STARTPLATZ is a curated entry point for selected technology-driven ventures within the Founders' Scholarship NRW program. We carefully assess whether content-based and structural support through STARTPLATZ is meaningful and feasible. Our capacities are limited – quality and fit come first.
STARTPLATZ is an official jury contact point for the Founders' Scholarship NRW and brings years of experience in evaluating and supporting ventures.
The assessment takes place within the context of our ecosystem comprising:
STARTPLATZ is therefore not merely a referral point, but a qualified gateway to the funding program.
The binding funding conditions and formal requirements are set by the State of NRW.
In conjunction with STARTPLATZ, the Founders' Scholarship can, among other things:
The scholarship is an enabler, not an end in itself.
Access to the Founders' Scholarship via STARTPLATZ is exclusively through the STARTPLATZ application system.
There is no separate funding funnel.
The application serves to assess:
Online application via the STARTPLATZ system including document upload.
Review only takes place with a complete application and after assessing fit & capacity.
If suitable: Placement on the list for an upcoming jury session.
If not suitable: Feedback and referral to other official contact points.
Recommendation for the Founders' Scholarship NRW and possible further support within the STARTPLATZ ecosystem.
Not every application automatically leads to a jury invitation.
An application can only be reviewed if all documents are complete.
Without complete documents, no content review and no feedback will be provided.
Please only apply if your venture fits our focus and all documents are complete.
Start ApplicationSTARTPLATZ facilitates access and assessment. The official funding conditions and forms are provided by the State of NRW.
Contact is for clarifying the process or general fit – not for applications.
STARTPLATZ Cologne & Düsseldorf