About 100 applications were received this year; 18 teams advanced to the semifinals, and six of them ultimately presented their ideas in the finals. The awards in the two competition categories and the “Female Founders” special prize come with prize money totaling over 30,000 euros.

Daniela Georgi, Head of the Economic Affairs Department, says: “I was very impressed by the diversity and quality of the startup ideas. They demonstrate just how much innovative energy and entrepreneurial potential there is in Wiesbaden and our region. What I find particularly remarkable is the interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual trust among the many partners who are working together to support our startup ecosystem. This strong collaboration between the business community, universities, associations, and the public administration is a crucial foundation for supporting young companies and further developing Wiesbaden as a business hub.”

In the main category, “Startups from Wiesbaden,” Blue Ice Labs GmbH, which develops high-precision temperature control systems for microscopy, took first place. It was followed by Eve & Olive GmbH, which produces sustainable baby clothing made from Lyocell and operates a circular business model, in second place, and Routime GmbH, which helps families make everyday routines fun with an interactive children’s wall clock and promotes children’s independence, in third place.

In the “Ready to Go – University Start-up” category, RespiVita impressed the jury and took first place. This university project is developing a digital health application designed to support people with Long COVID in their daily lives and bridge an existing gap in care. Second place went to Bridge, with a digital solution for supporting people after addiction therapy that assists those affected in their daily lives while also integrating treatment teams into aftercare. Third place went to Open Microelectronics Lab, which aims to facilitate access to microelectronics and the development of chip prototypes through open and modular lab systems.

The “Female Founders” special prize went to Katharina Schenk, co-founder and managing director of LA LE LU – Freudenberger Kindertagesstätte Natur + Kunst gGmbH. Together with her team, she has implemented an extraordinary educational concept at Freudenberg Castle that combines experiences in nature, sensory perception, and artistic development. The castle grounds serve as an experiential and learning space for the children. The jury particularly commended her entrepreneurial courage, her perseverance in bringing the idea to life, and the social impact she has already achieved. She impressed the jury with her clear vision for the future and her role as a role model for other female founders. Also nominated for the special prize were Marion Schellenberg with the mariART Gallery, as well as Sabrina Lichtenberg and Asgard Federspiel, who, together with their founding team, developed the sharing app wishare.

Birgit Knetsch, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Employment, says: “The StartAward shows what is possible when business, academia, the startup scene, and the city all pull together. Our goal is not only to recognize promising startup ideas but also to connect founders with the right people and resources over the long term.”

The StartAward highlights the innovative strength and diversity of Wiesbaden’s startup scene and offers young companies access to a strong network of businesses, investors, mentors, and other support services. The competition is made possible by numerous local sponsors and partners, whose financial and in-kind contributions play a vital role in promoting young companies and strengthening Wiesbaden as a hub for startups. 

For more information on the StartAward Wiesbaden, visit www.wiesbaden.de/wirtschaft/foerdermittel-wettbewerbe/wiesbadener-gruenderpreis-startaward (opens in a new tab).