Start-up of the Year Award powered by DMEXCO.
7 Start-ups. One stage. 90 minutes. Who will impress the jury?
On September 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., seven selected start-ups will compete live against each other on the DMEXCO Start-up Stage. In front of investors, decision-makers, and a live audience, they will pitch for a place in the Top 3 of the Startup Valley Start-up of the Year Award 2026 powered by DMEXCO.
Joining the event is a distinguished jury: Christopher Halbig (SevenVentures), Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternes von Hattburg, Selin Daldal (Alstin Capital), Manuel Kania (Pioneers Club), Gerrit Kemming (Quintus Studios), and Andreas de Greiff (seed + speed Ventures).
The award is supported by strong partners from the start-up, investment, and media ecosystem, including SevenVentures, Alstin Capital, Pioneers Club, seed + speed Ventures, and The Green Deal.
And it’s about more than just the title: the winners can look forward to high-value prizes and real growth opportunities — from a digital audit worth around €10,000 to the Makers Home scholarship, including up to twelve months of rent-free living and working at the Founder House.
Who will deliver the strongest pitch? Who will make it into the Top 3? Join us live and experience 90 minutes full of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and bold ideas!
