Examined the alignment of the aid with the market's internal regulations by the Commission.
The Mannheim Economic Development Agency (MEDA) honoured forward-thinking business ideas of young Mannheim startups on September 18, 2025, during the MEXI award ceremony held aboard the MS Karlsruhe in the Mühlau harbour. The event, organised by Economic Development and NEXT MANNHEIM, marked a new record with nearly 60 applications, surpassing the previous high.
In the Technology category, the top three winners were Replique GmbH, iQMedix GmbH, and PyoScience GmbH. Replique GmbH, which offers demand-oriented production of spare parts, took the first place, followed by iQMedix GmbH in second place. PyoScience GmbH secured third place. Replique GmbH's victory was also reflected in the media prize, worth €10,000, and a cash prize of €2,500 in the Fashion category, sponsored by Goldgarn Denim/Trendfabrik.
Meanwhile, in the Fashion category, the first-place winners received a media prize worth €10,000 and a cash prize of €2,500. The runner-up, IIANA BIASINI UG, is a luxury lingerie label that produces handmade, sustainable, and long-lasting clothing in Mannheim, aiming to counteract questionable working conditions, long supply chains, and clothing waste. The third-place winner, Zenzai GmbH, is a sustainable sneaker brand that combines retro designs with eco-friendly technology, using approximately 90% natural materials, including cactus leather and compostable soles, aiming for fully circular and biodegradable products.
In the Service category, rightflow GmbH, which automates legal activities using AI, took the first place. QuickNaavi Consulting, which supports highly qualified individuals with a migration background in entering the German job market, received second place.
The MEXI award also recognised startups that are making a positive impact on society. MELT-Ing GmbH, which develops thermal buffer plates for lightweight construction, preventing summer overheating and reducing winter cooling, contributing to climate-resilient construction and the heat transition, won in the Impact category. Extrafrei GmbH, which operates a digital booking portal, "ExtraSauber", connecting customers with certified cleaning companies, promoting fair working conditions, and reducing illegal employment, was the second-place winner. Bags Innovation Hub GmbH, which has developed a lightweight, ergonomic, and functional school backpack design, addressing the school market with an innovative Double-Bag function, closed the top three in the Impact category.
Powerberatung & Low Code GmbH, which develops tailor-made low-code solutions for business process digitization and data visualization using the Microsoft Power Platform, addressing the skilled labor shortage, and resourcly GmbH, a software company that uses AI to analyze unused components in inventory, identify alternatives, and enable reuse, helping industries reduce CO2 emissions, waste, and costs, were also among the awarded startups in the Technology category.
The MEXI award is a testament to the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Mannheim startups, showcasing their potential to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future.
