TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH (TRK) has announced its annual NEO Innovation Award for 2025, with a focus on ground-breaking innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The award carries a cash prize of €20,000. It aims to recognise outstanding solutions that address contemporary challenges through AI technology.

The 2025 competition is seeking digital technologies that demonstrate measurable positive impacts across various domains. Key areas of interest include process improvements, efficiency gains, enhanced customer satisfaction, innovative business models, and sustainability achievements through AI implementation.

Applicants must showcase clear, quantifiable results in at least one of several categories, such as reduced processing times, increased automation, optimised supply chains, or improved customer service metrics. The award particularly emphasises AI solutions that contribute to sustainability goals, including reduced CO₂ emissions and enhanced energy efficiency.

The competition is open to companies, organisations, public administration bodies, and scientific institutions based in Germany or the French Alsace region.

The selection process will be conducted in multiple stages, with up to ten shortlisted candidates being invited to present their projects in detail. The jury will then select up to five finalists to attend the award ceremony, scheduled for November 2025.

The deadline for applications is 7 July 2025.