The application phase for the KfW Award Gründen 2025 has begun. Startups from all sectors that were founded on or after January 1, 2020, or that were acquired as part of a succession can register for the competition until July 1, 2025. The competition is aimed at both young founders and companies that have received new impetus through succession. The requirements are clearly defined: Only companies that have been active on the market since this date are eligible. can apply for the KfW Award for reasons ofThe aim of the award is to recognize innovative and sustainable business ideas that offer social benefits.
The competition and the award ceremony
The competition is divided into several phases. First, a state winner is selected from each federal state, who receives a prize of €1,000. These 16 state winners then compete in a nationwide competition to determine the national winner. The national winner receives an additional €9,000.
In addition, a special prize and an audience award will be awarded, each worth €5,000. When selecting the winning teams, the jury places particular emphasis on business models that are not only innovative but also offer sustainable and socially relevant benefits.
Award ceremony and media attention
The winners of the KfW Start-up Award 2025 will be honored at a festive ceremony on November 6. The awards ceremony will be accompanied by a special broadcast by the TV channel n-tv, providing a broader public with exposure to the winners. In addition to financial support, the award-winning companies will receive support from a PR agency to help market their success stories.
Further information on the KfW Award Gründen 2025 can be found on the associated website.
