Numerous competitions and funding programmes for startups are currently open for applications. In this article, you’ll find out who can benefit from a new federal funding directive, how the nomination process for the German Startup Awards works, and what opportunities are available for AI startups at the Angel Intelligence Forum.
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September 24, 2026
3 opportunities for startups to gain visibility, support and prizes
© Pixabay / Gerd Altmann
‘Digital-Tech-to-Product’ funding programme
With its new funding directive, ‘Digital Tech-to-Product – Developing independent and market-oriented innovations in digital technologies’, the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in transforming new technologies into concrete products, services and business models. Funding of up to 5 million euros is available per project. Depending on the type of project and the size of the company, the funding rate ranges from 25 to 80 per cent in the form of a non-repayable grant.
You can apply for the first call for proposals, which is open until 11 October 2026, for developments focusing on the following four key areas:
Artificial intelligence and AI-based solutions
Data ecosystems
Cyber security and cryptography
Cloud and Edge Computing
The application process consists of two stages; applicants whose project outlines are deemed eligible will then be asked to submit a full application. The first projects are scheduled to begin in early 2027.
In 2026, Pia Wülfing (right) from Hamburg was awarded Female Impact Entrepreur of the Year. © Bundesverband Deutsche Startups
German Startup Awards
On 13 May 2027, the German Startup Awards will be presented for the eighth time in Berlin. However, the nomination phase has already begun and will run until 11 October. Unlike most other startup competitions, this one offers the opportunity to nominate individuals who deserve an award – and you can nominate as many as you like. The awards will be presented in the following eight categories:
Female & Male Newcomer of the Year
Female & Male Founder of the Year
Female & Male Investor of the Year
Female & Male Impact Entrepreneur of the Year
Once the nomination phase has ended, a shortlist is drawn up, with ten candidates selected in each category. A panel of experts then selects the winners through a multi-stage process.
Angel Intelligence Forum
The Angel Intelligence Forum 2026 will take place on 12 November at Google Hamburg. Initiated by various business angel networks in northern Germany, the event brings together investors and selected Startups. A highlight of the programme is a pitch session for which startups from northern Germany working in the field of artificial intelligence can apply until 18 October. The requirements for participation are:
a clear link to AI in the product or business model
at least one MVP that has already been developed
ideally, evidence of initial success
The startup must be organised as a limited company and be actively raising funds at the time of the event
