The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) will once again honour outstanding business journalism with the "Ernst Schneider" IHK Award for Business Journalism in 2026. Journalists can digitally submit their contributions from 12 June to 2 July 2026.

As in the previous year, the award will be presented in the categories Plain Text Regional, Plain Text National, Audio, Video, and Social Media. Additionally, young journalists with a maximum of two years of professional experience can apply for the Starter Prize.

Eligibility extends to journalists and editorial teams. In the Social Media category, companies and influencers can also submit entries. Moreover, IHK representatives have the opportunity to propose contributions for the competition.

The submitted contributions must be economically relevant and published in the calendar year 2025. Applications are exclusively digital via the following platform: https://ihk-preis2026.alpha-awards.com

(only available in German). The evaluation takes place through a two-stage jury system. In each category, three nominees will be selected, from which one winner will emerge. The award carries a total cash prize of EUR 52,000.

The ceremonial award ceremony announcing the winners will take place on 7 October 2026 in Mainz. Hosts of the gala will be the IHK Rheinhessen and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

Find more information about the award here.