As a three-month, cross-university program as part of the StartupSÜD joint project, the Gründergarage regularly brings together students from various disciplines and teaches them entrepreneurial methodological skills and practical tools for starting a business. The aim is to prepare the participants for a possible business start-up, with a focus on promoting social skills such as teamwork, independence and problem-solving skills. The teams are accompanied by coaches from the universities and the Ulm Chamber of Industry and Commerce. This year's start-up garage at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) was led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Bayer and Carina Volk-Schor.
Platform against loneliness: winning team wants to offer added social value
The interdisciplinary team of the winning project “Rundum Ulm” presented their idea and milestones for the development of a platform that actively connects people in Ulm - from joint activities to combat loneliness in cafés to joint concert visits. “Loneliness affects many people in our society and we wanted to create something that offers real social added value,” explained one of the team's students. The jury praised the sustainable vision and the clear implementation of the concept.
The other projects also reflected the wide range of ideas that emerged during the Gründergarage:
- Balance Block: an app that supports parents in integrating a healthy and balanced diet for their children into their everyday lives. The concept impressed with its individual approach, which also takes cultural and health aspects into account.
- Boxing IQ: A holistic offering for boxers, ranging from training plans to optimized nutrition. The app is designed not only to improve performance, but also to help build a community.
“Incredibly inspiring and entertaining": Gründergarage teams impress the jury
Almost three months of intensive work lay behind the students, who came together from various disciplines and the StartupSÜD universities. This year, students from HNU, Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU) and Ulm University took part. In addition to developing their business ideas, the teams were faced with the task of carrying out market analyses, creating business plans and presenting their ideas to a jury from the worlds of business and science. “I've never learned so holistically before,” reported one student from the Boxing IQ team enthusiastically. “From teamwork to financial planning - this was an experience I can only recommend to anyone.” The jury, which was once again made up of top-class judges this year, was impressed by the quality of the results. “The pitches were not only well-founded, but also incredibly inspiring and entertaining,” summarized Ulrike Hudelmaier, Managing Director of TechnologieFörderungsUnternehmen GmbH (TFU).
Stay connected and continue to grow: prospects for the future
The Gründergarage is more than just an elective course - it is a platform for sharpening visions, networking and personal growth. Some of the teams are now planning to develop their project idea further; others will take the methods they have learned with them into their next professional steps. However, there is one thing that everyone will take away from the event: the network that was created. The students set up a group to stay in touch beyond the WPF. In addition, all participants received valuable feedback and access to further support programs.
Contact
Carina Volk-Schor
