i-work: Intercultural Business Award

Embracing and promoting diversity: with the i-work 2026

Following a hiatus last year, the i-work – Intercultural Business Award for Jena and the region – returns in 2026. Jena Business Development honours companies that successfully integrate international professionals and actively foster intercultural diversity.

We have been looking for good practical examples that demonstrate how international teams contribute to success. Whether you are a globally positioned company or a smaller business just starting out on this path: all applications were and remain welcome for the i-work Business Award. The deadline for applications for the 2026 award was 31 May 2026. The awards ceremony took place on 9 September at the Scala Jena.

All participating companies will be given the opportunity to take part free of charge in a workshop on intercultural competence and organisational development run by a local partner. The winning company will also receive personalised one-to-one coaching to help them implement their own ideas and structures even more effectively.

i-work Award Ceremony on 9 September 2026

Seven companies had entered the competition, and the result is now in: Werner Systemgastronomie is the winner of the i-work 2026 award. Around 45 per cent of staff in the franchise restaurants are from international backgrounds, with teams comprising people from up to 14 different countries working together. To ensure that diversity fosters a positive working environment, the company actively promotes integration.

The award ceremony for the i-work Intercultural Business Award took place on 9 September 2026 as part of the International Business Lounge, a joint event organised by JenaWirtschaft and BARMER.

Read more in our press release (German only).

Werner Systemgastronomie mit i-work 2026 ausgezeichnet

i-work Preisverleihung 2026 Gruppenfoto Gewinner mit JenaWirtschaft und Barmer

Get to know our 2026 applicants

How does the integration of international professionals work in practice? Our seven applicant companies demonstrate just how diverse and successful intercultural collaboration can be. Find out more about their approaches to onboarding, creating a welcoming culture and international teamwork. Be inspired by the excellent examples from Jena and the surrounding region.

i-work Bewerber:innen 2026

New for 2026: Easier applications, more targeted support & stronger networking

We have taken the feedback from our i-work community seriously and, together, have optimised the i-work Intercultural Business Award so that it can have an even greater impact.

Simplified application: You can apply in just a few steps – with a short online form followed by a video interview, without the need for extensive documentation or long texts.
Added value for everyone: All participating companies receive an intercultural workshop to support them in their next development steps and to foster ongoing exchange within the community.
One-to-one coaching for the winner: A trophy is great – and so is personalised coaching with a service provider of your choice. In future, the i-work winner will be able to further develop their own intercultural skills in a targeted manner with external support.
Personal jury assessment: An experienced panel of experts visits selected companies on-site to gain an authentic impression. Different criteria (company size, sector, etc.) are fairly taken into account in the assessment.
Award ceremony as a networking event: The i-work award ceremony will take place on 9 September 2026, offering an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas and gain new contacts and inspiration from the international community.

Important information about i-work

Application

Apply quickly and easily:

Online application
Fill in the short form below (approx. 10–15 minutes)
Application deadline: 31 May 2026
Video interview
You will receive an invitation to a personal digital interview and spend around 30–45 minutes speaking with our colleagues from the Skilled Workers Service. You will receive the questions in advance so you can prepare.
Pre-selection by the jury
Our jury members will assess your application based on standard criteria. Various factors, such as company size and sector, will be taken into account.
Company visit
Our jury visits selected companies to gain a personal and comparable impression on site. These visits will take place in July and August and will be arranged with you in advance.
Award ceremony
The i-work Intercultural Business Award will be presented on 9 September 2026 at the Scala in the JenTower, Jena.

Who can apply?

The i-work Intercultural Business Award is open to:

small, medium-sized and large companies based in Jena
organisations in Jena with international staff
companies in Jena looking to attract international skilled workers
companies from the Saale-Holzland district

Important: Even if you are just starting out – we would very much like to receive your application.

Why the i-work is important for your company

International professionals are a key driver of innovation, growth and competitiveness. Companies that promote diversity within their teams benefit from new perspectives, better solutions and greater employer appeal.

With the i-work Intercultural Business Award, you:

position yourself as a modern, cosmopolitan employer
boost your visibility in the competition for international talents
expand your network within the business community and the region
receive valuable feedback from experts

Review of the i-work 2026

In 2026, the International Business Lounge hosted the i-work Awards ceremony, a joint event organised by JenaWirtschaft and BARMER. On our review page, you will find all the information about the awards ceremony, the winners, the judging panel, and highlights from the event, including a photo gallery.

Review of i-work 2026

Review of the i-work 2024

2024 once again focussed on inspiring examples of open-mindedness in action. On our review page you will find all information about the award ceremony, the award winners, the jury and impressions with a photo gallery.

Review of i-work 2024

Previous winners

Inn “Zur Noll” – 2024

VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH – 2024

Occlutech GmbH – 2024

Truck-Center-Jena GmbH – 2023

QSIL Metals Hermsdorf GmbH – 2023

MEWA Textil-Service SE & Co. Germany OHG – 2023

Active Fibre Systems – 2022

Linimed GmbH – 2022

Accenture GmbH – 2021

Dunkel, Veit & Heppner GmbH – 2021