Wiesbaden Start-up Prize "StartAward" 2026

About

A startup prize designed for innovative entrepreneurs in Wiesbaden, offering significant cash prizes and access to a supportive network, encouraging creative ideas and resilience in business.

Benefits

• 💰Prize Money
  First place receives €10,000, second place €7,500, and third place €5,000.
• 🎓Special Prize for Female Founders
  A special prize worth €5,000 will be awarded to one of the submitted startups.
• 🌐Access to Startup Network
  Participants gain visibility and access to a strong startup network.
• 📈Increased Visibility
  Winners will receive increased visibility for their startup ideas.
• 🏆Recognition
  Participants will be recognized for their innovative and novel ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to full-time and part-time startups founded in 2021 or later
• Must be headquartered in Wiesbaden
• Creative ideas or overcoming obstacles can earn additional points
• Students enrolled at a university in Wiesbaden can apply for a special category
• No separate application is required for the special prize for Female Founders.

Participation Commitments

• Must compile and submit application documents as per the checklist
• Must attend the semi-finals on September 15th/16th, 2026 for jury pitches
• Finalists must participate in the awards ceremony on October 27, 2026
• Agreement to data collection for processing the application.

Target Region

Open to startups based in Wiesbaden, Germany

Target Sector

Focused on innovative startups and entrepreneurship