The Impact Day at HNU proved that innovation and social entrepreneurship are a powerful combination to respond to today's challenges. The highlight of the evening was the inspiring keynote speech by Kristina Notz from the Social Entrepreneurship Academy Munich, who captivated the audience with her words and experiences. Equally impressive were the inspirational pitches from Earth-Y and Share Ways, who presented their solutions for a better tomorrow with their innovative approaches to smart solar systems and collaborative, inclusive travel. They spoke openly about their experiences and encouraged future founders.
A total of seven student teams presented the projects they developed during the winter semester 2023/24. The range of topics was enormous and ranged from technological innovations to social ventures. The highlight was the announcement of the winning team "Urban Oasis", which not only impressed the jury with its visionary idea for greening urban spaces, but also received the coveted Kickstart Fastlane funding prize. This prize, endowed with up to €7,500, is intended to pave the way for the further development and implementation of their idea.
"The passion and commitment of the students are a living sign that together we can bring about positive change," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Bayer, representing the HNU Impact Community. "With events such as Impact Day, we create a platform where innovative ideas are not only presented, but also promoted."
In addition to the pitch presentations, the evening offered plenty of opportunities for networking. Participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas with other teams and experienced companies and make valuable contacts.
With this year's Impact Day, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences once again underlined its role as a driver of innovation and social entrepreneurship. The event left a lasting impression and motivated everyone involved to continue working actively to shape a better future.
