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Three categories celebrating innovation at every stage
Powered by Startup Port
For pre-seed teams in the ideation or very early founding phase.
Powered by Startup City Hamburg
For startups post-market entry (up to 5 years).
Powered by Innovationstarter (IFB Hamburg)
Spotlighting founders with migration backgrounds building innovative startups in Hamburg.
Pitch on the main stage of the Hamburg Innovation Summit
Exhibition booth at HHIS
High visibility in front of leading investors, corporates, and ecosystem players
What winners receive on top
6-month Betahaus coworking memberships for winning teams
One-year free Bitkom membership — access to Germany’s leading digital industry network
Participation in the International Founders Awards (IFA) Summit in Frankfurt
Exclusive international bootcamp program for all 6 preselected Teams
What winners receive on top
03 May 2026
Submit your application by 23:59 CEST
29 May 2026
9 finalists (3 per category) revealed
18 June 2026
3-min live pitches on the HHIS main stage, no slides
Hamburg Innovation Summit (HHIS) is the largest innovation event in Hamburg and the metropolitan region. Across 5+ stages and over 1,800 square meters of exhibition space, Hamburg’s innovation scene presents practical solutions and new ideas.
At HHIS, you’ll forge valuable connections by engaging with people who, just like you, are passionate about innovation. Discuss ideas, discover new perspectives, and be inspired by visionary speakers.
Join us and become part of a movement that makes an impact.
Past Winners
"Winning the award helped us to make our innovation visible in Hamburg."
"We were delighted to win the Hamburg Innovation Award 2022. The award has helped us at LUIS Technology to continue our growth trajectory with renewed vigor."
Jury
"The startup scene in Hamburg thrives on new ideas and great founders. HHIA 2026 provides an appropriate platform, and I am looking forward to getting to know many of these great ideas."
