Women Entrepreneurs in Science
Female founders SUMMIT 2025: Application phase for Pitch Night started
Now in its fifth year, the WES networking event offers female founders a platform to present themselves, make valuable contacts and, with the Pitch Night, the opportunity to win prize money. The application phase is now underway for the next Pitch Night as part of the Female Founders SUMMIT 2025 // Photo Andrea Bowinkelmann
The Pitch Night is aimed at female and mixed start-up teams from all over Germany who want to take off with innovative ideas. We are looking for start-up projects with social and economic added value that relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Applications can be submitted until 31 August 2025 via the WES website.
Pitch Night: procedure & participation
20 teams will be selected from all applications for the next round. A community vote on Instagram and a jury vote will select the six final teams for the Pitch Night. These six selected teams will pitch live in front of an audience and jury at the Founders SUMMIT on 29 October. In addition to visibility and valuable feedback, they will also have the chance to win prize money.
To take part in the Pitch Night, the following application criteria must be met:
- Concrete start-up idea with a clear problem and solution
- Understood target group & market
- Proof of demand (e.g. surveys, interviews)
- Innovation aspect (technological, social or methodological)
- Contribution to at least one SDG
- Personal pitch participation by female team members
- Start-up in planning or a maximum of two years old
- Optional: Reference to skilled labour shortage sectors
Application for the Pitch Night: https://www.wes.uni-wuppertal.de/gruenderinnen-summit-2025/
About the Founders SUMMIT
The Pitch Night takes place as part of the annual Female Founders SUMMIT. The Women Entrepreneurs in Science (WES) project at the University of Wuppertal has been campaigning for a more equal start-up ecosystem for almost five years. Over 30 universities are already part of the network, which encourages, supports and publicises female founders. With the Female Founders SUMMIT, WES creates an annual platform for inspiration, exchange and empowerment - now also beyond North Rhine-Westphalia.
The exhibition area will open at 11 a.m., where female founders from Germany will present their products - ideal for browsing, networking and trying things out. The programme will be complemented by practical workshops and impulses on the topics of female role models, investing in start-ups and digital security when founding a company.
All information about SUMMIT 2025 - programme, application, participation as a visitor - can be found on the WES website.
Women Entrepreneurs in Science (WES)
WES is a nationwide university network for female students, employees and graduates. It supports women on their start-up journey and creates a network in which female founders can realise their full potential. The network specifically addresses different target groups - from university employees in start-up centres to experienced female founders and successors. Through this holistic approach, the interdisciplinary team is driving change towards an equal start-up ecosystem at all levels.
Even more background: Women in the start-up scene: Female founder network "WES" launches model project for the whole of Germany (press release from 5 March 2025)
Further links & contact to the network
e-mail: wes[at]wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de
LinkedIn: LinkedIn WES
Instagram: Instagram WES
