We are looking for innovative solutions for digitalised processes or business models from and for SMEs in NRW.
Under the motto “Innovative solutions for digitized production processes or business models by and for SMEs in NRW”, the ZENIT e. V. network is launching a NRW-wide call for entries for the twelfth time. The patron is Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The ZENIT e. V. network, based in Mülheim an der Ruhr, has been awarding an innovation prize with different focus topics since 2000. The background to this is the constant change that SMEs are undergoing.
This year’s network innovation prize is looking for SMEs from NRW that have developed or are using an innovative solution for digitized processes or business models and can already demonstrate initial success. The aim of the competition is to make innovative approaches visible, strengthen NRW as a business location and share good practice that can serve as a model for other SMEs. “With the competitions, we want to make a contribution to strengthening NRW as a business location and offer the participating teams a platform to present their innovative ideas to a broad public,” says Thomas Eulenstein, Chairman of the ZENIT network, describing the association’s motivation.
The short applications submitted are pre-evaluated by the ZENIT innovation team and presented to a jury. Among other things, the jury evaluates the degree of innovation, market orientation and agility of implementation. The jury is chaired by Prof. Dr. Oliver Koch, Vice President for Research and Transfer at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Other members come from industry and the board of the ZENIT e. V. network.
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025, and the award ceremony will take place on February 10, 2026 at ZENIT in Mülheim.
Anyone who submits a short presentation of no more than 5 pages can take part. Among other things, the following will be evaluated:
– Description of the innovation and its introduction
– Implementation success (e.g. efficiency, turnover, sustainability)
– Acceptance and qualification of employees
– Proven market success or potential
The winning team receives prize money of 10,000 euros. Second place is endowed with 5,000 euros and third place with 2,500 euros. All finalists will receive PR support with sustainable public relations work and a one-year free membership of the ZENIT e. V. network.
About the ZENIT e. V. network:
Founded in 1984, the association is an association of technology-oriented companies and sees itself as a forum by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. With around 230 members from NRW and cross-border networking to France and the Netherlands, the association supports its members in innovation, digitalization and internationalization projects. The association is a shareholder of ZENIT GmbH alongside the state of NRW and a banking consortium.
Further information
– Information and application details
– About the network – ZENIT GmbH