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We are thrilled to announce that Detechgene has achieved a major milestone: As one of the five best startups out of over 100 applicants, we reached the final of the Senkrechtstarter Award 2025 – one of the most important startup competitions in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
The grand final pitch took place on September 16, 2025, in the impressive Starlight Express Theater in Bochum, where we presented our data-driven diagnostics solutions to an expert audience and a renowned jury.
As part of the event, the five finalists pitched live on stage in front of the audience and an expert jury – and the audience could vote via mobile for their favorite.
Detechgene took on this challenge with a 5-minute pitch, presenting our vision and business model, followed by engaging questions from the jury and audience. The atmosphere in the Starlight Express was electrifying: innovation met an enthusiastic audience and a high-profile expert panel.
The Senkrechtstarter Award is a well-established startup competition that highlights innovative projects across NRW and awards them with attractive prizes. On September 16, the five best ideas competed on the Starlight Express stage – with a total prize fund of over €60,000, including €25,000 for the main prize, sponsored by the Sparkasse Bochum.
From the application phase in May to the July deadline, over 100 teams from various industries applied. The selection process was based on submitted pitch decks that outlined the business idea, team, business model, and future plans.
A special thank you goes to the Startup Team Bochum for organizing this outstanding event, to the jury, and to all participants and supporters who made the evening an unforgettable experience.
Detechgene remains on course – motivated, inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead.
