KfW Founders Award 2026
Awards 35,000 EUR total to young German start-ups founded since 2021.
One company from each of Germany's federal states wins 1,000 EUR and a spot in the national round, where the overall national winner gets a further 9,000 EUR. The jury also hands out a 5,000 EUR Special Prize, and all state winners compete in online public voting for a 5,000 EUR Audience Award. Winners are honored at a ceremony, with PR support and a chance at TV coverage on n-tv.
KfW Award Gründen looks for young companies and start-ups from anywhere in Germany, founded in or after 2021 (including business successors). Judges score entries on innovation and creativity, whether the concept takes on social responsibility or creates societal value, economic success, ecological sustainability, and support for an inclusive, diverse workplace.
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Guides for this application
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