KfW Award Gründen 2023 - application phase open

KfW Bankengruppe is organizing the KfW Award Gründen for the 24th time. The competition is aimed at young companies and start-ups from all over Germany that have been active since the founding year 2018. Applications are open from April 1, 2023 until July 1, 2023. Each federal state will provide one winner.

KfW Bankengruppe is organizing the KfW Award Gründen for the 24th time. The award provides an opportunity for young companies to present their innovative business ideas and commitment. One company is selected from each federal state and awarded prize money of 1,000 euros. The companies awarded prizes at the state level compete for the national prize, which comes with a further 9,000 euros. In addition, a special prize is awarded to the company that particularly impressed the jury.

Patron Robert Habeck

The jury is made up of experienced people from KfW, development banks, politics and business. The patron of this year's competition is Robert Habeck, the Federal Minister of Economics and Climate Protection of the Federal Republic of Germany. The business ideas are judged on their degree of innovation, creativity and social responsibility or social added value. Economic success, environmental sustainability and the promotion of an inclusive, diverse working environment are also included in the evaluation.

Capital Awards Female Investor and Impact Investor

KfW Capital is also presenting the KfW Capital Award for the second time. This prize is awarded in the categories "Best Female Investor" and "Best Impact Investor" and comes with prize money of EUR 5,000 each. With this award, KfW Capital aims to draw attention to important issues that are crucial for the further development of the VC ecosystem. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by investors and investor groups that are particularly committed to these areas.

The companies that are honored not only receive prize money totaling 35,000 euros, but also the chance to present their success story to a broad audience. The TV station n-tv will report on the event in a special broadcast. In addition, the companies will be supported by a PR agency in marketing their stories.

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony on October 19, 2023. Interested companies can take advantage of this opportunity to present themselves to a wide audience. All further information and the application form can be found at kfw-awards.de.