The HERMES AWARD and the HERMES STARTUP AWARD are among the most prestigious international accolades for industrial innovation. Applications are open to all companies and institutions registered as exhibitors at HANNOVER MESSE 2027. Interested parties can apply here from now until 5 February 2027.

Following the submission deadline, an independent jury chaired by Fraunhofer President Prof. Dr. Holger Hanselka will nominate three innovations each for the HERMES AWARD and the HERMES STARTUP AWARD, from which the final winners will be selected. The evaluation is based on technological innovation, contribution to industry, the environment and society, as well as cost-effectiveness and market readiness. The award ceremony takes place on 4 April 2027 as part of the official HANNOVER MESSE opening ceremony.

2026 Winners

Schaeffler won the HERMES AWARD 2026 with a platform for highly integrated actuators used in the articulation points of humanoid robots. The actuator platform integrates highly efficient servo motors, power electronics and encoders. It can be flexibly combined with two-stage planetary or shaft-mounted gear units.

The HERMES STARTUP AWARD 2026 went to the young Swiss company BTRY. The founders impressed the jury with their ultra-thin, fully flexible solid-state batteries. This innovative technology enables fast charging, high temperature resistance, and maximum safety, significantly outperforming conventional lithium-ion cells.