ERFURT_ The Thuringian Digital and Open Source Award is entering its decisive phase: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Thuringia are invited to submit their innovative digital solutions by September 30, 2024. With a total prize money of 15,000 euros, the competition offers a unique opportunity to present oneself as a digital flagship company.
The award recognizes digital innovations and open-source projects in two main categories:
- Developers of digital technologies: This category is aimed at companies that develop new digital products or services. Technological innovation, user-friendliness, economic benefit, and social added value are evaluated.
- Users of digital technologies: Companies that use digital technologies to optimize their processes, improve the customer experience, or develop sustainable solutions are sought here. Important criteria are measurable efficiency gains and sustainable impact.
In addition, a special award will be given for open-source projects. Projects whose software is freely accessible and whose source code is made available for further development will be honored. Applicants must also meet the requirements of one of the two main categories.
"Digitalization offers SMEs enormous opportunities to improve processes, open up new markets, and increase competitiveness," says Wolfgang Tiefensee, Thuringia's Minister of Economics. "With the Digital and Open Source Award, we want to honor those companies that actively seize these opportunities."
Application deadline and award ceremony
The application deadline ends on September 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM. It has been extended to this date. Originally, the application deadline was September 22, 2024. SMEs from Thuringia can apply via the online application form. All information about the procedure and the terms of participation can be found on the award's website: https://thueringer-digitalpreis.de/
The award ceremony will take place on November 27, 2024. 5,000 euros will be awarded per category, as well as for the special award in the field of Open Source. In addition to the prize money, the winners will have the opportunity to present their projects to a broad public.
Background
Digital technologies are indispensable today for the competitiveness of companies. The study “Digitalization and ecological sustainability in companies“ by the Federal Network Agency from 2022/23 shows that companies that consistently rely on digitalization work more efficiently and are more competitive. At the same time, IT security, data protection, and the shortage of skilled workers remain challenges that SMEs must overcome.
