Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Klosterfrau Announces the First Maria Clementine Martin Award 2026 for Innovative Female Founders in Healthcare

In 2026, the Klosterfrau Group will celebrate its 200th anniversary and, with the inaugural Maria Clementine Martin Award, send a strong signal in support of female entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility in the healthcare sector.

The story of the Klosterfrau Group began in 1826, when the nun Maria Clementine Martin founded her own company in Cologne at the age of 51. At a time when women had very limited rights and entrepreneurial activity was associated with significant obstacles, she demonstrated courage, foresight, and an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit. With her famous Melissa spirit, she not only created a successful product but also laid the foundation for a brand that still stands for quality, efficacy, and trust today.

Nearly two centuries later, the Klosterfrau Group has become one of the leading providers in the self-medication market in Germany. This long-standing success is rooted in the company’s ability to preserve tradition while continuously embracing innovation – values that are also at the core of the Maria Clementine Martin Award.

Through this award, Klosterfrau specifically recognizes female founders whose innovative ideas and projects have a positive impact on health, well-being, and society. The award seeks visionary women who carry the “spirit of Klosterfrau” into the future and pursue new paths with entrepreneurial courage.

Applications for the Maria Clementine Martin Award 2026 are submitted digitally via an external application tool. Eligible applicants include women with a founding concept, those in the early stages of establishing their business, or founders who have already launched their ventures. A creative and concise description of the idea is key; a fully developed business plan is not required. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.

The selection process takes place in two stages: an initial internal pre-selection followed by a final decision made by an independent jury of leading figures from the healthcare sector, business, and academia. The award ceremony will take place in May 2026 as part of the company’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

In addition to a trophy, the winner will receive prize money of 25,000 euros. All finalists will also benefit from increased visibility through the Klosterfrau Group’s communication channels, offering a valuable platform to share their visions, projects, and personal stories with a broad audience.