BARC Start-up Award for Data and AI 2026: Show us what you got!
For the tenth time, BARC honors young companies that are revolutionizing the way organizations work with data through innovative software solutions. For the first time, the award ceremony will take place live at the DATA festival in Munich.
BARC is once again calling for applications for the renowned BARC Start-up Award for Data and AI in 2026. The award targets young companies from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) that are breaking new ground with innovative software solutions in analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, planning and simulation, or data management.
Live at the DATA festival for the first time
The BARC Start-up Award has found a new home this year: The finals will be held live at DATA festival on June 16 and 17, 2026 at the Muffatwerk in Munich. This means that, in addition to presenting to the expert jury, start-ups can also meet potential customers and partners and benefit from intensive networking opportunities. They will also gain high visibility on site.
The five finalists will receive complimentary access to the entire DATA festival, including all sessions, catering, and the evening networking event, and will pitch their solutions live at the event.
An independent expert jury comprising members from academia, industry, investors, and enterprise users will evaluate the finalists under the chairmanship of Dr. Carsten Bange (BARC).
Eligibility requirements
- Participation is free of charge.
- The company must have been operating for no more than six years.
- The company should be headquartered in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, or at least maintain an office in the DACH region.
- The solution must be a software product or software-supported service in the field of analytics and AI, business intelligence, planning and simulation, or data management.
- The product should exist at minimum as a functional, demonstrable prototype.
- For spin-offs or new business units within established companies, the six-year rule applies from the start of the respective business activity.
Key dates
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026
- Finals and award ceremony: June 16 or 17, 2026, live at the DATA festival in Munich
How to apply
Interested start-ups can apply until April 30 2026 via the BARC website:
