The newly relaunched Frankfurt Start-up Award is entering its second round: applications for the 2026 edition are now open. Start-ups based in Frankfurt am Main can apply for one of the three categories until 12 July. The winners will each receive €15,000 in prize money, widespread public exposure and access to a strong network.
The Frankfurt Start-up Award was held for the first time in 2025 under a new format, attracting a record 151 entries. The competition is open to start-ups and young companies that have been in existence for no more than two years. Successors to longer-established companies may also apply, provided the takeover took place no more than two years ago. Last year, founders from across the city and a wide range of sectors submitted entries.
The Start-up Award is sponsored by Bürgschaftsbank Hessen GmbH, Frankfurter Sparkasse, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Futury, the Trade Association of Hesse (Handelsverband Hessen e.V.), the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Chamber of Crafts, and the Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Three categories, three profiles of Frankfurt’s start-up scene
The application process is quick, straightforward and entirely digital, using a user-friendly online tool. Applications can be submitted in one of the following categories:
Local Founder: A start-up with strong local roots and regional influence
Innovation Founder: Technological or market-related innovations
Impact Founder: A business model that delivers social benefits or offers relevant solutions for the future
Last year, the modern roofing company Nolte Bedachungen impressed the jury in the Local category, whilst the fintech company Green Banana demonstrated in the Innovation category how AI can be used to streamline payment transactions in e-commerce. Brew Bites, a manufacturer of plant-based protein alternatives, won in the Impact category.
Stephanie Wüst, Head of the Department for Economic Affairs, Legal Affairs and City Marketing, is looking forward to this year’s competition: “The Frankfurt Start-up Award attracted 151 applications straight away following its reorientation in 2025. This demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our city, whether in the skilled trades, the hospitality sector, the fintech industry or in AI applications. Frankfurt is a city of start-ups, and this award highlights those who are leading the way with courage, ideas and economic ambition. I urge all young companies in Frankfurt to apply and show what potential they have!”
Bernhard Grieb, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Frankfurt GmbH, adds: “Frankfurt is a city of business and start-ups – home to founders from a wide range of sectors and with a diverse array of ideas. The successful relaunch of the Frankfurt Start-up Award 2025, alongside a number of other initiatives, is an essential part of our strategy to strengthen the city’s start-up ecosystem in the long term and raise its profile. These people represent the city’s economic future. I wish all participants every success!”
Ablauf und Preisverleihung im November
Once the application period has closed, an independent jury comprising representatives from the business and political sectors and various institutions will review all entries. Selected teams will be invited to a face-to-face interview. The awards ceremony will take place in November 2026.
Applications and further information at: www.frankfurter-gruenderpreis.de
