Kettenbach receives German TOP 100-Innovation Award in 2026

Consistent innovation efforts pay off: Kettenbach has once again been awarded the prestigious TOP 100 Award 2026, ranking among the most innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The internationally active, family-owned company based in Eschenburg impressed the jury with a systematic, science-based innovation strategy and a firmly embedded culture of innovation. The award ceremony will take place on June 26, 2026, as part of the German SME Summit at the Heidelberg Congress Center. The TOP 100 competition is mentored by former German President Christian Wulff.

The TOP 100 Award is based on a rigorous scientific evaluation process comprising more than 100 criteria and is led by innovation researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke of the Vienna University of Economics and Business. The assessment examines, among other factors, innovation-driven leadership, an innovation-friendly corporate climate, structured innovation processes and the strategic use of digital technologies.

Innovation has long been embedded in Kettenbach’s corporate DNA. As early as 1955, the company set a milestone in the dental industry with the development of the world’s first silicone-based impression material. This pioneering spirit continues to shape Kettenbach to this day and provides the foundation for high-quality solutions in the fields of prevention, restoration, and impression materials. The company’s ambition is to develop intelligent yet user-friendly products that reliably support dentists and dental professionals in their daily practice.

A key success factor is the management’s clear strategic focus. Kettenbach continuously evolves its product portfolio to anticipate changes in the dental market and respond proactively. Since May 2025, Tabea Fey has been leading the company as Managing Director. She explains:

“For us, innovation means staying close to the user, identifying market needs at an early stage, and translating them into intelligent, practice-oriented solutions. Receiving the TOP 100 Award confirms that we are on the right track and motivates us to consistently pursue it further.”

At Kettenbach, innovation is understood as a collective effort. Interdisciplinary project teams collaborate closely together within a matrix organization, supported by structured idea management and the systematic integration of user feedback. At the same time, the company is purposefully advancing the digitalization of internal processes in order to reduce complexity and create greater scope for creative development.

With the TOP 100 Award 2026, Kettenbach sees its holistic innovation approach reaffirmed and is further motivated to strengthen its position as an innovation leader. The company remains committed to providing dentists and dental professionals worldwide with solutions that reflect its guiding vision: Simply Intelligent.