German Gastronomy Startup Award 2026 Opens for Bold Culinary Innovators
Applications are now open for the German Gastronomy Startup Award 2026. The competition recognises innovative culinary concepts from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Founders have until December 8, 2025, to submit their ideas for a chance to win €10,000 and other prizes.
The award is organised by the Leaders Club Germany, Orderbird, and Internorga—the international trade fair for hospitality, set to take place in Hamburg next March.
The competition focuses on creative gastronomy projects launched since April 2024 or planned to open by December 2026. Judges will assess entries based on innovation, economic potential, and the founder’s entrepreneurial drive.
Nine semifinalists will be chosen through this process. A tenth spot will go to the winner of a public social media vote. These top 10 will then present their concepts to a jury, with five finalists advancing to the final round at Internorga 2026.
In 2024, two Hamburg-based startups, Son and Mezzaluna, reached the finals. While details about other finalists remain limited, the 2026 edition promises similar recognition. Winners will receive not only the €10,000 prize but also in-kind support, including 40 hours of consulting from the Leaders Club and a point-of-sale system from Orderbird.
The final awards ceremony will be held during Internorga, running from March 13 to 17, 2026, in Hamburg.
The German Gastronomy Startup Award offers founders a platform to showcase their ideas and gain industry recognition. Successful applicants will benefit from cash prizes, mentorship, and exposure at one of Europe’s largest hospitality trade fairs. The deadline for submissions is December 8, 2025.
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