Home
The renowned KfW business competition awards the KfW Award for Startups annually to companies from all over Germany that implement innovative ideas or break new ground in their management style.
In our article of April 7, 2026, we reported extensively on the competition and the start of the application phase.
Below is a brief summary.
Who can participate in the KfW Award for Start-ups?
Eligible to participate are young companies and start-ups from all sectors based in Germany, founded from 2021 onwards, as well as companies acquired through succession. Only already established companies can participate in the competition (registration in the commercial register applies).
What criteria does the jury use for evaluation?
The jury is looking for creative and innovative concepts that not only promise economic success, but also focus on social responsibility, societal added value and ecological sustainability.
How can you apply?
You fill out an application form online (you need to register for this). You can save the form and therefore edit it at different times.
The application deadline is July 1, 2026.
For detailed information about the application process, you can use the guide and the FAQs . Or you can watch this video .
How does the KfW Award for Start-ups work?
One company from each German state will be awarded a prize of €1,000.
The winning companies at the state level will then compete for the national prize, which comes with an additional €9,000. This year, a special prize of €5,000 will be awarded for business succession planning – to a company that particularly impressed the jury.
Following the competition, a public choice award, also worth €5,000, will be determined through an online vote.
When is the closing event of the KfW Award for Startups 2026?
The companies will be honored at a ceremony in Berlin on November 4, 2026.
By the way
You don't want to participate in the competition yourself, but know an innovative company that you think deserves the KfW Award for Startups?
Then fill out this online form, which will go directly to KfW.
