News & Podcast

Landeshauptstadt München has launched the application phase for the Phönix Award 2026. Every two years, the city presents the award to honor successful entrepreneurs with a migration background who have been active in the market for at least three years and contribute to Munich as a business location through economic success and social commitment.

On November 26, 2026, the fourth City Demo Day will take place at Munich Urban Colab. Startups with digital solutions for the circular economy can apply now for a pitch or an exhibition booth and present their technologies to representatives from city administration, science, and industry. Munich Startup will also be part of the event.

The Munich Business Plan Competition 2026 goes to Qooda. The startup is developing quantum-based navigation without GPS. Linq Photonics and Micro Factory also made it to the podium.

AI Nation opens the application phase for the Grant and Accelerator programs. AI startups receive funding, mentoring, and network access. Applications are possible until August 9.

The Strascheg Ideas Award 2026 is looking for innovative business ideas from Munich. A total of 30,000 euros in prize money awaits teams in three categories. Applications are possible until September 13.

The IGP is supporting joint innovation projects by startups and companies in the current round. Participation applications can be submitted until August 20.

The 4C Accelerator is launching its twelfth round: Until August 3, 2026, medtech startups can apply for the funding program. Participants can expect a combination of workshops and individual coaching with a focus on regulatory requirements and market entry.

Until the end of July, you can apply for the Munich Impact Incubator for the program cohort running from October 2026 to February 2027. Find out what you need to do here.

Usually startups receive the awards, but the KfW Capital Award shifts the focus to the other side of the ecosystem: venture capital investors and VC actors.

Xplore and Xpreneurs are becoming the UnternehmerTUM Incubator and Accelerator. At the same time, application phases for the new deeptech batches are starting.

The German Federal Agency for Leap Innovations (Sprind) has launched the Orbital BioWorks Challenge and provides European teams with up to 1.65 million euros in non-dilutive funding for the development of biotech and pharmaceutical applications in weightlessness. The application deadline is July 3, 2026.

The Munich Founder Prize 2026 of Stadtsparkasse München recognizes startups and growth companies. Applications for both categories are possible until August 2.