Nomination phase for the German Startup Awards 2026 has begun
In 2026, the German Startup Awards will be presented for the seventh time in a total of eight categories. The competition, organised by the German Startups Association, goes through a series of phases. The first, the nomination phase, has just begun and will last until 19 October.
How the German Startup Awards work
In the first step, anyone can submit a nomination, either for others or for themselves. In the second step, the pre-selection, all submissions are reviewed and evaluated according to clearly defined criteria. This results in the top 10 in each category, which then move on to the jury process. This is divided into two sessions and a central jury meeting. After the first session and the jury meeting, the top 3 in each category are determined. The winners are then selected from these in the second session. The award ceremony will take place in Berlin in spring 2026, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
Female and male newcomer of the year
Anyone who founded their first startup in 2024 or 2025 and whose business model is characterised by sustainable innovative strength is eligible to participate.
Female and male founder of the year
The startup must be at least three years old.
Female and male investor of the year
Anyone who has invested in at least one startup as a venture capitalist in the last twelve months can be nominated.
Female and male impact entrepreneur of the Year
Candidates must have founded at least one startup with a long-term social or sustainable impact in the last five years.
Female founders from Hamburg were successful at the last two award ceremonies: in 2024, Angela Relógio, founder and CEO of TimeTeller, was named Newcomer of the Year, and in 2025, Dr Julia Freudenberg, CEO of Hacker School, was named Impact Entrepreneur of the Year.
