LOPEC Startup Competition & Award
At the LOPEC Forum, selected founders will present their business ideas in short, ten-minute presentations.
Startup Competition & Award at LOPEC 2026
As part of the Startup Competition at LOPEC 2026, selected founders will present their business ideas in ten-minute pitches at the LOPEC Forum.
The aim of the Startup Competition each year is to find partners and investors to support the realization of the founders' plans and ideas. A Board of Experts of investors and companies reviews the submitted applications in the run-up to LOPEC 2026 and puts together a selection which then present their business idea on site at the LOPEC Forum on February 25, 2026.
The best presentations in each of the categories Best Business Potential and Most Impactful Technology/Product will be awarded the LOPEC Startup Award as part of the LOPEC Get-together on the evening of February 25, 2026.
As a special honor, the two winners will each be provided with a startup full service stand package worth around EUR 2,300 free of charge at LOPEC 2027.
Both the Get-together and the Award Show are open to all exhibitors, conference participants and exhibition visitors.
Next milestones
The deadline for submissions expired on November 28, 2025. Thank you to all of the applicants!
Announcement of finalists.
In the second half of December 2025
The finalists will give presentations.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
11:00 to 12:15 in the LOPEC Forum, ICM Foyer
Presentation of the LOPEC Start-up Awards.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
From 18:30 at the LOPEC Get-Together in the LOPEC Forum
Board of Experts LOPEC Startup Competition & Award
A high-caliber board of experts will evaluate the submitted applications and select the startups that will present their business ideas live at the LOPEC Forum as part of LOPEC 2026.
Then, from among the finalists, a jury selects the winners in the categories Highest Business Potential and Most Impactful Technology/Product.
The Startup Competition & Award 2026 Board of Experts will consist of the following members:
Chair: Dr. John Fahlteich, Managing Director, KETMarket GmbH (DE)
- Dr. Kerry Adams, Business Chair LOPEC, Director and Founder, Ventoux Consulting Ltd. (UK)
- Dr. Michael Hack, Vice President of Business Development at both Universal Display Corp. and UDC Ventures (US)
- Sebastian Mähler, Managing Director Business Consulting, FINNOVAL GmbH (DE)
- Dr. Anne Umbach, Investment Manager—Industrial Tech, High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH (DE)
The winners of the LOPEC Startup Award 2025
Most Impactful Technology
Prio Optics GmbH, Germany
Dr. Qiaoshuang Zhang, CEO, co-founder
prio-optics.com
“Prio Optics uses a brand-new way to make optical filters. We have created first-of-a-kind inkjet-printed filters, and unlocks new features as USP. Prio Optics stands in the midstream of the supply chain, and offers optical filters as components for downstream end users, such as consumer electronics, displays, and hyperspectral cameras. Prio Optics' technology is highly sustainable, as validated by a sustainability report. The printing utilizes drop-on-demand technology, reducing material waste to near-zero. Moreover, the entire production process occurs under ambient conditions, significantly lowering energy consumption. The technology is sustainable both economically and ecologically.”
Best Business Model
CEO Adaptronics, Italy
Dr. Lorenzo Agostin
adaptronics.it
“Adaptronics’ core technology is the Electro Active Adhesive Layer (EAAL), a conformable thin-film device that becomes adhesive on command on any material thanks to an electrostatic principle of operation, integrating AI-driven feedback sensing to detect proximity and contact with the target object. This cutting-edge technology is applied across multiple industrial automation sectors, such as packaging handling, e-commerce, warehouse management, agriculture and many other. Moreover, electroadhesion is suitable for operation in space conditions, enabling space robotic applications such as in-orbit servicing, active debris removal, and exploration. Beyond its versatility, the EAAL offers significant sustainability benefits, reducing energy consumption by up to 1000 times compared to traditional pneumatic systems, supporting sustainable automation practices, and enabling recycling and satellite repair and refuelling in space.”
Stand packages for startups
In the Startup Area, we give young, innovative companies a unique opportunity to access the global printed electronics community.
The Startup Area is a communal booth located at the heart of the trade fair. Startup exhibitors receive the all-inclusive startup package at a reduced price.
Visitor information
Stay up to date! Subscribe to our visitor information service and never miss out on the latest news!