The innovation competition of Landeshauptstadt München enters its ninth round in 2026. The city is looking for creative minds who develop innovative solutions for concrete urban challenges. Founders, students, and talents from the startup community can submit their ideas by May 17, 2026.
This year, five challenges are in focus:
- Tree Quest: Students on an urban data mission
- Making hidden wastewater disposal services visible
- Beneath the surface: Deciphering hidden information about Munich’s sewer network
- Providing data and knowledge quickly, structurally, and purposefully with AI
- Ecoprofit 2.0: AI-supported environmental consulting for Munich’s businesses
Competition, prize, and co-creation
The competition is divided into a competition phase and a subsequent implementation phase. After the application deadline, a jury consisting of representatives from the city administration and entrepreneurship centers selects the best concepts. The finalists present their ideas in early July, and the awards ceremony takes place on July 21, 2026 at Munich Urban Colab.
Each winning team receives a prize money of 10,000 euros. Additionally, the city provides up to 15,000 euros for material services so that teams can further develop their solutions in the context of a co-creation phase. This begins in autumn 2026 and lasts three to six months. The teams work closely with the city administration and test their approaches under real conditions.
Finalists also benefit: they receive 1,000 euros plus a ticket to the Munich Startup Festival on July 22, 2026. Beyond that, valuable networking effects emerge. Entrepreneurship centers support the teams with coaching, facilitate contacts with investors, and provide access to programs such as Xplore or the LMU Innovation Incubator.
Further information about the innovation competition of Landeshauptstadt München and the application process is available on the associated website.
