© Mediaserver Hamburg / Ingo Boelter
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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
Each category winner will receive a two-hour expert sparring session from PwC.
Topics include: investor readiness, review of the business model and pitch, and GTM strategy.
Bulb awards all winners a 1-year startup membership with access to the entire AGA service portfolio. This includes comprehensive employment law support – from initial telephone advice to full legal representation in court.
One hour of initial legal consultation with a qualified YPOG lawyer or tax adviser
(depending on the relevant topic, e.g. company formation, IP or tax) for all winning teams.
What winners receive on top
6-month Betahaus coworking memberships for winning teams
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."
Project Lead – Hamburg Innovation Award 2026
Startup Port
You now have until 10 May 2026 to apply for the Hamburg Innovation Award 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to pitch live at the Hamburg Innovation Summit.
