KfW Award for Founders
KfW Award Gründen
2026 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). Provided by KfW.
Check if you qualify for KfW Award for Founders
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens KfW Award for Founders for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Deadline and first steps
- Other programs that fit you
Key facts
- Amount
- 2026 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)
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Prize
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Unclear
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Headquarters in Germany
Who can apply
- Company with headquarters in Germany
- 2026 round: founded in 2021 or later, or taken over through a succession
- Judged on the business concept and its success so far
What usually blocks applicants
- Business not yet operating
- Company too old for the round
Deadline and timing
2026 round ran 1 Apr to 1 Jul 2026 and is closed; the 2027 round is not yet announced.
Frequently asked
How much does KfW Award for Founders pay?
2026 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)
Who can apply for KfW Award for Founders?
Stages: revenue, incorporated. Solo founders can apply. Location: Headquarters in Germany. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the KfW Award for Founders deadline?
2026 round ran 1 Apr to 1 Jul 2026 and is closed; the 2027 round is not yet announced.
Where do I apply for KfW Award for Founders?
On the official page: https://www.kfw.de/Über-die-KfW/Förderauftrag-und-Geschichte/KfW-Awards/KfW-Award-Gründen/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back KfW Award for Founders or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for KfW Award for Founders?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- 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 2026
- 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 categories
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months