The successful first year of the Bavarian-Swabian start-up hub "KANU - Schwaben Innovation Nexus" was celebrated in Augsburg at the end of June. The focus of the event was the ceremonial presentation of the certificates of participation to the 25 students of the first year of the "Swabian Innovation Masterclass" by Prof. Dr Erik Lehmann (University of Augsburg), project manager of the KANU network.
Celebration with a focus on innovation
The anniversary celebration entitled "Schwaben Innovation Summernetworking" offered a varied supporting programme with impulses from business, science and the start-up world. The event was opened by Dr Wolfgang Hübschle, Economic Affairs Officer of the City of Augsburg, and Prof. Dr Frank Kramer, Vice President for Internationalisation, Digitalisation and Technology Alliances at the University of Augsburg.
Also present was the Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs, Dr Fabian Mehring, who had words of praise for the start-up hub and the region's innovative strength: “Bavarian Swabia is increasingly developing into a true Talent Valley - a place where the brightest minds of tomorrow are not only trained, but also specifically promoted and networked. With programmes such as the Swabian Innovation Masterclass and the start-up hub KANU, we are creating an environment in which talent stays, ideas grow and innovation becomes reality. If you want to shape the future of Bavaria, there is no way around the region - a start-up and innovation ecosystem with a role model character is emerging here.”
Students talk about their start-up experiences
Students reported on their personal experiences as part of the qualification programme. Lucia Probst from HNU described the Masterclass as "one of the most intensive and instructive modules" of her degree programme.
Tatjana Krau and Sebnem Gül-Ficici from Kempten University of Applied Sciences presented an automation solution for law firms with their start-up "L.A.W.R.A.". Sören Loos from the University of Augsburg presented weguide, an interactive travel app that innovatively combines tourism and local experiences. He also spoke openly about the challenges of the start-up process.
Another item on the programme was a panel discussion on the topic of "Swabia on an innovation course" with Prof. Dr Thomas Bayer (Project Manager StartupSÜD and Professor of International Management and Leadership at HNU), Prof. Dr Christoph Buck (Professor of IT Entrepreneurship and IT Innovation Management at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences), Dr Stefanie Weniger (Senior Innovation Manager, Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA, Leipheim), Dr Wolfgang Hübschle (Economic Advisor to the City of Augsburg) and Sören Loos (founder of weguide).
The input gathered from the audience, who actively participated with questions and contributions, will be channelled directly into the further development of KANU. The second round of the programme will start in October 2025.
About KANU
The joint project, funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts as part of the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda, stands for the establishment of a successful start-up ecosystem with supra-regional appeal. The aim of the hub is to ensure a sustainable and economically strong environment in Bavarian Swabia for future generations. The name KANU stands for the participating universities: Kempten University of Applied Sciences (HKE), Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA and UniA) and Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU). The programme comprises four thematic modules:
Future & Trends (THA): Social developments are analysed and translated into innovative future scenarios.
Social Impact (HKE): Students develop interdisciplinary solutions for social and ecological challenges.
International Entrepreneurship (UniA): In addition to two days in Augsburg, entrepreneurship is dealt with in an international context as part of an excursion to Bergamo.
Business Ideation (HNU): Creative methods such as design thinking are used to develop innovation projects together with companies from the region.
More information: https://www.hnu.de/entrepreneurship-lehre/schwaben-entrepreneurship-nexus-kanu
