Darboven Idea-Foster Prize Finalists: Sarah Pfeifer and Henrietta Thiel Compete for €65,000
The Darboven Idea-Foster Prize, now in its 16th year, has announced its finalists. Sarah Pfeifer and Henrietta Thiel will compete for the top prize, which totals €65,000. The award, founded by Albert Darboven, aims to boost women-led startups and encourage entrepreneurial independence.
The prize, worth €65,000, is divided into three categories: €50,000 for first place, €10,000 for second, and €5,000 for third. It focuses on sustainable, innovative, and viable business concepts. To qualify, applicants must be women-led startups that have been self-employed for no more than five years.
The competition began with five applicants, who presented their ideas to a jury. The finalists were chosen by a public vote. This reflects the prize's mission to recognise and support women in entrepreneurship, as they often face barriers, including lack of seed funding, despite having strong business ideas. In Germany, around 80% of startup founders are men.
The Darboven Idea-Foster Prize, a national award for innovative ideas from women-led startups, has reached its final stage. Sarah Pfeifer and Henrietta Thiel will now compete for the top prize, with the winner to be announced soon. The prize money will provide a significant boost to the winner's entrepreneurial journey, helping to bridge the gender gap in the startup scene.
