CASH înno up: The Startup Challenge powered by WKÖ

 The general conditions and economic situation are currently particularly challenging for many retail companies. Fresh ideas and innovative approaches are needed right now.

In the 2025 edition of the CASH înno up Start-up Challenge, we aim to explore how startups can help tackle specific challenges in the retail sector.

In particular, we want to put AI applications to the test and identify practical solutions that are already applicable in retail. As part of the 40th CASH Handelsforum (Retail Forum), which will take place from 23-25 April 2025 in St. Wolfgang (Upper Austria), the finalists of the competition will be invited to present their solutions, in front of top decision-makers from food retail, drugstores and the connected FMCG industry. The prestigious CASH Handelsforum provides outstanding startups with a valuable platform to establish themselves in the Austrian market. The participants of the CASH Retail Forum will also vote for an audience winner.

Category: Artificial intelligence

 The challenge seeks innovative start-ups with AI-driven solutions or services that support companies in the retail sector with key tasks. The focus is on the following issues:

•   Optimization of sustainable product assortment planning (considering seasonality, customer demand, and stock levels). 
• Further utilisation of remaining stock
• Relieving employees on the shop floor  
• Addressing customers & improving customer experience  

Solutions that are easy to implement and scalable are particularly welcome.

Participation criteria:

 To qualify for the challenge, the start-up should fulfil the following basic requirements:  

• Proof of concept: the fundamental feasibility of the project must be demonstrated.
• Ideally a verifiable track record (proof of market)
• Company not older than 5 years
• Willingness to present the start-up or innovation project in person at the CASH Handelsforum on April 24, 2025, in St. Wolfgang (Upper Austria).
• The Federal Retail Division offers a travel allowance of 200 euros per finalist
• Working language: German or English   
  

Offer to winning teams 

A winning team is selected from the finalists for the challenge. The following benefits and opportunities await the winners: 

•   The jury winner receives € 1,000 in prize money (provided by the WKÖ Commerce Division).
• All finalists who present their idea on stage also have the chance to win the audience award. In addition to a certificate and non-cash prizes, this includes a ticket to the 41st CASH Retail Forum 2026 (valued at approximately €3,000).
• All finalists will receive free access to up to 5 annual licences for the digital education platform wîse up.   
• Parallel reporting in the newsletters, on the online platform cash.at and in the print magazine CASH rounds off the media service for the finalists.  
• Media communication campaign by the WKO/Commerce Division.  
• Before and after the presentation, finalists have the opportunity to network with key players in the Austrian retail and FMCG industry (self-initiated).
• Before and after the presentation, finalists have the opportunity to network with key players in the Austrian retail and FMCG industry (self-initiated).
  

Legal Disclaimer

 All natural and legal persons of legal age are eligible to participate, provided they fulfil the above-mentioned participation criteria. WKÖ employees, employees of Handelsmagazin CASH, their relatives, and public officials are excluded from participation.

Together with the retail magazine CASH, the WKÖ Commerce Division defines a challenge, on the basis of which innovative start-ups can register via the project website. This platform is used to pre-select eligible participants, who are then presented to the buddy company.

The most suitable three (up to a maximum of five) start-ups are then selected for the final (pitch day) by the WKÖ Commerce Division and the CASH Handelsmagazin with the involvement of the coaches; the finalists are notified by e-mail. In a final step, the ideas are finalised and presented. One or more winners can be chosen from the finalists.

Participants/winners are not legally entitled to enter into contracts or business relationships with the WKÖ Commerce Division and/or CASH Handelsmagazin. There is no legal entitlement to participation in the final round or the selection of a winner.Participants will not receive any compensation for their participation. The conditions of participation, parts of the process or the entire process can be changed at any time. The changes will be announced in good time and published on the platform www.inno-up.at. It is possible and the participants expressly acknowledge that the research, development and other activities of the participants and the WKÖ Commerce Division may overlap thematically. This does not give rise to any claims on the part of the participants. Participant registration constitutes express agreement to this disclaimer.