Application phase for Saxon start-up prize underway

Next year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Saxony will once again be awarding prizes for innovative ideas and start-up concepts. The prizes are endowed with a total of 60,000 euros, as announced by the ministry. The application phase for companies has now begun. The prizes are intended to support founders in further developing their ideas and making them visible.

Interested parties can apply for the 25th Saxon Founder Prize until March 10, 2025. For the first time, the prize will be awarded in three categories: for the Newcomer of the Year, the Start-up of the Year and for Scaling and Social Impact. In addition, special prizes will also be awarded for the first time for "Social Entrepreneurs", i.e. entrepreneurs who also want to achieve positive social goals. A special prize will also be awarded for company founders between the ages of 14 and 17.

The state company futureSAX GmbH is running the competition on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (SMWA). "It's not just about prize money, but also about visibility, networking - be it with mentors, investors or established entrepreneurs - and valuable feedback from the jury," said Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Dulig (SPD). According to him, around 35 percent more start-ups were recorded in Saxony in 2023 than in the previous year.