Saxon Founders' Prize
Sächsischer Gründerpreis / Staatspreis für Gründen
2026 round: up to EUR 30,000 total split across Newcomer, Start-up and Scale-up winners (2025 round: up to EUR 60,000). Provided by SMWA / futureSAX.
Key facts
- Amount
- 2026 round: up to EUR 30,000 total split across Newcomer, Start-up and Scale-up winners (2025 round: up to EUR 60,000)
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Prize
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Company seat (or planned seat) in Saxony
Who can apply
- 2026 categories: Newcomer (founded 2025 or planned by end 2026), Start-up (founded 2021-2024), Scale-up (2016-2020); NextGen special prize
- Online application, German or English
- Judged on customer value/innovation, team, market potential
What usually blocks applicants
- Seat outside Saxony
- Branch not registered in Saxony
Deadline and timing
2026 round closed (ran 30 Oct 2025-25 Feb 2026; winners announced). 2027 call not yet announced; past rounds opened on 30 Oct (2024, 2025).
Frequently asked
How much does Saxon Founders' Prize pay?
2026 round: up to EUR 30,000 total split across Newcomer, Start-up and Scale-up winners (2025 round: up to EUR 60,000)
Who can apply for Saxon Founders' Prize?
2026 categories: Newcomer (founded 2025 or planned by end 2026), Start-up (founded 2021-2024), Scale-up (2016-2020); NextGen special prize Online application, German or English Judged on customer value/innovation, team, market potential
When is the Saxon Founders' Prize deadline?
2026 round closed (ran 30 Oct 2025-25 Feb 2026; winners announced). 2027 call not yet announced; past rounds opened on 30 Oct (2024, 2025).
Where do I apply for Saxon Founders' Prize?
On the official page: https://www.futuresax.de/gruenden/saechsischer-gruenderpreis. Applications are accepted in DE, EN.
Do I have to pay back Saxon Founders' Prize or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Saxon Founders' Prize?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Saxony
- InnoStartBonus SaxonyEUR 1,050/month per founder + EUR 150/month per dependent child; up to 12 months
- ESF Plus Technology Founder Stipend SaxonyPer founder per month: EUR 1,000 (students), EUR 2,500 (graduates), EUR 3,000 (PhD); up to 12 months
- SAB Microloan SaxonyEUR 5,000-30,000, up to 80% of eligible costs; currently 2% p.a. nominal; up to 6 years incl. 1 year repayment-free; no collateral
- SAB Founding Consulting SubsidyFixed EUR 400 per consulting day (8h), 2-5 days for new start-ups (EUR 800-2,000); succession EUR 500/day up to 10 days
- Saxony Digitalisation Grant (micro firms)Up to 60% of eligible costs (+10 pts if bound by collective agreement); direct eligible costs capped at EUR 10,000, minimum EUR 5,000 costs; plus 7% flat indirect costs
- Saxony Business Angel BonusGrant of 50% of eligible costs (personnel incl. managing-director salary, material, investments), capped at the angel's investment and €400,000