Any female founder or entrepreneur who has been self-employed for less than five years is eligible to apply for the Idea Award. The decisive criterion is entry in the commercial register. Teams are also welcome, but the business idea must originate from a woman. Three female entrepreneurs will be honored. The main prize is €50,000. Second place will receive €10,000, and third place will receive €5,000.
Key criteria for the award include the degree of innovation, the success achieved so far, and the potential. The sustainability of the startup idea and venture is crucial. The personal commitment of the founders also plays an important role.
Idea Award: “Society and the economy need ideas and innovations, especially in times of crisis.”
Interested parties can apply until 31 July 2023 on-line fill out an application form. At the end, five applicants will usually have the opportunity to present their company in person to the jury. A place in this final round will also be awarded through a public vote. The prize will be awarded by Albert Darboven donated.
"Society and our economy need ideas and innovations, especially in times of crisis. Only in this way can fundamental developments and necessary changes be achieved. However, women are underrepresented in technology companies and in start-ups,"
said the Hamburg entrepreneur on the award’s website.
"The Idea Award aims to support and, above all, highlight this potential. We have outstanding female entrepreneurs, and we want to showcase these female role models more publicly."
