Until July 1st, 2026, founders and business successors from across Germany can apply. Eligible are companies that have been founded since 2021 or have taken over a business since then.
Through the competition, startups get the opportunity to make their development visible across the nation and present their business idea to an experienced jury consisting of representatives from KfW, development banks, and politicians and business leaders. In addition to the prize money, the award can also support public perception and the acquisition of partners and investors.
The degree of innovation and creativity of the business ideas are decisive. Additionally, criteria such as social added value, ecological sustainability, and economic success play a role in the evaluation. The question of whether companies create a diverse and inclusive work environment is also relevant.
Application and prize money
The basis of the application is an online form. KfW collects both qualitative and quantitative information. In addition to the business concept, founding team, and competitive situation, startups must also provide key figures on revenue, profit or loss, and number of employees.
The jury selects one company from each federal state. These state winners each receive 1,000 euros and qualify for the national prize, which comes with an additional 9,000 euros.
Additionally, the jury awards a special prize of 5,000 euros. All state winners also participate in an online vote where a public award is given. This is also endowed with 5,000 euros. In total, the prize money amounts to 35,000 euros.
The award ceremony is scheduled for November 4th, 2026. KfW will present the awarded companies during an event. The television broadcaster n-tv will report on the award winners in a special broadcast. Additionally, a public relations agency will support the companies in communicating their projects, and individual startups will have the opportunity to be featured in a TV segment.
Awards like the KfW Award can help position young companies from the Munich startup ecosystem more strongly at the national level. Winners of the last competition included the Munich startup Reverion.
For more information and the application form, visit the KfW website.
