Privacy Policy

INNOVATE GERMANY is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all users, participants, mentors, jury members, and visitors of our website and events. This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable German data protection laws (Datenschutz).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

  • Personal identification information (name, surname, age group)
  • Contact information (email address, city, country, school or institution)
  • Participant-related information (project titles, categories, abstracts, research papers)
  • Mentor and jury member information (professional affiliation and contact details)
  • Media content (photos, videos, recordings) captured during events
  • Technical data (IP address, browser type, device information)
  • Uploaded documents and materials submitted through our systems

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 12 without parental or legal guardian consent.

2. Purpose of Data Processing

Personal data is processed for the following purposes:

  • Registration and participation management
  • Communication with participants, mentors, and jury members
  • Organization of competitions, exhibitions, ceremonies, and trips
  • Project evaluation and publication of results
  • Issuance of certificates and awards
  • Website operation and improvement
  • Media, promotional, and reporting activities related to INNOVATE GERMANY
  • Compliance with legal and organizational obligations

Data processing is based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

  • Consent provided by the data subject or legal guardian
  • Performance of a participation agreement
  • Compliance with legal obligations
  • Legitimate interests related to the organization, documentation, and promotion of INNOVATE GERMANY

4. Data Sharing & Host Institution Media Use

Personal data is not sold or rented to third parties.

Data may be shared only with:

  • INNOVATE GERMANY Organization Board
  • Approved Host Institutions
  • Jury members (only data necessary for evaluation)
  • Authorized service providers

Host Institution Media Use

Host Institutions are permitted to use photos and videos taken during INNOVATE GERMANY events on their own:

  • Websites
  • Social media channels
  • Printed materials (flyers, brochures, posters)

Such use must comply with German data protection laws (Datenschutz) and GDPR requirements.

5. Media, Public Events & Liability Disclaimer

INNOVATE GERMANY events may include publicly open programs, such as exhibitions, opening ceremonies, and closing ceremonies.

  • Photos, videos, and recordings may be taken during these public events
  • Participants acknowledge that such content may be used for documentation, media coverage, and promotional purposes without additional compensation
  • Participants who do not wish to appear in photos or videos must take their own precautions during publicly open events

INNOVATE GERMANY is not responsible for:

  • Photos or videos taken by visitors or third parties
  • Media coverage, news reports, comments, or public interpretations arising from publicly open events

Participants are advised to seek legal advice if they have concerns regarding media exposure.

6. Data Storage & Security

Appropriate technical and organizational measures are implemented to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Personal data is stored only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

7. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality and analyze usage.

Users may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings.

8. Data Subject Rights & Contact Authority

Under GDPR, data subjects have the right to:

  • Access their personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of personal data (where legally applicable)
  • Restrict or object to data processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time

First Point of Contact

All data subject rights requests must be submitted first to INNOVATE GERMANY.

If concerns cannot be resolved, data subjects may contact the relevant data protection authority.

9. International Data Processing

As INNOVATE GERMANY is an international competition, personal data may be processed or accessed across different countries. All international data processing complies with GDPR and applicable data protection regulations.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

INNOVATE GERMANY reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be published on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

11. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or data protection requests, please contact:

INNOVATE GERMANY
Email: [email protected]