Bavarian Prizes 2026: Focus on the economy, environment and bioeconomy

26.02.2026

Qullen: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V., Bavarian State Office for the Environment

Bavaria is entering the application and nomination phase for three major awards: BAYERNS BEST 50, the Bavarian State Foundation's Environmental Award 2026 and the awards for the promotion of renewable raw materials.

Companies, institutions and committed individuals can now nominate themselves or others - with different deadlines in spring 2026.

BAYERNS BEST 50 - looking for fast-growing SMEs

The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy is once again honoring the 50 fastest-growing SMEs in Bavaria in 2026. The prize is awarded to companies that have achieved above-average employee and sales growth in recent years.

The following will also be awarded:

• "Bavarian Entrepreneur of the Year"
• Special prize for training (for two companies with outstanding commitment)
• Special ESG award (for sustainable and ethical corporate governance)

The selection is made by the independent auditing firm Baker Tilly GmbH & Co.

Application deadline: March 27, 2026
Award ceremony: July 30, 2026 at Schleißheim Palace

Further information: BAYERNS BEST 50 - Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Environmental Award 2026 - 30,000 euros for outstanding environmental protection

Bavarian State Foundation will once again award the environmental prize worth 30,000 euros in 2026 The Bavarian State Office for the Environment is calling for suitable candidates to be nominated.

To be honored: Environmental Award 2026 of the Bavarian State Foundation - LfU Bavaria

• Innovative projects in technical environmental protection
• Achievements related to climate protection and the energy transition
• New approaches in nature conservation
• Flagship initiatives in environmental education and sustainable development

Special consideration is given to voluntary work.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026
The decision is made by the Foundation Board; notification expected in August 2026.

Further information:

Ernst Fur Prize & Renewable Resources Award

Together with the Ernst Fur Foundation, the Bavarian State Ministries for Economic Affairs and for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism are once again awarding the prestigious Ernst Fur Prize and the Renewable Resources Award.

The prizes have been awarded for over 30 years - in cooperation with C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V..

• Efficient bioenergy systems for heat, electricity and mobility
• Concepts for the use of biomass, biogas or wood energy
• Developments in bio-based materials and processes
• Integrated biorefinery approaches
• Bioeconomy projects

Endowment:

• Ernst Pelz Prize: 10,000 euros
• Renewable raw materials prize: 10,000 euros

Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Award ceremony: July 6, 2026 at Herzogschloss Straubing as part of the 34th C.A.R.M.E.N. Symposium.

Further information: Funding awards for renewable raw materials - innovations with practical relevance wanted - C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V.