Nominees announced for German Startup Awards 2026

Startups from Berlin and across Germany are stepping into the spotlight as the German Startup Awards 2026 finalists are revealed. With 24 teams and individuals competing for recognition, the event on May 21 at the Palais am Funkturm promises to highlight the driving forces behind Germany’s tech ecosystem.

This year’s awards, organized by the Startup-Verband, will gather 700 guests to celebrate entrepreneurs, investors, and impact makers shaping the future of business and society.

From over 400 nominations, a 26-member jury selected the top three finalists in categories like Newcomer, Founder, Investor, and Impact Entrepreneur. Each finalist represents a unique approach to solving real-world problems, from renewable energy to healthcare innovation.

The awards not only honor individual achievements but also underscore the collective effort to push boundaries in technology, sustainability, and social impact.

Christoph J. Stresing, Managing Director of the Startup-Verband, emphasizes the importance of these recognitions: “All nominees share a commitment to addressing today’s challenges through their ventures. The awards aim to shine a light on their contributions and provide the recognition they deserve.”

The Impact Entrepreneur category remains a standout, with the public invited to vote until May 3. This element adds a layer of engagement, allowing the community to have a say in who will be recognized for driving meaningful change. Finalists like Ruth von Heusinger of ForTomorrow and Ali Abderrahmane of JUHI are already making waves with their work in sustainability and health.

As Berlin continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for tech and entrepreneurship, events like the German Startup Awards play a crucial role. They not only celebrate success but also inspire the next generation of founders to tackle the challenges ahead with creativity and determination.