Women Startup Award 2026

About

A competition designed for early-stage female tech founders, offering substantial financial prizes and mentorship opportunities to support innovative projects in Bavaria. Participants will have the chance to present their ideas and receive guidance from industry experts, culminating in a final pitch event.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Prize
  First place receives €7,500
• 💰Financial Prize
  Second place receives €4,500
• 💰Financial Prize
  Third place receives €3,000
• 🎖️ Special Prizes
  Two special prizes of €3,000 each for categories "Artificial Intelligence" and "Smart Infrastructure & Cities"
• 🎤Pitch Opportunities
  Winners receive pitch slots at UnternehmerTUM's Ultimate Demo Day
• 🛠️ Prototyping Support
  Prototyping grants from Funding for Innovators
• 🎓Mentorship Access
  Access to mentoring from "Women Startup Angels" and industry experts

Eligibility Criteria

• Early-stage tech teams with at least one female founder in the leadership team
• Teams must have a connection to Bavaria (live, study, or plan to implement their project there)
• Teams developing innovative technologies in the pre-founding phase

Participation Commitments

• Pre-finalists present ideas on July 15th and 16th
• Finalists participate in an intensive development program from September to November
• Final pitch event on November 19th at Munich Urban Colab

Target Region

Bavaria

Target Sector

Technology