As early as 2003, the Hessian Founders Award was established by KIZ SINNOVA Gesellschaft für soziale Innovationen gGmbH. The Hessian Founders Award honors start-ups and business start-ups from and in Hessen.

WOA introduced conceptual changes with the 16th Hessian Founders' Award. A fourth category, »Entrepreneurship from the university«, has been added. The overall communication was extended to social media and the award winners in the four categories were presented with their own video.
The procedure for the gala evening was newly planned and provided with a sophisticated stage design worthy of the evening, so that the festive setting could also be communicated visually.