• Participation for young companies and start-ups founded in or after 2021, including successor companies
• Total prize money of 35,000 euros
• Award ceremony on 4 November 2026 in Berlin

Founders can still apply for this year’s KfW Entrepreneurs’ Award until 1 July 2026. The award recognises young companies and start-ups from across Germany that stand out for their innovative ideas or for breaking new ground in business management. Companies eligible to enter are those based in Germany that were founded in 2021 or later, or that were taken over as part of a succession plan.

The KfW Entrepreneurs’ Award highlights outstanding projects, promotes entrepreneurial spirit and strengthens a vibrant start-up landscape in Germany. It makes a significant contribution to strengthening Germany as a business location by enabling start-ups to raise their profile, expand their networks and forge valuable links with decision-makers.

In total, KfW is awarding prize money of 35,000 euros: A prize of 1,000 euros is awarded to one company from each German federal state. The winners of each state then compete for the national prize (9,000 euros). In addition, a special prize will be awarded for a successful company succession (5,000 euros). All prize-winning companies will take part in an online vote for a people's choice award (5,000 euros).

The jury is made up of experts from KfW, promotional banks and from the economic and political sectors. In particular, the jury will evaluate innovation and creativity. The assessment also includes social responsibility, social added value, economic success, environmental sustainability and an inclusive working environment.

The award ceremony will take place on 4 November 2026 in Berlin and will be covered by n-tv. All prize winners receive professional PR support.

KfW Capital, KfW’s subsidiary responsible for growth capital business, is presenting the KfW Capital Award as part of the event. The application phase for this also ends on 1 July 2026.

Full details about applications can be found at: www.kfw-awards.de (in German).

KfW also offers promotional programmes to support business founders and company succession: Funding products for start-ups and company successions | KfW (in German).