EY determines the “Entrepreneur of the Year” in four categories: “Family businesses”, “Innovation”, “Sustainability”, and “Young companies”. Additionally, an honorary award for outstanding entrepreneurial and social engagement as well as an audience award were presented.
At the now 26th edition of the award, the winners were selected by a jury from 36 finalists. The “Young companies” category is won by the founders of Munich startup Air Up, with the prize going to the six-member team of Lena Jüngst, Christian Hauth, Jannis Koppitz, Simon Nüesch, Tim Jäger, and Fabian Schlang. Founded in 2018, the company produces drinking bottles that add flavor to water through scent. The startup has investments from Pepsi, Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and TV investors Frank Thelen and Ralf Dümmel. Recently, Kim Kardashian was spotted with a water bottle from the Munich company.
“Entrepreneur of the year”: Würzburg company represents Germany in global competition
In the “Family businesses” category, Vega Grieshaber from Schiltach in Baden-Württemberg prevails. Va-Q-Tec from Würzburg wins the award in the “Innovation” category and will represent Germany in the selection for “World Entrepreneur of the Year” next year. The award in the “Sustainability” category goes to Jobrad from Freiburg. Hager Group from Blieskastel in Saarland receives the honorary award for social engagement. Markt-Pilot from Esslingen in Baden-Württemberg wins the audience award.
