Since 2012, the Bavarian Innovation Award has been seeking "Bavaria's best ideas" every two years. In addition to three main prizes, four special prizes are awarded, including one for startups up to five years old. Interested companies can apply Apply by April 3.
All companies, regardless of industry or size, that have their headquarters or a branch in Bavaria are eligible to participate. The awards recognize product and process innovations as well as technology-oriented services developed in Bavaria and launched on the market no more than four years ago.
The Bavarian Innovation Award consists of three main prizes (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place). In addition, four special prizes will be awarded in the categories 'Companies with Fewer than 50 Employees,' 'Startups Up to Five Years Old,' 'Business and Science Cooperation,' and 'Special Jury Prize.' The awards ceremony will take place on November 23, 2020, in Munich.
At the last Innovation Award 2018 were with Audeering, Medineering, Roboception and Tacterion Four Munich companies were awarded the Bavarian Innovation Prize.
Initiative by politics and business
The Innovation Prize is awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Association of Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce, and the Association of Bavarian Chambers of Crafts. Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger explained:
"Innovations guarantee success and growth; they maintain Bavaria's competitiveness. Our companies develop new products and services for the markets of the future and are bold and willing to take risks. We therefore honor the enormous innovative strength and inventive spirit of Bavarian companies with the Bavarian Innovation Award."
Eberhard Sasse, President of the Bavarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BIHK), says:
"The Bavarian economy is a leader in research and development and shapes the innovation landscape in Germany and throughout Europe. With their ingenious developments, not only startups but also many small and medium-sized enterprises underscore the inventiveness of the Free State and thus have the best chances in the race for the 2020 Bavarian Innovation Award."
The President of the Association of Bavarian Chambers of Crafts Franz Xaver Peteranderl also emphasizes:
"There are many good ideas for products and services in the Bavarian skilled trades sector that are eligible for the 2020 Bavarian Innovation Award. Innovations are important for our companies to survive in the market. However, developing them to market maturity requires perseverance and, above all, financial support. With the Free State's Innovation Voucher and the Digital Bonus, Bavaria offers funding programs that can be implemented easily, quickly, and without red tape."
All further information about the application can be found here.
