START Tank at THWS: 12 start-ups pitched to win 1,000 euros
The StudyFAB becomes a hub for start-up pitches: The "START Tank" event took place for the first time as a joint format of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) and START Nürnberg. The event, organised by START Nürnberg and the start-up lab Werk:Raum of the Institute of Digital Engineering (IDEE), was sponsored by GRIBS, ZDI Mainfranken, Startbahn27, and Techniker Krankenkasse.
START Tank thus offered founders and early-stage project teams a stage to present their ideas to a jury of experts and an audience. More than 25 start-ups applied for this event, twelve of which presented their ideas live on stage.
Five minutes to convince the jury
The twelve teams each had five minutes to present their ideas to the jury, followed by a maximum of three minutes for questions from the jury. After each of the pitches, which were held in both German and English, the audience voted live via QR code. They evaluated the idea within a 60-second window. "This kept the format interactive, gave the audience a voice, and provided the teams with immediate feedback," said Katharina Pfeuffer, innovation manager at Werk:Raum. After the pitches, the jury withdrew for deliberation while the audience had the opportunity to network.
The jury
An expert jury evaluated the pitches of the finalists. The following THWS members took part in the jury: Professor Dr. Volker Bräutigam (IDEE and member of the Senate), Katharina Pfeuffer (innovation manager at Werk:Raum) and Ilija Vrdoljak (laboratory manager at Werk:Raum). Nico Hildmann (managing director of GRIBS and Startbahn27) and Lorenzo Steinert (president of START Nuremberg) also participated as jurors.
Diversity of ideas
The 12 finalist teams covered a wide range of topics and industries, including climate and solar technology, AI-based software, analytics and automation, deep tech and hardware solutions, and impact-oriented and fair fashion. "The variety of topics shows how diverse the student start-up scene at and around THWS has become – from technical infrastructure innovations to consumer-oriented, socially oriented concepts," says Professor Dr.-Ing. Bräutigam, delighted with the ambitious participants.
Prize money for the best teams
START Nürnberg provided a total of EUR 1,000 in prize money. In addition, the start-up lab Werk:Raum awarded each team a custom-made 3D-printed trophy. START Nürnberg invited the three best groups to apply directly to them, offering them access to a broader student start-up network and other programmes.
1st place (EUR 500): SOLARWING with Vaibhav Patil and team: An extendable solar wing system with integrated battery for yachts that replaces diesel generators, reduces costs and maintenance, and at the same time lowers noise and CO₂ emissions.
2nd place (EUR 300): AssetPatrol with Benedikt Epp and Nico Hoffmann: A cyber security platform that automatically detects all devices in the company network, identifies outdated or vulnerable systems, and prioritises security risks for IT teams.
3rd place (EUR 200): FairStitch with Yara Amer and team: An AI-powered fashion platform where users can turn sketches or prompts into custom clothing – made by independent seamstresses and tailors at fair wages, combining individual designs with ethical production.
Further dates
On 23 and 24 January 2026, a new, expanded start-up formate will launch at THWS: Campus Startup Day&Night. The event builds on the successful tradition of Campus Startup Night and provides new impetus. Over two consecutive days, aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to further develop their ideas under the guidance of experienced innovation coaches. The focus is also on exchange: networking and establishing valuable contacts within the start-up community are central components of the programme. Further information will follow shortly on the Werk:Raum homepage.
Further information on the Institute for Digital Engineering (IDEE)
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about more than 9,100 students, a wide range of more than 60 degree programmes, and two doctoral centers, THWS covers a broad spectrum ranging from technology to economics and social sciences, language and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and not least in a versatile English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Institute of Digital Engineering (IDEE)
Startup Lab Werk:Raum
Katharina Pfeuffer
Ignaz-Schön-Straße 11
97421 Schweinfurt
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511- 8354
