The application period for the 2026 Bavarian Innovation Award has begun. Entrepreneurs from all over Bavaria can submit their documents exclusively online until January 25, 2026. Participation is free of charge, and authentication is not required. After submission, the relevant chambers of commerce will forward the applications to the jury.
All companies with their headquarters or a branch in Bavaria that have developed innovative products, processes, or technology-oriented services are eligible to participate. These products or services must have originated predominantly in Bavaria and must have been on the market for no more than four years. The Bavarian Innovation Award recognizes outstanding achievements that have already achieved initial market success or whose success is foreseeable.
Five categories for outstanding innovations
The jury awards prizes in five different categories. The following criteria also apply to each prize category:
- Industrial Innovation: Independent companies that are members of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Bavaria.
- Innovative crafts: Independent companies that are members of the Chambers of Crafts in Bavaria.
- Startup: Independent companies that are no more than five years old at the time of application.
- Business meets science: The subject of the application was developed in close cooperation with a research institution or university that is (preferably) based in Bavaria.
- Creative Innovation: The jury can award a prize to a company that has made a particularly valuable contribution through an outstanding innovation.
Since 2012, the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Bavarian Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce, and the Association of Bavarian Chambers of Skilled Crafts have jointly awarded the Bavarian Innovation Prize every two years. In 2026, up to five honorary prizes, which do not include a monetary award, will be presented. The winners will receive a certificate, a sculpture, and a short film portrait, which will be shown during the award ceremony.
At the last award ceremony in 2024 Among others, Curevision and Summ AI were able to secure awards.
Further information and the option to apply online can be found on the Website of the Bavarian Innovation Award.
