SCCON Awards 2026
Germany's Digital Showcases
Digital success stories need a larger audience and make the Smart Country Convention to an interactive hotspot for technology and innovation. The smartest cities, the most promising startups and the best European solutions are role models that drive the digital change in the public sector. Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things and Augmented Reality are key technologies that sustainably improve the quality of life for people in cities and regions and prepare companies and employees for the digital future.
We encourage more innovative strength and more digital competence. Get to know national and international digital champions and experience the innovative ecosystem of Germany and Europe. Meet other visionary minds to learn, network and celebrate.
Bitkom Smart City Index
Awards
October 13, 2026 | Plaza Stage | hub27
Lighthouses of Digitization
Cities are living spaces that have to meet the challenges with globalization and urbanization in the digital age. Successful urban development concepts need a sustainable digitization strategy on the future topics of smart mobility services, successful energy system transformation, social participation and ecological responsibility.
With the Smart City Index, the digital association Bitkom collects a digital ranking for Germany’s large cities and compares the progress of digitization in cities and regions. The successful transformation to a digital and networked city is analyzed and evaluated in five categories: administration, IT and communication, energy and environment, mobility and society.
Smart City projects work on intelligent living spaces which sustainably increase the quality of life in cities sustainably. The key is technological solutions which support the holistic digitization of the public sector. After all, the need and demand for digital innovations for mobility, energy, environment and communication is growing.
The city of the future is smart, connected, and livable – with people at its center. Discover outstanding smart city projects and innovative solutions of the year. With the Smart City Index Award, we recognize forward-looking technological developments that make our cities smarter and more livable.
Smart Country
Startup Award
October 14, 2026 | Plaza Stage | hub27
The Stage for Visionary Innovators
Clean water through smart sensors, entirely new mobility concepts powered by data analytics – many startups are driving digital transformation in cities, municipalities, and public spaces. In doing so, they are helping make everyday life more efficient, modern, and convenient.
As the innovation award of the Smart Country Convention, the Smart Country Startup Award recognizes young companies with outstanding solutions in the fields of Smart City and GovTech. Through this award, Bitkom supports ideas and concepts that are shaping the cities of tomorrow and the future of digital government.
The selected finalists get the opportunity to pitch their solutions at SCCON in front of a broad audience and a panel of experts. The winning startup receives a stage slot at the following year’s Smart Country Convention as well as a one-year Get Started membership with Bitkom.
The Smart Country Startup Award 2026 Finalists Have Been Announced
AI for public authorities, smart roads, and digital administrative processes: Five startups have made it to the finals of the Smart Country Startup Award 2026. On October 14, they will present their solutions live at SCCON in Berlin, demonstrating how innovative technologies can help drive the public sector forward. Which startup will win over the jury and audience with the best idea for a modern, digital state?
The Smart Country Startup Award 2026 Finalists Have Been Announced
AI for public authorities, smart roads, and digital administrative processes: Five startups have made it to the finals of the Smart Country Startup Award 2026. On October 14, they will present their solutions live at SCCON in Berlin, demonstrating how innovative technologies can help drive the public sector forward. Which startup will win over the jury and audience with the best idea for a modern, digital state?
Looking Back: GovIntel Won the Smart Country Startup Award 2025
The Berlin-based company GovIntel won the Smart Country Startup Award 2025. Using AI, the startup analyzes procurement notices, budget data, and other public information to identify planned procurements months before an official tender is published. This allows companies to position their solutions early while helping public authorities discover relevant innovations.
Our 2026 Partners
Together, We Empower Startups
Recap:
Smart Country Startup Award 2025
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