Submit the venture
Founders submit a structured application covering their business concept, innovation category, traction, team background and funding needs.
Programme overview
Evaluated, coached and refined at every step.
BakeNext follows a rigorous, multi-stage selection and mentorship journey, the same discipline BAKE applies to running Bake Expo itself. Founders aren’t simply selected; they are evaluated, coached and refined at every step, so that by the time they reach the live finale stage on Bake Expo’s Innovation & Launches day, they’re pitching a stronger, sharper version of the business they started with.
The journey
Eight stages from application to investor connect.
Each stage feeds the next, from the application form through to structured investor introductions.
Panel review
BAKE’s evaluation panel reviews every submission against innovation potential, market relevance, scalability and team capability, building the shortlist for Online Round 1.
First virtual pitch
Shortlisted founders deliver a virtual pitch to a panel of mentors and judges, followed by structured feedback.
Deeper evaluation
Founders refine the pitch on Round 1 feedback and are assessed on business model depth, market validation and readiness to scale.
Finalist sprint
Every Top 10 finalist is paired with mentors from our panel of 8+ industry experts for a focused sprint ahead of the Grand Finale.
Grand finale
On Bake Expo’s Day 02, themed Innovation & Launches, the Top 10 take the stage live in front of judges, 30-50 investors, media and the trade audience.
Recognition
Top 3 winners are announced on stage with cash prizes and trophies, alongside BAKE.CUP, the Bakery Innovation Award and the BAKE Lifetime Honour. All Top 10 receive certification.
Investor connect
Every finalist receives structured introductions to relevant investors, mirroring the buyer-matchmaking model Bake Expo already runs on its trade floor.
Timeline
Key dates for the 2026 edition.
- Applications open
- August 2026
- Screening
- Following application close
- Online Pitch Round 1
- September 2026
- Online Pitch Round 2
- September 2026
- Top 10 finalists announced
- Late September 2026
- Mentorship sprint
- Ahead of the Grand Finale
- Grand Finale: live pitch
- 10 October 2026 · Day 02 · Bake Expo 2026, Adlux
- Winners & investor connect
- 10-11 October 2026