Innovation in the spotlight: 19 companies nominated for the Münsterland Innovation Award

The Münsterland region has proved itself to be one of the most innovative regions in the state: 97 companies applied for the Münsterland Innovation Award 2025/26, and the jury has now shortlisted 19 of them in the six categories: ‘Digital Business Models’, ‘Small and Smart’, ‘Start-up’, ‘Business – Large Enterprises’, ‘Business – SMEs’ and ‘Science Meets Business’. To reflect the diversity of the region’s economic strength, two prizes have been introduced for the first time in the ‘Business’ category. Sustainability also remains an integral part of the award, which is why a special prize, the “Transformation Prize | Sustainability Impact”, is once again being awarded. And this prize is already well established – 81 companies have submitted an application for it.

This year, Münsterland e.V. is organising the Innovation Award under the motto “Together. Growth. Strengths. The Münsterland thinks ahead.” and is shining a spotlight on the region’s inventive spirit: “Almost 100 applications show that our economy is not only responding to challenges, but is also actively helping to shape the solutions of tomorrow,” emphasises Andreas Grotendorst, Chairman of Münsterland e.V. “With the new structure of the ‘Economy’ category, we are showcasing the full breadth of our economic DNA, from small family businesses to global market leaders.”

The Innovation Award is presented every two years by Münsterland e.V. to recognise new and creative developments from the Münsterland region. From December 2025 to February 2026, interested companies were able to submit their innovations for consideration. This year, the prize is once again supported by the Sparkassen in the Münsterland region, Provinzial Versicherung AG, Westenergie AG and Stadtwerke Münster GmbH. The independent jury, comprising experts from the worlds of business and academia, selected the 19 nominated companies following in-depth discussions. The jury members are: Dr sc. nat. Dr h.c. mult. Johannes Georg Bednorz (IBM Research Zurich, 1987 Nobel Laureate in Physics), Prof. Dr Frank Dellmann (President of Münster University of Applied Sciences), Jürgen Kroos (President of the Münster Chamber of Crafts), Dr Fritz Jaeckel (Chief Executive of the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce), Prof. Dr Bernd Kriegesmann (President of Westphalian University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Dr Michael Quante (Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Knowledge Transfer and Sustainability at the University of Münster).

The winners in each category will be announced on 29 September at a gala ceremony on Schlossplatz in Münster. In addition to industry-wide recognition, the winners will each receive 4,000 euros and a bespoke promotional or product film.

The nominees and their innovations (in alphabetical order)

‘Digital Business Models’ category

• Digital Building Solutions (Sendenhorst): “DBS WinDo Pass”
• group24 AG (Gescher): ‘FLOWZILLA’
• Sommer GmbH & Co. KG (Hörstel): “AGNES & AGNESX” 

‘Small and Smart’ category

• Albert Seine GmbH (Dülmen): “SEINE Smart Solar – SM-12-20 Self-Sufficient Energy Box”
• CRP GmbH & CO. KG (Hörstel): “Collection and extraction of precious metals from used spark plugs”
• pro-art GmbH (Emsdetten): “Mobile Station of Remembrance – Stimulation through Scents”
• Vemaco e. K. (Gescher): “PV-MDAZ”

‘Start-up’ category

• agriportance GmbH (Münster): “agriportance software”
• Fleetboost GmbH (Greven): “Fleetboost – The eMobility Powerbank”
• syte GmbH (Münster): “syte – AI platform for data-driven property decisions”

‘Business – Large Enterprises’ category

• Börger GmbH (Borken): “OrbitGrinder”
• Brüninghoff GmbH & Co. KG (Heiden): “Reusable and recyclable wood-concrete composite (HBV) ribbed ceiling”
• Hengst SE (Münster): “Innovative filtration solutions for direct air capture”

Category: “Business_SMEs”

• DI MATTEO Förderanlagen GmbH & Co. KG (Beckum): “ODM – Inline Airflow Sifter IPS”
• Kreyenborg GmbH & Co. KG (Senden): “IR-Clean = infrared technology for the treatment of recycled PET”
• PTS GmbH (Senden): “PFAS-free polymer platform for water and oil resistance”

Category: “Science Meets Business”

• CLK GmbH (Altenberge): “DeepHyperCheck” (in collaboration with Nuremberg Tech)
• IBO Technik GmbH (Raesfeld): “Innovative feed pipe switch: development designation ‘Abraswitch’” (in cooperation with Westphalian University of Applied Sciences)
• Westfalen AG (Münster): “F|Heat – Heat planning in QGIS” (in cooperation with Münster University of Applied Sciences)

The sponsors of the Münsterland Innovation Award on the upcoming awards ceremony:

“The nominated companies impressively demonstrate that, through smart investments and strong ideas, our region is actively shaping the trends of the future rather than lagging behind developments,” said Peter Scholz, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Sparkasse Münsterland Ost, speaking on behalf of the savings banks in the Münsterland region. “This creates a creative and productive dynamic in the Münsterland region, and we, the savings banks, are delighted to be able to support our innovative companies on this journey as partners.”

Nina Schmal, Board Member for Customer Management & New Business Models at Provinzial, emphasises: “Real progress requires the courage to change and an environment that allows ideas to flourish. By jointly highlighting these outstanding success stories, we are strengthening the appeal of our entire region. As an insurer with deep local roots, we support this award with complete conviction.”

“The fact that 81 companies have applied for the Transformation Award is a strong sign of a new beginning,” says Saskia Kemner, Head of Municipal Partner Management for Münsterland / East Westphalia-Lippe at Westenergie. “Here, sustainability is not just lip service, but a key prerequisite for economic success. The nominees demonstrate how technological excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand – an approach that is crucial for the sustainable development and future viability of our regions.”

“Future-proofing depends on how boldly we integrate new approaches into everyday life and society,” sums up Sebastian Jurczyk, Chairman of the Management Board at Stadtwerke Münster. “The nominated projects move us forward as a community, and it is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and drive for innovation with which the Münsterland region is building the world of tomorrow.”