Smart Country Startup Award is the innovation prize of the Smart Country Convention (SCCON), held annually in Berlin, Germany. Furthermore, this award honours startups with outstanding solutions in Smart City and GovTech fields. Therefore, startups and scaleups from Germany and across Europe must apply before the convention dates. In addition, finalists pitch live before a jury of experts and the full SCCON audience.
What Is the Smart Country Startup Award?
The Smart Country Startup Award recognises startups that bring innovative solutions to public sector digitalisation and smart city transformation. Moreover, the award targets solutions that help cities, municipalities, and administrations become more efficient and citizen-centred. Consequently, participating startups gain exposure to decision-makers, public sector buyers, and fellow innovators at SCCON. As a result, winners receive a stage slot in the following year worth €10,000 and a one-year Get Started Bitkom membership.
Programme and Funding Details
The Smart Country Convention 2025 takes place from 30 September to 2 October 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Finalists pitch on October 1 before the jury and convention audience. Also, the winning startup receives a stage slot at SCCON 2026 valued at €10,000. However, all finalists benefit from visibility with public sector stakeholders and GovTech investors at one of Europe’s largest public digitisation events.
Who Can Apply?
Startups and scaleups with outstanding solutions in Smart City or GovTech are eligible to apply. Moreover, applicants with a focus on public administration, digital services, or urban data management receive special consideration. Teams must demonstrate a clear value proposition for digitalising cities and municipalities. Furthermore, the award particularly welcomes startups from Germany and Europe active in the public technology space.
Deadline and How to Apply
Applications close before the Smart Country Convention 2025 event in early October. Therefore, startups must prepare their pitch and submit their application via the official SCCON website before the deadline. Also, Urban Technology Alliance tracks innovation awards and competitions for our network of city innovators. Visit our funding page to explore more funding and award opportunities relevant to smart city solutions.