New Startup Day announced for boot Düsseldorf 2025

Yachting Ventures and the European Boating Industry (EBI) are launching a Startup Day at boot Düsseldorf 2025 on 21 January, aimed at showcasing innovative startups in the leisure marine industry. This event builds on previous successful pitch competitions at the Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a sustainability forum that emphasises innovation in the sector.

Startup Day will feature a keynote address, a pitch competition for five selected startups, and reverse pitches from investors to provide insights into their priorities. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on investment trends and a networking opportunity during a Startup Happy Hour. Startups are encouraged to apply for the pitch competition (see how to get involved below), with the winning startup receiving a stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026 and media exposure.

Boot Düsseldorf, running from 18-26 January 2025, is the world’s largest yacht and watersports exhibition, and attracts more than 214,000 visitors and hosts over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 exhibition halls.

Startup Day programme highlights

The 2025 edition of Startup Day will begin at 1.00pm with a keynote address, followed by the Startup Pitch competition from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Five startups will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of industry experts and investors. Investors will also engage in reverse pitches, offering startups unique insights into investor priorities, helping them tailor their approach and better align with what investors seek.

The programme will conclude with a panel discussion on current investment trends and challenges. Afterwards, participants can join the Startup Happy Hour at the BID Lounge, offering valuable networking opportunities and a prime opportunity for connecting with investors, founders and key players in the leisure marine startup ecosystem.

Call for startups to apply to pitch

Yachting Ventures and EBI invite startups to apply for the pitch competition, where they will be judged on criteria including uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and sustainability impact on the leisure marine industry.

The winning startup will be awarded a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026, providing increased exposure and brand recognition. Additional benefits include extensive media coverage through Yachting Ventures and Boot Düsseldorf’s channels.

Startups are defined as companies that have been operating commercially for less than five years and/or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million. Applications are open and interested startups can apply here.

Yachting Ventures cements partnership with EBI

The Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a key sustainability forum launched in 2023 by EBI and boot Düsseldorf, has quickly become a focal point of the event, promoting advancements in innovation, sustainability, and ocean protection within the leisure marine sector.

The success of the pitch competitions at the Blue Innovation Dock in 2023 and 2024 has led Yachting Ventures and EBI to expand the programme into a full-day event. This expanded collaboration aims to offer more opportunities for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, emphasising the growing importance of innovation and sustainability in the yachting sector.

The Blue Innovation Dock brings together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainability in boat building, propulsion systems, marina management and marine tourism. With the full-day Startup Day, Yachting Ventures and EBI are further committed to supporting emerging businesses and fostering cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of the industry.