Most innovative female founders 2024 from Mittweida and Leipzig

The Saxon Female Founder Award 2024, endowed with 5,000 euros each, goes to Mirijam Steinert from Mittweida and Emilie Wegner and Jana Hoffmann-Kirchner from Leipzig. Equality Minister Katja Meier (Greens) praised them for their commitment to sustainability and resource-saving processes, according to the press release. "They value inclusion and mobility, are committed to their home region, create jobs and are expanding with their companies," she said. This time, 52 applications were received for the award, which has been presented since 2008.

IT research for law enforcement agencies

FZ forensic.zone, run by forensic scientist Steinert, searches data carriers for criminal content and relevant images or chats in the areas of child and youth pornography and sexual abuse and analyzes them for law enforcement agencies or lawyers. Her predominantly female team uses this to help overburdened investigating authorities and is also planning voluntary prevention work in schools in future, according to the jury.

Food made from organic chickpeas

Wegner's company Hülsenreich GmbH impressed the jury with its "vegan, protein-rich and gluten-free crunchy, innovative snacks" made from organic chickpeas. The company is a quality leader in the highly competitive and male-dominated food industry. It also promotes diversity in the field and plant-based nutrition, is committed to establishing a regional legume value chain and is conducting cultivation trials with chickpeas on German soil.

New from old through craftsmanship

Hoffmann-Kirchner has been "making eyewear dreams come true with great attention to detail and enthusiasm since 2020". Her business Die Brillenmodelei simply customizes glasses and relies on "good old-fashioned craftsmanship". Supposedly worn-out items are recycled and repaired - and the master optician volunteers to fit donated glasses for homeless people free of charge.

The Saxon Female Founder Award honors women who run or have recently taken over a small or medium-sized company. With this award, the Free State of Saxony wants to make women's start-ups visible to the public and recognize the commitment of female founders.