Startup competitions in Berlin
6 competitions and prizes founders in Berlin can apply for: 3 from Berlin, 3 nationwide and EU-wide. Each one with the amount, who qualifies and the next deadline, checked against the official source.
Nearest deadlines
Check which of them fit you
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot starts with Berlin selected and shows which programs fit, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Nearest deadlines first
- Next step for each program
From Berlin
- Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW)Free seminars and juror feedback; best concept per phase wins EUR 10,000 / 15,000 / 20,000 plus audience prizes of EUR 1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 (over EUR 50,000 in total)Prize · Berlin · Next deadline: 10 November 2026
- Berlin Deep Tech AwardEUR 10,000 and the 'Deep Tech Star' title per category winner (5 categories, EUR 50,000 in total) plus non-cash prizes for finalistsPrize · Berlin · Next round not announced yet
- Berlin Fashion Week Concept CompetitionBERLIN CONTEMPORARY: EUR 25,000 per runway/presentation concept; STUDIO2RETAIL: EUR 5,000 per showroom or pop-up concept (de minimis)Prize · Berlin · Next round not announced yet
Nationwide and EU
- AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AIEUR 10,000 fixed payment for each of up to 10 teams to work out the idea (2 Nov to 19 Dec 2026), plus a pitch at the Circular AI Hub FORUM on 10 Nov 2026Prize · Germany · Next round not announced yet
- KfW Award for Founders2026 round: EUR 1,000 per state winner, EUR 9,000 for the federal winner, EUR 5,000 succession special prize, EUR 5,000 public-vote prize (EUR 35,000 in total)Prize · Germany · Next round not announced yet
- German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes2026: Best Prototype EUR 50,000 (other 4 nominees EUR 25,000 each); Best Debut EUR 60,000 (other 2 nominees EUR 25,000 each); EUR 800,000 across 15 categoriesPrize · Germany · Next round not announced yet
Questions founders ask
Which competitions and prizes can I get as a solo founder in Berlin?
All 6 programs accept solo founders under their official rules: Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW), Berlin Deep Tech Award, Berlin Fashion Week Concept Competition, AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI, KfW Award for Founders and German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes.
Which of them do I not have to pay back?
None of the 6 has to be paid back: Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW), Berlin Deep Tech Award, Berlin Fashion Week Concept Competition, AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI, KfW Award for Founders and German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes.
When is the next deadline?
The next fixed deadline is 10 November 2026 for Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW).
Facts are checked against official sources; each program page shows the verification date and sources. Orientation, not an eligibility decision.