The digital association Bitkom is presenting the Smart Country Startup Award for the first time. Applications for the prize, which comes with a cash prize of €10,000, are open until September 30, 2018.
The smart city is on everyone's lips. The Bitkom startup initiative Get Started now aims to digitize the entire country and is offering the Smart Country Startup Award. The digitization of cities, municipalities, and public spaces aims to make everyday life more efficient, modern, and easier. The initiators are considering, among other things, clean water using smart sensors, new data-based mobility concepts, and intelligent contract management in public administration.
Total prize money of 10,000 euros
The award is presented in the categories of Smart City and e-Government, recognizing the most innovative solutions. Six finalists will have the chance to pitch to a distinguished jury and a large audience of experts for a total of €10,000 in prize money. The finalists will also receive free membership to Get Started and the opportunity to connect with a broad network of established companies, investors, and contacts from the public sector, as well as a free exhibition booth at the Smart Country Convention from November 20 to 22 in Berlin. The trade fair is also taking place for the first time this year and focuses on the digitalization of administrations and public services. Bitkom Managing Director Niklas Veltkamp says:
"Bitkom's Smart Country Convention brings together innovation drivers and representatives of federal, state, city, and municipal administrations and authorities. It's the ideal place for startups with ideas for smart cities or digital government to find customers, partners, and investors."
According to Veltkamp, the government is currently taking young, innovative companies into account far too rarely when issuing tenders.
Applications for the award are possible online until September 30th.
