ERFURT – The Thuringian Digital and Open Source Prize 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 of €15,000 in prize money, the competition offers a unique opportunity to showcase themselves as leading digital companies.
The prize recognizes digital innovations and open-source projects in two main categories:
- Digital technology developersThis category is aimed at companies developing new digital products or services. Technological innovation, user-friendliness, economic benefits, and social value are evaluated.
- Users of digital technologiesThis is a call for companies that use digital technologies to optimize their processes, improve the customer experience, or develop sustainable solutions. Measurable efficiency gains and sustainable impact are key criteria.
In addition, a special award is given for open-source projects. This award recognizes projects whose software is freely accessible and which make the source code available for further development. Applicants must also meet the requirements of one of the two main categories.
“Digitalization offers SMEs enormous opportunities to improve processes, tap into new markets and increase competitiveness,” says Wolfgang Tiefensee, Thuringia’s Minister of Economic Affairs. “With the Digital and Open Source Award, we want to recognize those companies that actively seize these opportunities.”
Application deadline and award ceremony
The application deadline is September 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. It has been extended to this date. The original deadline was September 22, 2024. SMEs from Thuringia can apply using the online application form. All information about the process and the terms and conditions of participation can be found on the prize website: https://thueringer-digitalpreis.de/
The awards ceremony will take place on November 27, 2024. €5,000 will be awarded in each category, as well as for the special award in the Open Source category. In addition to the prize money, the winners will have the opportunity to present their projects to a wider audience.
background
Digital technologies are indispensable for the competitiveness of companies today. The 2022/23 study "Digitalization and Ecological Sustainability in Companies" by the Federal Network Agency shows that companies that consistently focus 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.
