Students create digital solutions for companies
Putting theoretical knowledge into practice: this is what the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) stands for, which has organised an Innovation Challenge for students in collaboration with the Zentrum für Digitale Innovationen Mainfranken (ZDI). Around 80 third-semester bachelor's students from the programmes Computer Science, Digital Society, and E-Commerce at the Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems took on challenges set by companies and institutions and developed innovative solutions for given tasks. Divided into 17 teams working on ten topics, the students spent around seven hours using methodological tools they had learned during their studies. Professor Dr. Michael Müßig, Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems (FIW) and project manager, and Dr. Christian Andersen, head of the ZDI, organise the event every semester.
Before the students presented their ideas to the jury and the audience in the packed conference hall, Dr. Andersen highlighted the particular creativity of the Innovation Challenge, which is a bonus activity for the students. In December, they were able to choose three favourites from the challenges on offer and were then divided into 17 interdisciplinary teams. Two days before the challenge day, there was an online briefing by the challenge organisers to introduce the students to the tasks. This also gave the students the opportunity to ask questions to better understand the background and context of the challenge.
"We are delighted that so many students took part in the event," said Professor Dr. Müßig. "Today, they were able to successfully apply the knowledge they have developed during their studies to practical tasks, thereby consolidating it even further."
The event was only possible thanks to the support of the challenge sponsors, for which Professor Dr. Müßig expressed his gratitude. "Another big thank you goes to the entire ZDI team for their excellent cooperation," said Professor Dr. Müßig. This year's challenge sponsors were Computy GmbH & Co. KG, ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KGaA & Co. KG, Knauf Bauprodukte GmbH & Co. KG, MINOVA Information Services GmbH, RAUSCH Technology GmbH, Smarte Region Würzburg, Würzburg University Hospital, Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Würzburg eG, and webfactor media GmbH.
From theoretical knowledge to idea pitch
The methodological tools learned during the course go beyond simply developing innovative ideas or implementing them in the form of an app. Students use various agile working methods, such as design thinking and business model canvas, as well as pitch training, to realise their ideas. While design thinking specifically asks what specific problem needs to be discussed or what customers actually expect, students can use business model canvas to visualise a business model that solves this problem. Service providers must therefore incorporate feedback and opinions from app users into their ideas. A good idea alone is not enough – the decisive factor is which ideas the target group is willing to accept and what they are willing to spend money on. Students learn how to convince others of their ideas when pitching.
Intelligent car maintenance and efficient aircraft refuelling
The challenge for RAUSCH Technology GmbH was to come up with an intelligent service for private car owners. The students devised an app that takes care of organising integrated service, maintenance, and upkeep. "Every car costs time and nerves," says one student. "A mobile workshop could come directly to your home and perform services such as tyre changes, fluid checks, battery and light services as part of a subscription model."
Ulf Katzenberger, project and sales engineer, accompanied two student teams for the challenges set by MINOVA Information Services GmbH from Würzburg: "Interacting with the students throughout the day showed that the Innovation Challenge is a worthwhile event for both sides. We'll be happy to be on board again next time."
The task was to identify small airports that might be interested in the company's products. One student explained that there was already a core product that specialised in optimising aircraft refuelling. "However, we considered an analysis based on artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of AI-supported location evaluation with Google Earth. We thought about how small airports could use the programme. To do this, a scalable approach would have to be developed and, ideally, expanded so that it would work not only in Europe but worldwide." He went on to explain that so-called frame working, i.e. a programming framework, could also be used here.
This pitch also demonstrated how well teamwork can function: "When considering expanding the programme globally, the different cultures and work ethics must be taken into account," added a fellow student. "If AI were to run on so-called soft skills, such barriers could be avoided."
A smart city for citizens
The Smart Region Würzburg accompanied a challenge under the call to action: "Let's make Würzburg smarter together!" The students in this group proposed a citizen-centred app as a solution, which would compile useful information for Würzburg citizens from so-called open data, i.e. publicly available data. "General data such as the weather, traffic, but also upcoming events such as films, plays, or parties in the city could be collected centrally in this application. There should also be a 'Everyday Life' section, for example, rubbish collection schedules," says one student about the idea. This would save residents time, leading to satisfaction and a feeling of a 'smart city'. "This app could be financed by sponsors or the city of Würzburg itself. A real added value for Würzburg!" says a fellow student.
"Waste is generated dynamically" is the core message of the group that has been looking at how urban cleaning in Würzburg can be made more efficient. Public bins are collected according to a rigid schedule, which has an impact on everyone's lives. In 2023, waste disposal fees rose by 6.8%; this year, those responsible for city cleaning had to work over 9,000 additional hours. "How can we enable city cleaners to make their rounds when it is actually necessary?" asked one student. The solution lies in bundling geodata, depending on major events or the weather. Pedestrian traffic and hotspots such as the Mainkai or the market square must also be taken into account. "Sensors in public waste bins indicate the current fill level. Software then decides where it is worth deploying. We call this idea 'CleanOps'," adds a fellow student.
Robot dog for new employees and idea for DIY enthusiasts
A group of students tackled a completely different topic with the slogan "Robodog is looking for a job". The students had the idea that a robot dog could be used for onboarding, which is about making it easier for new employees to get started in a company. "This is where the AI-based robot dog 'Rocky' comes in," explained one student. The pitch was convincing: Lucas, a visitor to the event, could well imagine that "Rocky" would save costs and also serve marketing purposes.
Knauf Bauprodukte GmbH also set a challenge: to create digital support for DIY enthusiasts. One student in this team explained that she had chosen the topic of drywall construction because she was currently renovating her own home. Her fellow student reported that DIY enthusiasts struggle with material waste and wasted time if they are not given proper guidance. "How can we offer customers security and expertise and, above all, simplify the procurement of materials?" was the central question of this task. The students came up with an app that could have a scanner to measure the size of a room and then calculate the materials required. "Seeing is understanding. Laser pointer feedback from the room measurement is sent directly to the app, ideally with measurements from humidity sensors," said one student from this team. This creates satisfaction among customers who want to tackle DIY projects.
Another group at Knauf Bauprodukte GmbH considered an agent based on artificial intelligence (AI) instead of an app. "There are already many apps from well-known DIY stores in the home improvement sector. Consumers are not waiting for yet another app," said one student. "Well-known search engines are used by customers, but in the DIY sector, advice must be understandable and individual." User experiences could be incorporated into the AI agent and the programme could interact with Smart Guide. "That means individual planning and live support."
In summary, the students agreed that AI does not take responsibility; decisions are still made by humans. The goal is to "bring together the best of both worlds," said one student, appealing for sensitivity and awareness in the use of AI.
Jury evaluation and winning team
Each team had three minutes to present the ideas they had developed throughout the day. The four-member jury consisted of Professor Dr Christina Völkl-Wolf, Professor of E-Commerce and Online Marketing at the Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems, Equal Opportunities Officer for Women in Science and the Arts at THWS, Dr. Christian Seynstahl, Head of Location Policy and Business Development at the Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Lisa Straub from the new venture capital fund 14leafs, and Günther Bader, representing AktivSenioren Bayern e.V. The association supports start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and non-profit organisations with business management tasks.
The jury considered five criteria in its evaluation: the degree of innovation of the idea, its practical feasibility, presentation, and overall impression.
First place went to the group that dealt with understanding and using open data:
- Lucas Bühler, IT Security
- Vincent Dölker, Business Information Systems
- Lisa Grummet, Digital Society
- Marvin Kuhn, Business Information Systems
- Jonathan Schmid, Business Information Systems
Cause for celebration: the first team dealt with the question of optimal use of open data. Their innovative ideas and know-how secured them the first place (photo: THWS/Anne Speda)
The idea "Smart Guide Trockenbau" (Smart Guide Drywall Works) won the second place:
- Irene Gitsis, E-Commerce
- Maja Ott, Digital Society
- Katharina Schlund, Digital Society
The students of the challenge "Robodog looking for a job" won the third place:
- Melanie Kurmaschev, Digital Society
- Diana Laudert, Digital Society
- Sebastian Mattedi, Business Information Systems
Professor Dr. Völkl-Wolf congratulated all participants: "The students have impressively demonstrated today that they were able to solve tasks and present their ideas professionally in just a few hours." Professor Dr. Völkl-Wolf said that third place was particularly difficult to judge, as the students had presented many innovative solutions.
Dr. Andersen summed up the challenge: "Once again, it was a successful event. The feedback we received today from the students and challenge organisers confirms this."
More information on the degree programmes:
Bachelor's degree programme Computer Science
Bachelor's degree programme E-Commerce
Bachelor's degree programme Digital Society
About ZDI Mainfranken
ZDI Mainfranken is one of four start-up centres in Würzburg and focuses on start-ups and pre-start-ups in the digital sector. It also promotes simple and straightforward networking between universities, research institutions, start-ups and companies. Co-working spaces, workshops and offices offer ideal conditions for pre-start-ups and young start-ups to launch their businesses.
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
Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems
Professor Dr. Michael Müßig
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
