For the ninth time, 'The Spark – The German Digital Prize' will be awarded to startups whose ideas have the potential to fundamentally and sustainably change markets. This year, the competition, initiated by Handelsblatt and McKinsey, is under the motto 'AI for Business', in which innovative AI solutions in the B2B sector. These solutions are intended to open up new growth opportunities or increase the productivity of companies along their process chains. The following areas are particularly in focus:
- Disruptive AI solutions that enable companies to develop completely new business models.
- AI applications for differentiation in core areas such as product development, operations & supply chain, marketing, sales and service in order to consolidate and expand market position.
- Efficiency-enhancing AI optimizations in support areas such as HR, Finance & Controlling, Strategy & Corporate Management, Legal & Risk Management, IT and Administration.
The competition is aimed at innovative startups from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. All submitted applications and innovations will be evaluated based on four criteria: novelty, scalability, customer value, and ESG criteria.
Application & Conditions of Participation for 'The Spark'
The tendering phase runs until 14 June 2024All applicant teams undergo a multi-stage selection process before the top ten finalists present themselves to the distinguished jury in live pitches. The winning teams receive media coverage in Handelsblatt and a winner's package with benefits valued at over €50,000.
Eligible to participate are young companies in the DACH region that have established business models on the market that focus on the topic of 'AI for Business'. Furthermore, participating companies should not have more than 500 employees and should not be corporate startups, i.e., those founded from an established company or with a majority stake held by an established company.
Further information on 'The Spark – The German Digital Award'
