The City of Munich's innovation competition will enter its ninth round in 2026. The city is looking for creative minds who can develop innovative solutions to specific urban challenges. Founders, students, and talents from the startup community can submit their ideas until May 17, 2026.
This year, the focus is on five challenges:
- Tree Quest: Students on an urban data mission
- Making hidden wastewater disposal services visible
- Beneath the surface: Unraveling hidden information about Munich's sewer network
- Providing data and knowledge quickly, in a structured and targeted manner with AI
- EcoProfit 2.0: AI-supported environmental consulting for Munich's businesses
Competition, price and co-creation
The competition is divided into a competition phase and a subsequent implementation phase. After the application deadline, a jury of representatives from the city administration and entrepreneurship centers will select the best concepts. The finalists will present their ideas in early July, and the awards ceremony will take place on July 21, 2026, at the Munich Urban Colab.
Each winning team receives prize money of €10,000. In addition, the city provides up to €15,000 in in-kind contributions to enable teams to further develop their solutions during a co-creation phase. This phase begins in autumn 2026 and lasts three to six months. The teams will work closely with the city administration and test their approaches under real-world conditions.
Finalists also benefit: They receive €1,000 and a ticket for the Munich Startup Festival on July 22, 2026. Furthermore, valuable networking opportunities arise. Entrepreneurship centers support the teams with coaching, facilitate contacts with investors, and offer access to programs such as Xplore or the LMU Innovation Incubator.
Further information about the innovation competition of the state capital Munich and the application process can be found on the associated website.
