PeopleTech Award 2025 – Empowering PeopleTech Innovation
PeopleTech Award 2025 – Empowering PeopleTech Innovation
The PeopleTech Award is the signature startup competition of the International HR-Tech Conference 2025
Recognizing the most promising Startups shaping the Future of Work, Global Mobility, and HR Technology. Hosted live in Leipzig and broadcast online, the award brings together top-tier Founders, active Investors and Business Angels to spotlight game-changing People Tech Solutions.
Please note: The Award Show will take place in English.
New in 2025: People Tech & Tonic
All finalists are invited to our curated Aftershow Networking Event PeopleTech & Tonic — bringing together Startups, Funders and Ecosystem Leaders in a relaxed setting beyond the stage.
Voting by the conference audience online & in Leipzig. Your chance to show that your solution resonates with relevant players in the industry beyond the jury - with impact and support in the real world
Selected by a panel of Investors, Business Angels & Industry Experts. This category honors the Startup with the strongest potential in terms of innovation, scalability, and relevance for the Future of Work
2 Award Categories:
Audience Award
Jury Award:
For startups:
You’re building what’s next in how people work, lead, and grow — now it’s time to be seen.
The PeopleTech Award is your chance to showcase your solution, connect with Secision-Makers, Business Angels & Investors and gain access to the right stage, space, and conversations. Whether you’re rethinking HR, Global Mobility or HR Tech: If your Startup is ready to grow, this is where your next opportunity begins — with the chance to convince both an expert jury and the wider audience through 2 Award Categories: Jury Award & People’s Choice.
Your Benefits:
Free snacks, drinks & hospitality
Network at exclusive Aftershow Event
Showcase at your own booth/table
Media exposure & curated networking
Present at the online conference
Get in front of expert jury & investors
Full access to Leipzig conference
1 extra team ticket included
Pitch live to HR & Mobility leaders (also streamed)
We welcome applications from start-ups that meet at least 2 of the 3 criteria:
● Operate in HR, People Mobility, Workforce Innovation or related fields● Were founded in or after 2020● Offer a tech-driven, scalable solution relevant to global HR challenges
Who can participate?
The PeopleTech Award is open to Startups that are reshaping the way we work, move, and grow. Whether you build tools for smarter Talent Management, Global Workforce obMility, HR Automation or Employee Experience — we want to hear from you.
Who else?
We also welcome all Startups that meet one of the following requirements: You are based in Eastern Germany or your solution creates a public value.
How to take part
Step 4
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
Pitch live on stage - Each finalist will have a maximum of 2 minutes to pitch – short, sharp and to the point.
Book your ticket - the ticket link will be shared with all finalists separately.
Get to know our team (30 min talk, online)
Apply online by filling out the application form and uploading your pitch deck with all required information (please see Pitch Deck Guideline)
A selection committee will review all applications. Finalists will be notified in early October.
Please note: The entire award process – including the pitch, communication and materials – will take place in English.
Your invest:
For all aplications submitted after 31st of July
For all applications fully submitted online by 31. July.
*Only required if you successfully qualify as a finalist - ticket link will be shared separately with all finalists.
Timeline:
18 November 2025:
From 13. October:
Until 12. October 2025:
Until 14. September 2025:
Live Pitches (max. 2 min) + Award Ceremony & exclusive Aftershow Networking Event People Tech & Tonic in Leipzig
Announcement of finalists on all marketing channels
Interview phase
4
3
2
1
Application phase
Discover all 2024 finalists:
Discover all 2024 finalists:
For Investors & Business Angel:
You’re looking for what's next in PeopleTech, Global Mobility, and HR Innovation — we’ll introduce you to the founders building it.
The PeopleTech Award connects Investors and Business Angels with promising Startups that rethink how organizations attract, grow, and move talent globally. You’ll gain direct access to promising ventures, future-facing ideas, and a handpicked international founder network.
Whether you’re actively scouting or want to stay close to the pulse of HR & People Tech Innovation — this is the room you’ll want to be in.
Your Benefits:
Join live stage & award ceremony
Connect with founders at exclusive events
Get pre-conference updates & profiles
Gain visibility as innovation supporter
Join official People Tech Award Jury
Network with investors & ecosystem leaders
Spot rising solutions early
Early access to top HR & Mobility Startups
Our 2025 Highlight: People Tech & Tonic
A private Space for Founders and Funders to reconnect — offstage.
Directly after the People Tech Award ceremony, we bring together those at the heart of the decision: our finalist Startups and the Jury members.
People Tech & Tonic is our exclusive Aftershow Networking Event gathering designed to create space for honest dialogue, shared perspectives, and high-quality connections — without pitch decks, spotlights, or time pressure. Enjoy curated connections, shared insights, and relaxed networking with real Decision-Makers over drinks and light food.
Who’s in the room?
Drinks, good conversation, and real connections — nothing more, nothing less.
At the conference venue – no location change needed
18 Nov 2025, Start time: 06:00 pm, right after the conference
● All Jury Members● Business Angels, Investors & Eco-System Leaders
Meet Our Team:
James Parsons
Co-Organizer Conference &People Tech Award Initiator
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Media Presskit
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