Applications Open: Funkenwerk Award 2026
The Funkenwerk Award is entering its next round. In collaboration with LEW, the Funkenwerk at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg is seeking out the most innovative ideas, projects, and startup initiatives from the Bavarian-Swabian University Consortium.
Whether you’re just starting to develop an idea, are already working on a prototype, or are taking the first steps toward starting a business with your team—the Funkenwerk Award offers you the chance to showcase your idea, receive valuable feedback, and network with experts and companies.
| Prize money totaling €3,000 will be awarded to the top three teams: | There will be an audience award again this year: | The top six teams will pitch on October 29, 2026, to the jury and audience at the Funkenwerk Community Meetup during the Funkenwerk Awards ceremony, powered by LEW |
|---|---|---|
| €1,000 (1st–3rd place) | €1,000 (Best Pitch) | |
| The winning team of the LEW Special Prize will also receive personalized feedback, practical guidance, and exciting insights into the energy world of tomorrow. Together with LEW experts, you’ll further develop your concept. |
Why was the Funkenwerk Award created?
New ideas emerge every day at universities. The Funkenwerk Award brings these ideas to light and helps students turn creative concepts into real innovations. Our goal is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, connect talented individuals, and support startup ideas from the region as they take shape.
New in 2026: powered by LEW
The new partnership between Funkenwerk and LEW was officially unveiled at the Funkenwerk Community Meetup 2026. Together, we aim to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between academia and industry. A key milestone in this partnership is the Funkenwerk Award powered by LEW.
With the new special category “LEW Future Energy & Smart Infrastructure,” future-oriented topics related to energy, infrastructure, and digitalization will also receive even greater attention.
The Categories for 2026
- Innovation & Impact
For innovative ideas that create social, environmental, or economic value. - Female Entrepreneur
For female founders and female-led teams whose ideas are driving new initiatives. - Special Category: LEW Future Energy & Smart Infrastructure
For solutions related to energy, digitalization, infrastructure, and the sustainable future of our region. - Audience Choice Award
: Here, the audience decides on their favorite.
Who can participate?
Eligible to participate are students, researchers, and startup teams from:
- Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
- University of Augsburg
- Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
- Kempten University of Applied Sciences
Apply now!
Do you have an idea that could change the future? Then seize this opportunity and apply for the Funkenwerk Award 2026.
Application deadline: October 11, 2026
Show us what your idea is all about—and become part of the next generation of innovators and startup teams.
All you need to apply is a brief description of your idea. The submitted concepts will be evaluated by a panel of experts. The top teams will have the opportunity to present their projects in the finals on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at our Funkenwerk Community Meetup during the Funkenwerk Award ceremony powered by LEW.