The application phase for the Bavarian Innovation Prize 2026 has begun. Entrepreneurs from all over Bavaria can submit their documents exclusively online by January 25, 2026. Participation is free of charge, and no authentication is required. After submission, the responsible chambers will forward the applications to the jury.
All companies headquartered or with a branch office in Bavaria that have developed innovative products, processes, or technology-oriented services are eligible to participate. These must have been developed primarily in Bavaria and may have been on the market for a maximum of four years. The Bavarian Innovation Prize honors outstanding achievements that have already achieved initial market success or whose success is foreseeable.
Five categories for outstanding innovations
The jury awards prizes in five different categories. The following criteria also apply to the individual prize categories:
- Industrial innovation: Independent companies that are members of the chambers of commerce and industry in Bavaria.
- Innovative crafts: Independent companies that are members of the craft chambers in Bavaria.
- Startup: Independent companies that are not older than five years at the time of application submission.
- Business meets science: The subject of the application was developed in close collaboration with a research institution or university that is (preferably) based in Bavaria.
- Creative innovation: The jury may honor a company that has distinguished itself in a particularly outstanding manner with an exceptional innovation.
Since 2012, the Bavarian Ministry of Economics, the Bavarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, and the Association of Bavarian Chambers of Crafts have jointly awarded the Bavarian Innovation Prize on a biennial basis. In 2026, up to five honorary awards will be presented, which are not endowed with prize money. The award recipients will receive a certificate, a sculpture, and a short film portrait that will be shown during the award ceremony.
At the last award ceremony in 2024, companies such as Curevision and Summ AI were able to secure awards.
Further information and the opportunity to apply online can be found on the website of the Bavarian Innovation Prize.
