a software platform for ultra-realistic radar simulations. Using physics-based modeling, radar systems can be developed faster and with greater precision – from hardware to AI-driven signal processing. This solution shortens development cycles, reduces costs, and increases performance in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation.
Hans Peter Göttler, Deputy Chairman of the Board at LfA (Bavarian development bank), explains:
“The participating startups have impressively shown the tremendous potential of the next generation of founders. As Bavaria’s development bank, our core mission is to support innovation and entrepreneurship across industries. LfA supports founders with recently expanded and optimized funding loans, risk coverage, and venture capital through our subsidiary Bayern Kapital. We warmly congratulate the winners and are proud to contribute to the growth of these promising young companies.”
Thank you to our long-standing partner LfA Förderbank for supporting the Northern Bavaria Business Plan Competition and for their commitment to Bavaria’s startup scene!
The involvement of LfA Förderbank helps shape the competition and related initiatives by BayStartUP and contributes to a vibrant and successful startup ecosystem in Bavaria.
The following startups were also nominated in Phase 3 of the competition:
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BOORGEN from Möhrendorf near Erlangen is developing a digital platform called "Click2Build." It’s an enabler for serial construction – a global SaaS platform that enables everything from DIY configuration to automated planning and fulfillment through local partner factories.
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LaMa Recycling Technologies from Würzburg, supported by EXIST, aims to make plastic waste – currently destined for incineration – available for material cycles using innovative technology. The focus is on post-industrial streams (PIR) from construction and hygiene sectors.
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nara, developed in Würzburg, is an AI-powered first-level support assistant available 24/7. It solves problems in real time, helping companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and significantly relieve IT teams.
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Pelora from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and EXIST-funded, is developing an indoor positioning system that locates assets, people, and vehicles in real time with 10–50 cm accuracy using Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones (with or without apps) and tags.
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viatolea, from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, is a digital medical product that uses intelligent algorithms to detect food intolerances. viatolea received an EXIST startup grant in December 2024.
A total of 125 teams from Franconia and the Upper Palatinate participated. The competition’s goal is to support promising startup ideas and connect them with investors, companies, and experts.
Tobias Bladowski, Head of the Northern Bavaria Business Plan Competition at BayStartUP, on this year’s teams:
“The finalists – especially the top three winners – impressively showcase the dynamism of the regional startup scene with their solid business plans. Successful technology transfer from universities plays a key role here. With feedback from the BayStartUP jury, the teams now have a strong foundation for their further development.”
Photos Business Plan Competition: Andreas Gebert, Photos startups: respective teams