Thuringia Innovation Award – Application (STIFT)

The Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia (STIFT) places a focus with this award on pioneering developments from the Free State. Awarded are novel products, processes, or services that have been brought to market in Thuringia within the last two years and convince through their concrete benefits. Eligible to apply are companies, start-ups, and research institutions based in Thuringia. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, the solution to a clearly defined problem, the actual benefit to customers or users, as well as market potential. Furthermore, achieved milestones, the development status, sustainability aspects, and the Thuringia connection are taken into account in the jury’s decision.

The application process is deliberately designed to be practical and is conducted entirely online. Within a clear “5-step” guide, information on the innovation description, problem solution, target groups, market potential, and future prospects is collected. A draft can be downloaded in advance as a Word document and prepared at leisure. Resubmission is possible to incorporate new development progress. The participation deadline ends on June 26, 2026 – application documents can be saved at any time in the portal and submitted finally by then. The award offers not only public recognition but also a valuable networking opportunity within the Thuringian innovation ecosystem.