Vienna, online, 1.4. - 14.10.2025

aws: International Start-up Competition Best of Biotech 2025: Apply by June 13 to compete for the best business ideas in biotech and medtech and join the prestigious BoB awards ceremony on October 14

aws BoB is a prestigious international competition in life sciences, designed to transform groundbreaking ideas into successful innovations. In 2025, BoB will celebrate its 11th round in a special 25th anniversary edition!

Organized by aws Life Science Austria (LISA), a program of Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws), on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW), BoB offers a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The competition will take place from April 1, 2025, to October 14, 2025.

Who should apply?

  • BoB is open to students, researchers, and teams or individuals from around the world who aim to turn their ideas into businesses…
  • ...as well as young startups up to 3 years old (founded after March 31, 2022). 

Why participate?

  • Coaching & Training: Benefit from online trainings and get valuable feedback on your business idea from experts with extensive knowledge in life sciences, patents, finance, and entrepreneurship. Finalists will get access to Coaching Days in Vienna incl. pitch training.
  • Visibilty & Exposure: Make it to the finals and gain visibility through (social) media & PR placements. Pitch your product in front of a prestigious jury and participate in the exclusive awards ceremony. All participants are invited to attend the awards ceremony in Vienna.
  • Networking & Collaboration: Get in contact with industry experts and build meaningful connections within the life science ecosystem. Connect with other ideators and start-up founders.
  • Win the Prize:The winning team in each category will receive a cash prize of € 8,000 as well as a free ticket to an international matchmaking event (BIO-Europe 2025 or MedTech Forum 2026). 

In 2025, the BoB will be awarded across four equal categories:

  • Best BioTech Ideator
  • Best MedTech Ideator
  • Best BioTech Start up
  • Best MedTech Start up

The ideator categories are for projects in the pre-foundation phase, while the start-up categories are for young companies up to three years old. 

Key Dates

  • 1.4.2025: Competition opens
    • Submission phase, online training opportunities
  • 13.6.2025: Application closes
    • Evaluation of proposals
  • 3.9.2025: Announcement of finalists
    • Revision of pitch decks, online marketing
  • 17./18.09.2025: Coaching Days
    • Revision of pitch decks, online marketing
  • 13./14.10.2025: Jury Pitch and Award Ceremony

The prestigious BoB awards ceremony will be held on October 14, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM in Vienna. 

For more information, visit: www.bestofbiotech.at

Contact

Liesa Doppler
l.doppler(at)aws.at

1.4. - 14.10.2025

Vienna, online

aws BoB: Best of Biotech and Medtech website