Gotha celebrates innovation: Dirk Kollmar Prize awarded at the annual reception!

Gotha celebrates innovation: Dirk Kollmar Prize awarded at the annual reception!

On September 12, 2025, things got hot in the beach bar “Tropical Tapras” at the Alter Schlachthof – and not just because of the perfect atmosphere! The annual reception of the Gotha trade association “Connect’25” was all about networking and exchanging ideas about joint projects. In her welcoming address, Chairwoman Darya Inochentsy emphasized the importance of such gatherings that bring entrepreneurs and innovators together.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the 9th Dirk Kollmar Prize. This award, which was presented for the first time at the 3rd annual reception, has been renamed in honor of the late Dirk Kollmar, who, as the former managing director of the Oettinger Brewery, was known for his innovative strength and support for companies. The association “symbioun” e. V. from Gotha was happy about this award because he met all the criteria to be selected as a prize winner, such as securing jobs and involvement in social institutions.

Prize winners and honors

As part of the official ceremony, Dr. Bernd Seydel, Sven Noll, Laura Arndt and Anke Mehrbach were honored for their groundbreaking “Mosaic” project, which brought a multi-generational house into being. This project brings together people who suffer from loneliness. Thanks to regular meetings in the in-house café, it creates a sense of community and promotes voluntary activities. Laudator Peter Leisner from the SPD praised the initiative and emphasized its positive impact on society.

Honoring outstanding achievements was also a central element of the event. The Löffler Prizes went to trainees who excelled in their respective categories:

• Noel Büttner (Kaufmann für Büromanagement, Förderbildungszentrum) – Kategorie „Medien und Kommunikation“
• Jennifer Fiedler (Stuckateurin, Atelier Gerlach) – Kategorie „Handwerk und Industrie“
• Tizian Rieck (Gold- und Platinschmiede Damm) – Kategorie „Handwerk und Industrie“
• Lee Ann Winter – Kategorie „Handel und Dienstleistung“
• Luca Meixner (Fachpraktiker Lagerlogistik, Förderbildungszentrum) – Kategorie „Handel und Dienstleistung“

A special moment was the acceptance of Diana Dötsch as an honorary member of the trade association. Board member Elisabeth Kupfer acknowledged her valuable contribution to the work of the late chairman Andreas Dötsch, which rightly elicited applause from the audience.

A look at the innovation scene

Innovations are the be-all and end-all in every successful corporate landscape. As part of the evening, references to innovation prizes were also discussed, which are the focus not only in Gotha but throughout Germany. The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) supports many of these awards, the aim of which is to honor outstanding inventors and their pioneering technical solutions. Best-known prizes such as the German Future Prize and the Thuringia Innovation Prize are just some of the awards that promote inventiveness and the joy of innovation in Germany.

The event impressively demonstrated how important exchange and mutual learning are in order to advance innovative ideas and projects. With this in mind, the next meeting of the trade association will be eagerly awaited.

The event was very well received and highlighted how important vibrant networks are for the local economy.