There are numerous competitions across Germany that cater to startups across a wide range of sectors. In this article, we highlight two of them: the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION for the medical industry and HAL2027 for the cyber security sector. We also recommend a workshop for founders from countries outside the EU.
News
August 12, 2026
Two competitions and one workshop that you can apply for now
The finalists of the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION 2025 © MEDICA
15. MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION
MEDICA is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the medical industry and will take place in Düsseldorf from November 16 to 19. The programme includes the MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION, which is being held for the 15th time this year. Startups that develop solutions in digital health fields such as AI in medicine, robotics, laboratory diagnostics, or cybersecurity are eligible to apply. The product should be available by the second quarter of 2027 and must not have been launched before 2023. The competition offers prize money of 3,500 euros, networking opportunities with potential investors and business partners, and the chance to exchange ideas with industry experts. The application deadline is September 10.
© Cyberagentur
HAL2027
The Agency for Innovation in Cybersecurity-or “Cyberagentur,” for short -is a federally owned company that supports research and development in the field of cybersecurity. One of its key initiatives is the HAL2027 competition, which is open to both individuals and teams of all kinds, including startups. The requirement is that participants submit an idea that reflects the theme “The cybersecure administrative workplace of the future.” A jury will select three finalists, who are already guaranteed a prize of at least 40,000 euros. First place will receive an additional 100,000 euros, while second and third place will receive 30,000 euros and 20,000 euros, respectively. Applications will be accepted through August 18.
© PIER
PIER Startup Workshop
Under the name PIER, the DESY research centre and the University of Hamburg have entered into a partnership to promote cutting-edge research. The programme also includes workshops; the next one will take place on September 18 under the title “Founding a Startup in Germany as a non-EU Citizen”. It is aimed at early-career researchers from non-EU countries who wish to set up a business in the European Union. The workshop provides an overview of the formal requirements, such as legal structures, the legal procedures involved in setting up a business, and taxes and fees. Topics such as assessing the innovative potential of an idea and possible business models will also be covered. No prior knowledge is required to take part and registration is open until September 14.
