The award
The Freiburg Innovation Award symbolises the innovative strength and potential of female entrepreneurs, founders and researchers in the economic region of Freiburg. Since 1992, the prize has been awarded every two years - with the support of the Sparkasse Freiburg-Nördlicher Breisgau - has honoured outstanding achievements in the development of pioneering products, processes and business models.
The main prize, which was first donated by Stryker Leibinger in 2010, is endowed with a total of 10,000 euros. Since 2021, two special prizes from the Southern Upper Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Freiburg Chamber of Crafts have supplemented the range of prizes on offer.
They are endowed with 3,000 euros each and recognise innovations in the fields of industry, commerce, trade and services as well as in the skilled trades.
Sponsors & Supporters
Together with the Freiburg Innovation Alliance Foundation, Stryker Leibinger is sponsoring the main prize, thereby emphasising the importance of the medical technology sector for the region.
The Sparkasse Freiburg-Nördlicher Breisgau supports the Innovation Award and thus contributes to the promotion of Freiburg as a business location.
The IHK Südlicher Oberrhein is donating one of the two special prizes for the areas of industry, trade, commerce and services.
The Freiburg Chamber of Crafts donates the second special prize for the skilled trades.
Call for tenders 2025
With a total of 30 applications submitted, the Freiburg Innovation Award once again emphasised its importance as an important award for innovative young and established companies in the region.
In 2025, the jury honoured the Freiburg companies Alithea Biotechnology GmbH, Machn GmbH & Brauerei Ganter GmbH & Co KG (jointly) and re-lounge GmbH .
The special prizes went to KOCH Freiburg GmbH and Möbelschreinerei Wittich.
Freiburg Innovation Alliance Foundation honours five outstanding companies
Conditions of participation
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the city of Freiburg and the two districts of Emmendingen and Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald can take part.
Exemplary, original and innovative achievements in the development of new products, processes, services and business models are honoured.
The main selection criteria for the award are the degree of innovation, market and future viability as well as the economic significance of the competition entries submitted.
Only products, materials, processes, concepts or research results that can be used in practice and are marketable or represent the viable basis for a future-oriented business model will be considered.
