Innovative strength, entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to embrace change are highly valued in Saxony-Anhalt, even in challenging times. The jury for the Saxony-Anhalt Business Award 2026 met today to select the nominees. The jury meeting marks an important milestone on the way to making outstanding companies and innovative start-ups in the state visible and recognizing their commitment to economic strength and future viability.
By the end of the application period on October 31, 2025, 66 applications had been received by the deadline. Of these, 39 applications were in the "Companies" category and 27 in the "Start-ups" category. The submissions are a clear signal of the efficiency and creative drive of Saxony-Anhalt's economy - especially in times of transformation, skills shortages and global uncertainties.
The submitted applications reflect a wide range of entrepreneurial approaches: from established medium-sized companies that invest in innovation, modernization and employment, to young founders who respond to current market and future issues with new business models.
The chair of the jury, State Secretary Stefanie Pötzsch, emphasized the importance of the competition for Saxony-Anhalt as a business location: "The applications impressively show how much entrepreneurial strength, innovative spirit and sense of responsibility there is in Saxony-Anhalt. Especially in times of change, we need people and companies who have the courage to break new ground and make their ideas visible."
At today's jury meeting, experts from business, chambers and associations voted on the applications submitted. The assessment was based on clearly defined criteria. These included economic development, innovation and transformation processes, measures to secure skilled workers and responsibility for the region and society.
The jury includes (from left to right in the group photo):
Matthias Menger, Managing Director of the Saxony-Anhalt Employers' and Business Associations
Dorit Zieler, Head of Department at the Magdeburg Chamber of Skilled Crafts
Stefanie Pötzsch, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry, as Chair of the jury
Annika Koslosky, State Chairwoman of the Saxony-Anhalt Association of Women Entrepreneurs
Janine Stoisiek, State Chairwoman of the Saxony-Anhalt Junior Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Ulf-Marten Schmieder, Managing Director of the Saxony-Anhalt Association of Women Entrepreneurs Ulf-Marten Schmieder, Managing Director TGZ Halle GmbH
Not in the group photo:
Sebastian Schenk, Managing Director of the Saxony-Anhalt Employers' Association
Antje Bauer, Managing Director of the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Nominated for the 2026 Business Award in the "Company" category
- Algae Farm Klötze GmbH & Co KG: As the first microalgae farm, Algae Farm Klötze has done truly pioneering work. It was the first in the world to use the PBR glass tube system, which is now established in many algae farms.Algomed: High-quality food supplements from German cultivation, Klötze
- Alpha Signs GmbH: The company is one of the leading manufacturers of sign and illuminated advertising systems in central Germany. With more than 100 highly qualified employees and the use of modern technologies, they cover the entire value chain and help shape the future of their industry in an agile and innovative way.Company - Alpha SignsLandsberg
- Unterschütz Sondermaschinenbau GmbH: The company is one of the leading suppliers of machines and systems for the aluminum extrusion industry. With over 30 years of experience, they offer customized, highly automated and safe solutions that are valued worldwide.Unterschütz | Special machine construction, laser technology & CNC processingHettstedt
- Vintageandkickz GmbH: Vintage & Kickz is the market leader in Saxony-Anhalt for high-quality second-hand designer clothing and bags. With sustainability, exclusivity and a unique business model, they promote the circular economy and offer luxury products to a new clientele in a resource-saving way.Vintage And Kickz - your online store for second-hand designer fashion! - vintageandkickz, Hall
The nominees in the "Start-ups" category are
- Bäckerei Martin Schäl: By using future technologies, the bakery has found a better way to achieve a healthy work-life balance while maintaining the high quality of its baked goods.Instragam profile Teutschenthal
- cerebricks GmbH: They offer high-quality IT consulting and innovative solutions for the energy sector - tailored to individual customer needs,cerebricks - Quality for the energy industry | cerebricks - Consulting for the energy industry, Muldestausee
- CYNiO GmbH: Within four weeks, they set up a functioning laboratory and the team grew from three founders to 13 employees. CYNiO develops a patented, CO2-based process for the production of isocyanates without the highly toxic phosgene that conventional manufacturers mainly use.Welcome - CYNiO Bitterfeld-Wolfen
- The optician Josephine Giese: Founded with the aim of creating a modern, digital and technically advanced specialist store. She is the only company within a radius of 60 kilometers to offer ZEISS i.Scription technology. Home | The optician Josephine Giese, Salzwedel
- mediMESH GmbH: Thanks to AI tools, medical expertise is visualized and shared in an appealing and data protection-compliant way. Medical technology manufacturers also benefit from the innovative solutions. mediMESH - The future of medical educationMagdeburg
- ZahnZentrum Freese + Kollegen MVZ GmbH: The company invested €1.7 million in the expansion of specialist departments, including prophylaxis, tooth preservation and a center for microscopic dentistry. As a partner practice of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, ZahnZentrum Freese actively assumes responsibility.www.zahnzentrum-freese.de Wanzleben
Background:
The Saxony-Anhalt Business Prize is awarded every two years and aims to make economic successes in the state visible, strengthen role models and raise the profile of the location in the long term. The award ceremony will take place on March 25, 2026 in Halle (Saale). The winning company and the award-winning company in the start-up category will be recognized as ambassadors of Saxony-Anhalt's success, receive prize money (company: €15,000; start-up: €10,000) and will be included in future communication activities of the state.
Small and medium-sized companies with up to 250 employees that are headquartered in Saxony-Anhalt and can demonstrate special achievements or projects in the previous or current year were eligible to take part in the application process. Start-ups headquartered in Saxony-Anhalt that have founded their company within the last five years and have an innovative focus are eligible in this category. One company and one start-up will be awarded a prize among all participants.
More information: Saxony-Anhalt Business Award