Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche paid tribute to the award-winning start-ups. They show how new technologies can have an impact where social and industrial change is already noticeable: whether in high-precision laser production, in the intelligent control of machine processes or in app-based psychological counseling and support. Such solutions are not only technologically groundbreaking, they also represent innovations that combine economic strength with social added value. With its funding programs, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supports precisely such ideas and many others to quickly move from the laboratory into practice and onto the market.
The award-winning start-ups receive staggered prize money:
1st place: 50,000 euros
2nd place: 30,000 euros
3rd place: 20.000 euros
In addition, an audience prize of 10,000 euros will be awarded.
This year’s “Digital Start-up of the Year 2025” prize-winning teams are:
1st prize – Layer Performance GmbH (Aachen)
The start-up develops software to create three-dimensional machine paths for 3D printers and industrial robots. The technology improves the surface quality and stability of components, reduces material consumption and energy requirements and enables new applications such as customized mass production and repairs.
2nd prize – INLEAP Photonics GmbH (Hanover)
The spin-off from the Laser Zentrum Hannover has developed the INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® technology, an ultra-fast, digital laser beam directing system. It increases efficiency and sustainability in the production of high-tech products such as battery cells and photovoltaic modules, thereby contributing to the energy transition.
3rd prize – grievy GmbH (Cologne)
With a digital platform for grief counseling, grievy combines technology and psychology. The app offers a low-threshold service for mourners. This includes personalized, scientifically based self-therapy plans as well as access to experts and a community.
The company also receives the audience award and prevailed over its competitors in the online voting with 35% of the votes cast.
About the competition:
Young start-ups from the start-up initiatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy can apply for the “Digital Start-up of the Year” award. In addition to the start-up competition – Digital Innovations, this also includes funding programs such as EXIST – Start-ups from Science, High-Tech Start-up Fund, INVEST grant for venture capital, the Digital Hub Initiative and the German Accelerator. The founders must have generated a minimum turnover of 100,000 euros in the last twelve months.
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Further links
👉 www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de
Photo: pixabay
