Starting signal for the 17th IDEE Award
Innovators wanted
Hamburg, January 8, 2025 - In economically challenging times, Hamburg entrepreneur Albert Darboven is sending out a clear signal for innovation and progress: for the 17th time, the IDEE Promotion Prize, Germany's only national award for innovative start-ups by women, is being announced. The prize is endowed with a total of 65,000 euros.
"Now more than ever, Germany needs innovative ideas and courageous female entrepreneurs who put them into practice," says Albert Darboven, founder of the award. "At a time when Europe is struggling in global competition, we cannot afford to ignore the enormous potential of women in business and thus squander valuable opportunities."
The IDEE Award pursues two central goals: actively promoting innovative business ideas from women and presenting them to the public as role models for other female founders. "We have to make female success stories visible," says Darboven. "Only if we show what female innovators are already achieving today can we inspire the next generation."
The winners of the 16th IDEE Award from 2023 impressively demonstrate the innovative potential of German female entrepreneurs: Nina Heine secured first place with Shit2Power GmbH. Her groundbreaking process transforms sewage sludge into a sustainable source of energy - an innovation that not only drastically reduces electricity and disposal costs, but also makes an important contribution to the energy transition.
Sisters Anina Langhans and Helena Rapprich won over the jury with LipoCheck GmbH and took second place. Their AI-supported health platform is revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema, opening up new prospects for targeted therapy for those affected.
Third place went to Dr. Najoua Bolakhrif with GLAPE GmbH. The laser-assisted glass bending technology she developed sets new standards in glass processing: it enables flat glass to be formed into almost unlimited geometric shapes - with perfect optical quality. This technology opens up completely new design possibilities for sectors such as architecture, the automotive industry and household appliances.
Who can take part?
Female founders and entrepreneurs whose companies have not been entered in the commercial register for more than five years are eligible to take part. Teams can also apply, but the start-up idea must come from a woman. The prize money is provided by the Albert and Edda Darboven Foundation and is staggered as follows: 50,000 euros for first place, 10,000 euros for second place and 5,000 euros for third place.
The degree of innovation, viability and sustainability of the business concepts from all economic sectors are decisive for the jury's assessment. The personal commitment of the innovators is also included in the assessment.
How can an application be submitted?
Applications can be submitted online at https://www.idee-kaffee.com/de-de/foerderpreis Five finalists will be given the opportunity to present their company to the jury in person, with one place being awarded by public voting.
"With the IDEE Award, we are investing in the future of Germany as a business location," emphasizes Albert Darboven. "Every innovative business idea from a woman that we can support is a gain for our economy and society."
