The Women Startup initiative from UnternehmerTUM is launching the application phase for the Women Startup Award 2026. The competition is aimed at early-stage tech teams with at least one female founder on the management team and a connection to Bavaria. Applications are now open until June 15, 2026.
The award supports teams that are still in the pre-founding phase and are developing innovative technologies. The requirement is that the team has a connection to Bavaria, meaning they live there, study there, or are planning to implement the project in the Free State. New this year: regional partners from across Bavaria nominate startups from their networks and specifically reach out to female founders outside the major startup hubs.
First pitch round for finalists
After the application deadline, pre-finalists will present their ideas on July 15 and 16 at the so-called Entry Gate Pitches. The hybrid event will take place with regional partners throughout Bavaria. An expert jury will then select the finalists, which UnternehmerTUM will announce starting July 27.
From September to November, the finalists will complete an intensive support program with training, coaching, and exclusive events from the UnternehmerTUM network. The final takes place on November 19 at Munich Urban Colab. There, the teams will pitch to a high-caliber jury before the award ceremony takes place.
What you can win
First place receives 7,500 euros in prize money, second place 4,500 euros, and third place 3,000 euros. The award also grants two special prizes of 3,000 euros each in the categories “Artificial Intelligence” and “Smart Infrastructure & Cities”. Furthermore, the winners receive pitch slots at UnternehmerTUM’s Ultimate Demo Day and prototyping scholarships from Funding for Innovators.
Participants are supported by the “Women Startup Angels”. Mentors include Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Bettine Schmitz, Helmut Schönenberger, Johannes von Borries, and Marlena Hien. The award is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry for Economy, Regional Development and Energy as well as Gründerland Bayern.
