German Gastronomy Startup Award Opens with €10,000 Prize for Innovators

The German Gastronomy Startup Award is now open for applications. Founders from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can submit their concepts until December 8, 2025. The competition recognises innovative culinary ideas launched since April 2024 or planned to open by December 2026. The award is organised by Leaders Club Germany, Orderbird, and Internorga. It offers a €10,000 top prize, along with in-kind rewards, 40 hours of consulting from the Leaders Club, and a point-of-sale system from Orderbird.

Ten semifinalists will be chosen based on innovation, economic viability, and entrepreneurial personality. Nine will be selected by the jury, while a public social media vote will decide the tenth. These ten will present their ideas at Internorga, the international gastronomy trade fair in Hamburg, from March 13 to 17, 2026.

Five finalists will then compete for the main prize. In 2024, two Hamburg-based concepts, Son and Mezzaluna, reached the finals, showcasing the award’s growing influence. The winner will receive €10,000 and additional support to develop their business. The finalists will be announced at Internorga 2026, where the award ceremony will take place. The competition continues to highlight fresh and viable culinary startups across the region.