The Berlin-based Deep Tech Award 2026 once again honors outstanding, research-based software and hardware products “made in Berlin” that are technologically profound and highly relevant to the market. A total of five categories are open for entries – two of them for the first time. They reflect the fields of innovation that will be crucial for competitiveness, resilience, and social progress in the coming years.
Advanced Manufacturing – a new category for the industry of tomorrow
The ongoing transformation of value chains makes modern manufacturing technologies essential. The new category Advanced Manufacturing focuses on innovative materials, circular materials, additive processes, and intelligent production systems. We are looking for solutions that successfully translate material technology breakthroughs or novel processes into marketable applications – with relevance for energy, mobility, and industrial production. This focus is particularly important right now because global supply chains are under pressure and Europe is increasingly relying on resilient, sustainable, and technologically leading production systems.
Bio & Health Tech – new impetus for health and biotechnology
Another new category is Bio & Health Tech. It addresses advances in biotechnology, medical technology, digital health, and personalized applications. The award recognizes innovations that measurably improve diagnostics, therapy, prevention, or care – from smart wearables to data-driven health solutions. The importance of this focus is growing because healthcare systems around the world are facing challenges and bio-based technologies are gaining momentum. They are central to strengthening medical progress, security of supply, and preventive approaches.
Other categories in 2026
In addition to the two new focus areas, three established fields of innovation will continue to be recognized:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technologies, photonics & microelectronics
- Web3 & distributed ledger technologies (DLT)
Application phase 2026
The competition starts on January 5, 2026, and applications for participation can be submitted until February 13, 2026. Products that were predominantly developed in Berlin and demonstrate a clear technological innovation leap are eligible for submission. Each product can only be submitted in one category. The nominated finalists will be announced on April 6, 2026.
Due to the large number of submissions in previous years, there is a special rule for the “Artificial Intelligence” competition category: Products must have at least the technological maturity of a prototype in an operational environment (Technology Readiness Level of 6 or higher).
Award ceremony and partnerships
The winners will be announced on May 20, 2026. In addition to the “Deep Tech Star” award and €10,000 in prize money per category, finalists will gain access to networks and visibility through the Deep Tech Berlin campaign run by the Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises. Furthermore, a collaboration with Deep Tech Momentum has already been announced, which will open up additional platforms for networking and presentation.