The startup competition LIFT-OFF of the University of Göttingen is aimed at both those interested in starting a business and active founders from all departments. The competition is accompanied by various events and workshops, as well as a mentoring program in the field of entrepreneurship throughout the entire duration of the contest. In addition to the priceless insights and experiences, participants can win attractive cash and in-kind prizes, which will be awarded by a jury. In the "Startup Potential" and "Science" categories, audience members get to vote for an audience award on the evening of the award ceremony. There are also three special prizes: The "Life Science" special prize sponsored by the Life Science Factory, the "Sustainable Land Use" special prize endowed by the WissenWecken Foundation, and the special prize "Social Entrepreneurship". In total, cash prizes worth over 45,000 euros were awarded in 2024, provided by a total of 15 sponsors, including the three main sponsors SerNet GmbH, Sparkasse Göttingen, and Life Science Factory.