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

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 to bridge an existing gap in care. Second place went to BRIDGE with a digital solution for supporting people after addiction therapy, which 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.