Startup Teens Westphalia Challenge

The Startup Teens Westphalia Challenge is a statewide idea competition targeting young people aged 14 to 19 from the administrative districts of Arnsberg, Münster, and Detmold. School graduates and students independently develop business ideas and submit them via an online portal. Accompanying workshops and inspirational events in Westphalia, video tutorials, as well as a mentoring program support participants in the conception and practical implementation of their ideas. The goal is to promote entrepreneurial thinking, strengthen future skills, and ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship early on. The best submissions will be awarded a total prize money of 10,000 euros, with 1st place receiving 5,000 euros, 2nd place 3,000 euros, and 3rd place 2,000 euros. The submission deadline is March 16, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Eligible to participate are individuals or teams, provided that no team member is older than 19 years as of the cut-off date and all participants attend a school in Westphalia. The application includes an online registration, a completed questionnaire (approximately 6 DIN A4 pages), and a pitch video in landscape format lasting no more than two minutes. A jury evaluates the submissions based on feasibility, degree of innovation, and completeness. The five most promising ideas qualify for the final on April 16, 2026, during which the three winners will be announced. The Startup Teens Westphalia Challenge is supported by the Westphalia Initiative Foundation for Self-Responsibility and the Common Good and is explicitly aimed at committed students who wish to develop their entrepreneurial potential.