Munich health startups take note: The Health-i Award is launching its next round: We’re looking for startups from the German healthcare sector who are advancing patient care with their solutions. This includes projects, products, and business models that improve care delivery and create new approaches for the healthcare system. The initiative will recognize the three best teams in October in Hamburg.
Companies based in Germany with up to 500 employees are eligible to participate. The requirement is that their innovation is already certified or has been tested as part of a pilot study.
Application process
The jury evaluates submissions based on four criteria: novelty, scalability, patient benefit, and market potential. Startups must demonstrate initial progress, such as through CE certification or pilot projects.
The selection process takes place in several stages. Following the application phase, community voting occurs in summer. The jury then decides on finalists in a live session. The awards ceremony will take place on October 15, 2026 at the Design Centre Hamburg.
Networking and visibility in focus
For participating startups, access to networks is a key focus alongside recognition. Finalists present their solutions to representatives from healthcare and business and receive additional visibility across various channels.
The three winning teams also receive support with communications and preparation for investor meetings. This includes campaigns, training, and workshops.
Jens Baas, chairman of Techniker Krankenkasse, says:
“Meaningful digital health innovations must become a standard part of medical care in Germany.” They are a central factor for a future-ready system.
Charlotte Morré, member of the editorial board at Handelsblatt, describes the role of young companies:
“Such innovations determine how future-ready our care system is.”
The Health-i Initiative has organized the competition since 2016 and is aimed at startups from the healthcare industry. It networks players from business, science, and healthcare delivery and aims to increase visibility for digital innovations in healthcare.
Here you’ll find more information and can apply.
