Who develops digital solutions with real added value and sustainably transforms entire industries? That’s exactly the question posed by the Rising Digital Award. The Dortmund-based IT company Conciso is launching the fourth round of the competition and is specifically targeting young startups with innovative digital products and services.
The competition addresses founders, teams, and individuals who have been active in business for a maximum of 24 months. Startups from throughout Europe can participate, regardless of industry. The focus is on scalable business models that successfully bring digital innovations to market. The winner of the Rising Digital Award receives prize money of €30,000 as well as individual coaching from experienced experts at Conciso. In addition, award winners benefit from access to Conciso’s facilities to further develop their concepts and bring them to market more quickly.
Competition process
Interested parties submit their concepts by March 31, 2026. An independent jury from business and academia then evaluates all submissions and selects the most promising startups. The nominees present their ideas at two pitch days on May 28 and 29 in person in Dortmund and answer questions from the jury. The awards ceremony takes place on June 24.
The Rising Digital Award has repeatedly demonstrated the innovation potential that exists in young digital companies. In 2024, Exomatter won the competition and received valuable support for its AI-powered database with information on over 1.5 million materials.
“With the new competition round, we want to set fresh digital impulses for Germany as an innovation hub and for our region. In the past, we have already been able to support numerous startups in realizing their vision, further developing their business, and gaining new partners”,
explains Tobias Schündelen, one of the organizers.
All information about the competition and how to apply can be found on the associated website.
