GrACe

As a pioneer, Bertha Benz not only undertook the world’s first overland journey in an automobile over 130 years ago; she also supported the inventions of her husband Carl Benz in an entrepreneurial spirit and with technical expertise. To commemorate her achievements, which were quite exceptional for that time, the Foundation awards the Bertha Benz Prize once a year. In the spirit of its name-giver, it honors young female engineers with outstanding dissertations. Young female engineers who have created value added for society with the findings of their dissertations may be nominated for the Bertha Benz Prize by their scientific institutions. This award, which is endowed with €15,000, is bestowed annually and – in recognition of Bertha Benz – acknowledges pioneering spirit, courage, and visionary character.

Young female engineers who have created added value for society with the findings of their dissertations can be nominated up until March 1, 2026 at the latest.

Further information can be found here.

*For reasons of better readability, the simultaneous use of female and male language forms has been omitted. All references to persons apply to persons of all genders. The Daimler and Benz Foundation would like the form used in the Foundation's texts to be understood as gender-neutral and non-judgemental.