Press Release
Applications are now open for the Smart Country Startup Award 2026
• Start-ups with innovative solutions for the digital government can now apply
• The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026
Whether it’s AI in urban planning, innovative transport concepts or digital procurement tools: start-ups are developing solutions that make public administration, urban development and public infrastructure more efficient, interconnected and sustainable.
The Smart Country Start-up Award 2026 provides a platform for such ideas. We are looking for projects with the potential to drive cities, local authorities and public administrations forward in a sustainable way.
Live pitches on the Plaza Stage at #SCCON26
As the leading event for the digitalisation of the public sector, the Smart Country Convention will bring together more than 23,000 experts from politics, business, academia and public administration in Berlin from 13 to 15 October. Around 800 high-profile speakers are expected across a total of seven stages. The event is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation (BMDS).
On 14 October, the finalists of the Smart Country Startup Award 2026 will have the chance to present their solutions live on the Plaza Stage to a panel of experts and the audience. The winning startup will not only receive a free one-year membership to Get Started, Bitkom’s startup initiative, but also a stage slot at SCCON 2027.
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026.
About Smart Country Convention
The Smart Country Convention is the leading event for the digital state and public services. With over 23,000 participants, SCCON is the meeting place for everyone involved in the digitalisation of the public sector. The combination of congress, workshops, expo and networking is aimed at employees from administration, politics, the digital economy, associations and science. SCCON is organised by Bitkom e.V. and Messe Berlin.
You can also find this press release on the Internet: www.smartcountry.berlin
Press photos of the Smart Country Convention in printable quality can be downloaded here. Videos about the event and the topics of the Smart Country Convention can be found here.