With the Female Maker Challenge: circular futures, Hamburg is hosting its first competition specifically for women in the idea, pre-startup, or startup phase who are developing circular everyday products. Applications are open until 31 October.
News
October 14, 2025
Hamburg launches first Female Maker Challenge for circular products
© Fab City Hamburg
Women make important consumer decisions
The aim is to raise the profile of female entrepreneurs from all walks of life and support them in entering the market with expertise, networking opportunities, and prize money. "Women are the game changers for a circular future: they make around 70 percent of all consumer decisions in German households. If they can choose circular products in the future, this will have an enormous leverage effect on the economy and society," explains Karen Löhnert, board member and co-initiator of Fab City Hamburg e.V., sponsor and organiser of the competition. Senator for Economic Affairs Dr. Melanie Leonhard is the patron of the challenge, which is also supported by a broad network.
The Female Maker Challenge: circular futures offers participants
Visibility in the public eye and trade press
Prize money and non-cash prizes such as consulting vouchers, material allowances, and prototyping support
Mentoring and training on circular design, material selection, business models, and pitch presentations
Access to Hamburg's network for circularity, sustainability, and innovation
On 7 November, a jury of experts will select the top 8 applicants. They will take part in various workshops on 12 and 13 November. The final pitch will then happen on 10 December at the Hamburg Central Library.
