The city of Freiberg rewards innovative business ideas. To mark the tenth anniversary of the “Lebendige Innenstadt” (Lively City Center) start-up competition, Freiberg is expanding the competition and setting new priorities: This year, for the first time, the prize will be organized jointly with the SAXEED start-up network of TUBAF and awarded in three different categories. A new category, “Idea,” has been added to the competition. The aim is to strengthen the connection between the city, society, and the university.
School pupils, students, and scientists can submit their ideas for a new product or service to revitalize city centers. The SAXEED start-up network at TU Bergakademie Freiberg is running this part of the competition for the first time in 2025: “All innovative ideas can be submitted in the ‘Idea’ competition category – from technological developments and social projects to creative services. For SAXEED, participation is an important impetus for highlighting and specifically promoting the start-up potential at TUBAF and in the city of Freiberg,” explains Andre Uhlmann, head of SAXEED at TUBAF.
Hand in your idea
Applications can be submitted via a 2-minute idea check directly on the SAXEED website until October 31, 2025. The three teams with the best ideas will pitch (present) them at the award ceremony in November. The audience in attendance will vote live on the best idea, which will be awarded 500 euros. Second and third place will receive lucrative prizes such as Airpods.
There are also two other categories, “Start-up” and “Development,” which are aimed at interested parties with business ideas or existing businesses. Finalists in the “Start-up” category will receive pitch presentation training from SAXEED, among other things.
The award ceremony will take place publicly during Germany's nationwide Start-up Week on November 18, 2025, in the City and Mining Museum. The winners of all three categories will be announced and awarded on site.
