Munich-based biotech firm, Bioexotec, emerges victorious in the city's business plan contest
2025 Munich Business Plan Competition Showcases Latest Developments in Deeptech and Hardware Solutions
The 2025 Munich Business Plan Competition has highlighted several latest developments in Deeptech and hardware solutions in Munich and Southern Bavaria. The competition, endowed with 48,500 euros and consisting of three phases, attracted a total of 241 startups from the region.
The finalists showcase a variety of innovative technologies, primarily focusing on AI platforms, sustainable water purification technology, and advanced digital assistants.
Agentix, a startup from the Technical University of Munich, is developing an AI platform that transforms natural language into digital assistants, representing an advanced application of AI in human-computer interaction.
CiX, a start-up supported by Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) in Southern Bavaria, has created a new technology for sustainable water purification using innovative diamond electrodes. Their ready-to-connect purification systems efficiently remove hazardous substances—including medicinal residues, bacteria, and PFAS ("forever chemicals")—directly in situ. This method is resource-efficient and avoids burning or vaporizing pollutants, marking a significant leap in water treatment hardware.
Other noteworthy innovations tied to the wider region include:
- The merger of ClimateTech companies Pina Earth and Tree.ly to create a leading Europe-wide platform for forest carbon offset projects, combining project development, software, and sales to scale climate protection solutions across six countries.
- The ongoing integration of AI into mobility and health sectors, as exemplified by startups like Onvy, which develops AI-based digital health coaching.
Among the finalists, Bioexotec, a spin-off of TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar, won first place. Bioexotec is developing a non-invasive blood and saliva test for early detection of certain types of cancer. Other finalists include Linque, developing photonic chips, and Onyx, providing simulation software for drug development.
Versatile Robotics, a startup from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), took third place with their development of intelligent control software for robots to perform complex tasks, such as in logistics, manufacturing, or human-robot collaboration.
Ovrlay, specializing in automated 3D modeling from images, and Legalian, offering digital solutions for anti-money laundering, are also among the finalists.
Max Achmedschin, head of the competition at Baystartup, highlights the convergence of know-how, capital, and researcher interest in founding companies. The key to success in the competition is a clear red thread, understanding business economic contexts, thinking through details, and clearly presenting one's vision.
After the finale, Baystartup continues to support the teams, offering coaching and access to investors. The competition underscores the vibrant tech ecosystem in Munich and Southern Bavaria, with a strong focus on Deeptech and hardware solutions, and many researchers having an entrepreneurial vision for their findings to become marketable solutions.
- The start-up, Bioexotec, a spin-off of TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar, utilized their expertise to develop a non-invasive blood and saliva test for early detection of certain types of cancer, which earned them the first place in the competition.
- Agentix, a startup from the Technical University of Munich, is revolutionizing human-computer interaction by developing an AI platform that transforms natural language into digital assistants, indicative of the increasing integration of science and technology in business and finance.
- The competition also highlighted the progress in the health-and-wellness sector with Onvy, a startup specializing in AI-based digital health coaching, showcasing the potential for advanced technology to improve wellness and impact the finance industry through healthier lifestyles.
