The virtual awards ceremony for "Digital Startup of the Year 2021" took place at the Forum Digitale Technologien in Berlin. The founders will receive cash prizes totaling €110,000 to further develop their companies: first place will receive €50,000, and the second-place team will receive €30,000. Third place this year will be shared by two startups, each receiving €10,000.
Startups as drivers of digital transformation
At the award ceremony, the Parliamentary State Secretary Franziska Brantner:
"With their successful business models, the award-winning startups are driving digital transformation forward. The innovations of the award-winning teams are arming companies against cyberattacks, strengthening key technologies such as artificial intelligence in our healthcare system, rapidly implementing the transport transition, and making life easier for people with disabilities. Through initiatives such as the Digital Innovations Startup Competition, the Digital Hub Initiative, and the High-Tech Startup Fund, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection supports young companies in turning their ideas into reality and successfully bringing them to market."
The “Digital Startup of the Year” award honors startups that, in the opinion of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection They implemented their digital startup ideas particularly successfully in a short period of time and pursue promising concepts for further growth. Two awards also went to Munich.
Two prizes go to Munich
On the one hand, Munevo second place. The startup based in Münchner Technologiezentrum (MTZ) has developed a new type of control for people who, due to their condition, are unable to operate an electric wheelchair in the conventional way or are barely able to do so. Unlike the established and rather uncomfortable chin and head controls, Munevo Drive records head movements using smart glasses, which send the signals directly to the wheelchair's control system. This increases operating comfort for the wheelchair user and also allows access to other systems, such as a smartphone or a robotic arm. The system can be easily connected to standard wheelchairs and adapted to individual mobility requirements.
Third place is also shared by Twaice from Munich with the Berlin-based startup Mediaire. Twaice's software enables the optimization of the development and operation of batteries for electric vehicles. The condition of the batteries is precisely analyzed with regard to performance, safety, and service life and interpreted in a use-case-oriented manner. Optimizing technical parameters based on the software is expected to extend battery service life by up to 25 percent and significantly reduce safety and warranty risks.
Other startups honored include Sosafe in first place, Mediaire also in third place, and Credium, which received the Audience Award.
