Business plan competition supports sustainable start-ups in the fields of climate, environment, energy and resource conservation.
KUER.NRW is an initiative of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia that aims to promote sustainable startups and innovations in the areas of climate, environment, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Its centerpiece is the annual business plan competition, which will launch on April 15, 2026, and is aimed at startups and those interested in starting a business. The goal is to develop innovative business ideas into viable business models within five months.
The program is implemented on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment of North Rhine-Westphalia and organized by pro Ruhrgebiet eV and Business Angels Germany. In addition to the competition, KUER offers comprehensive support throughout the entire start-up process – from idea evaluation and business plan development to the growth and financing phases, as well as networking with investors.
One example of the initiative's success is the 2025 competition: The Bochum-based start-up mechIC won first place with its energy-autonomous mechanical sensors. Other award-winning companies included Senlytics from Aachen with a monitoring solution for wind turbines, and Sizeless from Cologne with sustainable, adjustable children's shoes. In addition to prize money, the finalist teams received further support, such as professional company videos.
As part of the state's environmental economic strategy, KUER.NRW contributes to promoting innovative business models and driving the transformation towards a sustainable economy in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Source: www.kuer.nrw
