The application period for the Smart Country Startup Award 2026 is now open. Startups from Germany with innovative solutions for digital government, public administration, and smart cities can apply until August 31st. This year's competition will again recognize outstanding technologies and products that advance the public sector. We are looking for startups that support municipalities, authorities, and public institutions in their digitalization efforts. Whether it's administrative digitalization, digital identities, public procurement, or smart infrastructure – the crucial factor is that the solutions are already being used in the public sector or are suitable for such use. The Smart Country Convention It offers participating startups a platform to present their ideas to a broad professional audience. At the same time, they have the opportunity to network with experts, potential customers, and partners from administration, business, and politics. Final at the Smart Country Convention After the application deadline, a jury will select the finalists. These finalists will present their projects live on October 14, 2026, on the Plaza Stage at the Smart Country Convention in Berlin. There, they will pitch to a jury of experts and the professional audience for the Smart Country Startup Award. The winning startup receives a stage slot at the Smart Country Convention the following year, worth €10,000, as well as a one-year Get-Started membership. Digital Association Bitkom. Companies headquartered in Germany and founded less than five years ago are eligible to participate. They must also have between three and 50 employees subject to social security contributions. The founders must be actively involved in management. Furthermore, annual revenue must not exceed ten million euros. Spin-offs and companies with predominantly external ownership are excluded from participation. The application form is provided by the digital association Bitkom. on its website available.