ISM Start-up Pitches Award 2026
On 2 February 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., eight selected start-ups will present their ideas and products live on the Talks & Tasting Stage (Hall 10.1).
Experience innovations live
Discover how young companies are shaping the future of the sweets and snacks industry. Experience exciting presentations, direct feedback from experts and the presentation of the ISM Start-Up Pitches Award 2026.
- 8 start-ups – 8 visions
- Live pitches
- Trends, innovations & market chances at a glance
- Expert jury with immediate feedback
Application process – here's how it works
Send application until 4 January 2026 to s.ruland@koelnmesse.de
- Short description (Executive Summary, approx. 3–4 paragraphs)
- Short description of the company/product, etc. What concrete problem does the start-up address
Selection of the start-ups: max. 8 start-ups (notification of whether you will take part by 7 January 2026)
Submit pitch deck until 14 January 2026 rob@kingkronekker.de
- You have 5 minutes for your presentation and receive immediate feedback from the expert jury!
Special service:
Robert Kronekker checks your pitch deck and provides you with valuable tips for optimisation.
Format of pitch deck: 16:9, 11–13 folios with the following structure
Folio 1: Cover sheet (company name, logo, slogan)
Folio 2: Mission/vision (clearly formulated problem with potentially relevant data/figures)
Folio 3: Assortment/ assortment strategy (product/USPs & roadmap assortment)
Folio 4: Market & opportunity (target segment, target group, market size (TAM/SAM/SOM), trends
Folio 5: Business model/ unit economics (sources of revenue, price strategy, sales channels, stomach)
Folio 6: Sales, traction & customers (early adopters, pilots, sales, numbers of users, references)
Folio 7: Go-to-market strategy (sales strategy, partnerships, marketing)
Folio 8: Competition (competition landscape, USPs, barriers)
Folio 9: Team (key people, relevant experiences, personnel & partners)
Folio 10: Milestones & roadmap (next 12–18 months)
Folio 11: Conclusion (contact person)
Use the chance to present your idea to an international audience – and maybe to win the ISM Start-Up Pitches Award 2026!
Contact
-
Susanne Ruland Koelnmesse GmbH
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Robert Kronekker Food entrepreneur, investor & start-up mentor
Important information at a glance
Where?
Koelnmesse GmbH in the context of the ISM, Talks & Tasting Stage, Hall 10.1
When?
Monday, 2 February 2026
from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
In which language?
English (international trade visitors from more than 135 countries)
How long is a pitch?
5 minute presentation + 3 minutes of feedback
Application deadline:
4 January 2026
Submission of pitch deck:
14 January 2026