Competition categories
There are three main and three special categories to choose from when submitting to the i2b business plan competition:
Main categories
Service, trade, commerce (DGH)
This category includes all innovative product and/or service ideas in the areas of services, trade and commerce. In recent years, this category has had the most submissions. It is precisely then that it is important to successfully distinguish oneself from the competition.
Technology (T)
The “Technology” category calls for innovative, technological product or service ideas with high market potential. This category is under the sponsorship of Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws).
In addition, the special “GreenTech” prize is awarded in this category.
Students (ST)
The student category welcomes business plans from the academic environment, ones for which there is not (yet) a concrete implementation intention. It is particularly intended for theoretical concepts that were developed in the course of university studies.
Sole proprietorship (EPU – Ein-Personen Unternehmen)
Due to the great demand and because one-person businesses are especially close to our hearts, we have made the “Special EPU Award” a separate category in which the entrepreneurs can also compete against each other in the final pitch!
An EPU is defined as an entrepreneur or managing director of a one-person business who does not employ any staff (sole proprietorship).
Special categories
Social Business
Social business includes companies whose corporate purpose is to maximize social or ecological benefits (social impact).
You can find more on the exact participation criteria from the Conditions of Participation.
Business succession
Are you taking over an existing business? Then submit your business plan in the “Business Succession” category.