Nature Awards | the spinoff prize

The Spinoff Prize is a €30,000 global award for early-stage university spinoff companies providing a unique opportunity for academic entrepreneurs to raise their company profile and get noticed by potential investors. It increases the visibility of academic entrepreneurs and their companies and helps them secure future investment.

The prize focuses on spinoff companies founded on research in life sciences or physical sciences, both of which can include digital technology approaches including artificial intelligence, deep learning, neuromorphic computing, and quantum computing. A shortlist will be profiled in an online special report published in Nature, alongside the list of the companies deemed the ‘ones to watch’. Shortlisted spinoffs will pitch to the slam panels live at the Curious2024 – Future Insight™ conference, after which one winner will receive a €30,000 cash prize.

Applications are encouraged from anywhere in the world, from applicants of all genders and company positions, including companies in early stages of establishment. Eligibility criteria are listed below.