On June 2, 2026, the finals of the 2026 Ideas Cup took place at the Technologiezentrum (TZK - Köthen). Ten finalists presented their business ideas to an expert jury composed of representatives from business, academia, and regional institutions.
The participants reached the final round after a successful selection process: A total of nearly 50 applications were received. From these, the ten best projects qualified for the final at the Technologiezentrum (TZK - Köthen).
Diversity and Innovation on Stage
The projects presented impressively demonstrated the breadth of innovative ideas in the region. From AI-powered applications to sustainable energy and environmental solutions, as well as concepts for education, security, and new business models, the entries reflected current challenges and future trends.
The finalists impressed the judges with their creative approaches, technical expertise, and strong entrepreneurial commitment.
The Winners of the 2026 Ideas Cup
Following the presentations and the subsequent tallying of the jury’s scores, the best projects in the competition were honored:
1st Place: Mario Estel, Project Idea: Energiehof Showroom
2nd Place: Fabian Toralf Schmidt, Project Idea: Mycoforge
3rd Place: Anna Christin Waldbrunner, Project Idea: Guck' mal: A Cross-Media Learning Platform
A Platform for Startups and Innovation
The Ideencup offers founders and creative minds the opportunity to showcase their ideas and receive valuable feedback.
We congratulate all the winners and thank all participants, the jury members, and the competition’s partners and supporters. Your commitment helps promote innovation in Saxony-Anhalt and supports promising ideas on their path to implementation.
