Eastern Germany's Innovators Win Prestigious VORSPRUNG 2026 Award for Sustainable Growth
Two innovative companies from eastern Germany have been recognised for their groundbreaking work. PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH and SOLAR MATERIALS GmbH received the prestigious VORSPRUNG 2026 award at a ceremony in Berlin. The prize celebrates firms driving progress through innovation and sustainable growth.
The award was presented at the Federal Ministry of Finance by Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany. Both winners were praised for their contributions to the region’s economic future. PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH, founded in 2019, develops microbiome-based solutions to prevent gum disease. The biotechnology firm was one of two companies honoured at the ceremony hosted by Elisabeth Kaiser.
SOLAR MATERIALS GmbH, a 2021 startup, specialises in recycling photovoltaic modules using an automated, chemical-free process. In addition to the main award, the company also received the Start-Up Special Award.
Holger Lösch, Deputy Director General of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), commended both firms for shaping the future of eastern Germany’s economy. Michael Richter, Minister of Economics for Saxony-Anhalt, also congratulated PerioTrap, emphasising the state’s economic vitality and culture of innovation.
The awards come ahead of the East German Economic Forum (OWF), scheduled for May 31 to June 2, 2026, in Bad Saarow. The event will further highlight the region’s growing role in business and technology. The VORSPRUNG 2026 award recognises companies that combine innovation with sustainable growth. PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals and SOLAR MATERIALS will now serve as examples of eastern Germany’s expanding influence in biotechnology and green technology. Their achievements reflect broader efforts to strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.
