Launch of the KfW "Start-up" Award

Start-ups have been able to apply for the prize again since 1 April. The jury pays particular attention to trends of recent years: social responsibility, environmental awareness and innovation despite the crisis.

All start-ups based in Germany that have been founded since 2016 have been able to apply since 1 April. The deadline is 1 July, and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) will select the winners in October. It is paying particular attention to environmental awareness, dealing with the challenges of the pandemic and social responsibility.

First, there will be one start-up per federal state, which will be awarded 1,000 euros. In the second round, a national winner will be selected from these 16 companies, who will receive a further 9,000 euros. In addition, the public winner will be chosen and the jury will select a special winner.

Companies from all industries can apply; creativity and degree of innovation are decisive for the jury. In addition, the jury will consider whether new jobs have been created or whether the business idea has been implemented in an environmentally conscious manner.

The winners will also receive marketing support from an agency, and the winners will be featured on television.