Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027 invites hospitality entrepreneurs across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to compete for cash, mentorship, and a live pitch in Hamburg.
What is Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027?
Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027 is a pitch competition for early-stage gastronomy founders from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland looking to scale innovative food ventures. It is organized by three key partners: INTERNORGA, Leaders Club Deutschland, and orderbird. The competition highlights driven entrepreneurs who are actively creating future models for the food and hospitality sector.
The initiative stands as one of the most established development awards for culinary start-ups in the German-speaking area. Beyond offering recognition, the initiative provides hands-on resources, operational assistance, broad media visibility, and established hospitality networks. Organizers aim to support founders far past the conclusion of the final stage.
The collaborative model combines industry experience from diverse market perspectives. INTERNORGA contributes trade fair reach and public platform exposure in Hamburg. Leaders Club Deutschland supplies access to seasoned restaurant operators and structured mentorship. Meanwhile, orderbird contributes modern operational know-how and technological expertise tailored specifically for dining environments.
Together, these partners ensure that creative concepts receive the structural support needed to achieve long-term commercial success in competitive hospitality markets.
Who is eligible to participate?
Founders are eligible to apply if their business is based in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland and operates exclusively in the gastronomy sector. Furthermore, the concept must have launched after 1 April 2025 or be planned to open by 31 December 2027 across idea, pre-seed, or seed stages.
The jury looks beyond financial projections to evaluate the actual individuals behind each venture. Applications are assessed on three fundamental criteria: degree of innovation, economic viability, and founder personality. The organizers want to see courageous teams with genuine passion and entrepreneurial determination to reshape dining culture.
Concepts currently in planning, early development, or early testing are completely welcome provided they meet the opening deadline of 31 December 2027. Businesses that have opened their doors after the initial cutoff date of 1 April 2025 can also submit their details. No prior venture funding is required to join.
The program accommodates varied formats across hospitality, ranging from modern casual concepts and quick-service operations to tech-enabled food models and classic dining formats. All eligible applicants must be prepared to travel to Hamburg if selected as finalists.
What awards and package benefits are provided?
The winner receives a 50.000 Euro cash prize alongside an additional 50.000 Euro investment package provided by REDO Gastronomy Academy, creating a total package value of 100.000 Euro. This substantial commitment is led by entrepreneur and restaurateur René REDO Dost to foster practical growth.
The specialized support package of 50.000 Euro from REDO Gastronomy Academy covers multiple areas of brand development. It includes tailored content creation, targeted social media management, media outreach, and direct gastro-entrepreneur mentorship. This holistic combination delivers strategic guidance as well as wide public visibility.
All five finalists receive customized support packages provided jointly by INTERNORGA, Leaders Club Deutschland, and orderbird. These packages include strategic consulting, operational insights, technological tools, and valuable introductions across the broader food ecosystem. Finalists also gain high-level stage exposure before industry professionals.
Having multiple industry partners involved ensures that both the final winner and the runners-up walk away with concrete connections, constructive feedback, and practical tools to build their enterprises.
Selection process and key dates
Applications close on 23 November 2026. Following this submission deadline, organizers review all entries to choose the top thirty concepts. This initial group forms the core pool for subsequent evaluation stages.
From these thirty nominees, the expert jury selects nine semifinalists based on the core evaluation pillars. At the same time, an additional semifinal spot is awarded through a public social media voting round, giving online supporters a direct voice in the outcome. These semifinalists then present their concepts before a specialist panel.
Five chosen finalists advance to pitch live on the main stage at INTERNORGA in Hamburg on 12 March 2027. Finalists present in front of industry attendees and a live broadcast audience to compete for the ultimate title.
This transparent selection structure ensures broad exposure, giving every shortlisted concept valuable media touchpoints throughout the evaluation stages.
Completing your Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027 application
To apply, prepare an overview of your gastronomy venture outlining your central offer, target customer, and operational roadmap. Highlight your commercial feasibility while showing what makes your concept genuinely unique in today's food market. You can submit your concept through the official page hosted by INTERNORGA and Leaders Club.
Make sure to articulate your founder background and personal motivation clearly. Because personality represents a vital part of the judging score, explaining your drive, resilience, and vision is just as important as your culinary or financial planning.
Double-check your timeline to verify that your opening date falls between 1 April 2025 and 31 December 2027. Submit your materials well before the cutoff on 23 November 2026 to avoid last-minute delays.
You can track dates, bookmark updates, and review competition criteria by visiting the dedicated getfund Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027 page.
Opportunities mentioned in this post
- Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027INTERNORGA, Leaders Club Deutschland and orderbirdOpenCompetitionDeadline: Under 30 days
Frequently asked questions
- What is the application deadline for Deutscher Gastro-Gründerpreis 2027?
- The submission deadline is 23 November 2026. Applicants must submit their entries before this cutoff to be considered for the top thirty selection phase and subsequent jury rounds.
- Which countries are eligible to participate?
- Gründerinnen and Gründer based in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are eligible to submit their gastronomy concepts for the 2027 edition of the competition.
- When and where does the final pitch take place?
- The final live pitch takes place on 12 March 2027 at the INTERNORGA trade fair in Hamburg, where five finalists present before an on-site trade audience and via livestream.
- What does the winning concept receive?
- The winner receives a 50.000 Euro cash prize and an additional 50.000 Euro development and visibility package from REDO Gastronomy Academy, totaling 100.000 Euro in combined value.