Florian Schröder
CEO AHK Baltics
Motto 2026
“Solutions for Critical Infrastructure”
This year's award ceremony honors those who drive innovation in the critical infrastructure sector and is dedicated to promoting technological solutions that strengthen the resilience, stability, and reliability of essential services across sectors. The award recognizes start-ups based in the Baltic states that demonstrate outstanding initiative and ingenuity not only in product design and quality, but also in technology and innovation.
The German-Baltic Business Award 2026 highlights the crucial role these companies play in ensuring reliability and stability. It fosters strong partnerships within the Baltic-German business community and contributes to social, economic, and technological progress in the Baltic states.
Applications are open from September 1st to October 2nd.
Rearma UAB wins the German-Baltic Business Award 2026 / Vilnius, October 29, 2026. From left: Katrin Linke (CEO Rheinmetall Lithuania and jury member), Nerijus Bareikis (Rearma), Florian Schröder (CEO AHK Baltic States and jury member).
Finalists
Kaitan (ProkaitaSystems OÜ) is an Estonian deep-tech company developing cryptographic data-integrity infrastructure for defence, space, and critical infrastructure. Its technology addresses risks in complex international supply chains, such as counterfeit components, tampered firmware, and undocumented substitutions. By enabling the verification of a component’s integrity and history, Kaitan aims to strengthen trust and security in critical systems where traditional certificates and isolated databases fall short.
OffSeq is a Latvian cybersecurity company founded in 2022, dedicated to protecting critical digital infrastructure and essential services. Combining in-house security platforms, original vulnerability research and hands-on security testing, OffSeq identifies and validates security weaknesses, assesses their real-world impact and helps organisations prioritise effective remediation. Its research has contributed to security improvements in widely used digital services, including Estonia’s DigiDoc4 and the X-Road data-exchange platform.
Padtex Insulation SIA fire safety solutions designed to protect critical infrastructure from lithium-ion battery fires in transport, communications, and data centres. Its fire containment solutions help limit the spread of flames, reducing risks to people, essential services, and valuable assets. By containing fires and buying crucial time for emergency response, Padtex supports operational resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Pinakashield Tech OÜ is a cybersecurity company developing independent security software for electric-vehicle charging networks. Its platform helps operators identify vulnerabilities before deployment, maintain verified records of chargers and suppliers, and detect and contain cyberattacks across connected systems. By automating compliance evidence and incident reporting while preserving charging operations, PinakashieldTech strengthens the security and resilience of critical charging infrastructure.
PowerUP Energy Technologies provides reliable backup and off-grid power solutions for critical infrastructure where a stable electricity supply is essential. Its hydrogen fuel cell generators deliver long-duration power without the noise, heat, and emissions associated with conventional diesel generators. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they help maintain essential operations during power outages and in locations without reliable grid access.
Rearma UAB develops lightweight underground bunkers and shelters designed to protect people and critical infrastructure. Made from corrugated steel, the structures are quick and cost-effective to install, with equipment, pumps, and piping pre-integrated at the factory to minimize on-site work. The same technology also enables the construction of firefighting water reservoirs and rainwater or wastewater storage systems, supporting essential infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Smart Defence is the defence technology division of Lithuanian company UAB Smart Trading, developing autonomous ground systems and AI-powered threat detection for critical infrastructure and defence. Its mobile and fixed systems combine acoustic sensing, AI, cameras, and secure communications to detect, classify, and locate threats in real time. By providing continuous situational awareness and actionable information while reducing personnel exposure, Smart Defence supports safer and more resilient security operations.
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria were assessed:
- Innovation
- Market potential / Scaling
- Strategic contribution to solutions for critical infrastructure
- IT relevance, impact, and practical suitability
- Profitability of the business model
- Team: competence, experience, and commitment
- Connection to Germany
- Idea and quality of the presentation (regarding the nine finalists, final voting)
Award
Three winners will be nominated. The three winners (gold, silver, bronze) can be selected from all participating companies, regardless of their location, so the winners are not tied to a specific country.
The winners of this year's German-Baltic Business Award will be awarded the title ‘Critical Infrastructure Innovator of 2026’.
The three winners of the German Baltic Business Award 2025 will be invited to participate in the 3nd German-Baltic Defense Industry Conference in Vilnius: https://www.bdc2026.com/
Another advantage is the significant media attention that the three winners of the German-Baltic Business Award will receive in Germany and the Baltic States, particularly via the AHK's social media channels. In addition, the winners will be published in the Baltic Business Quarterly, Spring 2027 edition.
Timetable
Jury
The submitted applications will be evaluated by a competent jury consisting of high-ranking industry representatives.
Jury
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Haya Schulmann
Professor Goethe-University Frankfurt
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Stefan Strobel
CEO / Owner Cirosec
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Katrin Linke
CEO Rheinmetall Defence Lithuania
