Leipzig Founding Night prizes
Leipziger Gründungsnacht (Idee & StartUp)
2025 prizes: EUR 5,000 for the best idea (audience vote) and EUR 10,000 for the best young start-up. Provided by SMILE, Startbahn 13, Sparkasse Leipzig, City of Leipzig and districts.
Key facts
- Amount
- 2025 prizes: EUR 5,000 for the best idea (audience vote) and EUR 10,000 for the best young start-up
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Prize
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- Unclear
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Seat in Leipzig, Landkreis Leipzig or Nordsachsen
Who can apply
- Idea prize: idea not yet implemented, or founded very recently
- Start-up prize: founded within the window set each year (2025: 1 Jan 2023 to 30 Jun 2025)
- Open to non-academics and solo founders
What usually blocks applicants
- Founding date outside the year's window
Deadline and timing
Pitch applications usually close in Aug–Sep; the 2026 evening is on 17 Nov 2026. Next application window expected summer 2027.
Frequently asked
How much does Leipzig Founding Night prizes pay?
2025 prizes: EUR 5,000 for the best idea (audience vote) and EUR 10,000 for the best young start-up
Who can apply for Leipzig Founding Night prizes?
Idea prize: idea not yet implemented, or founded very recently Start-up prize: founded within the window set each year (2025: 1 Jan 2023 to 30 Jun 2025) Open to non-academics and solo founders
When is the Leipzig Founding Night prizes deadline?
Pitch applications usually close in Aug–Sep; the 2026 evening is on 17 Nov 2026. Next application window expected summer 2027.
Where do I apply for Leipzig Founding Night prizes?
On the official page: https://leipziger-gruendungsnacht.de/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back Leipzig Founding Night prizes or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Leipzig Founding Night prizes?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 9 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Leipzig
- SMILE Startup Initiative LeipzigFree start-up coaching, training and funding-application support (EXIST, Technologiegründungsstipendium etc.); no cash itself
- Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig (Halle 7)Coworking desks and offices at a start-up rate (paid), community, coaching and SpinLab network; SMILE incubation space for funded Uni Leipzig teams; no cash
- SpinLab - The HHL AcceleratorEUR 6,000 per startup for living costs (via City of Leipzig); up to EUR 50,000 in total with pitch prizes; no equity
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- Social Impact Lab Leipzig - Founding SupportFree mentoring, coaching and workshops (online and offline); coworking for early-stage founders; no cash
- Leipzig SME Program - Founder Grant & Innovative Founder PremiumGründungsförderung: 30% of eligible costs (up to 60% with location bonus), max EUR 5,000 per application/year (EUR 10,000 for high-tech). Separate one-off premium for innovative founders: EUR 4,000