On November 18, the Start-up Day celebrated its premiere at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. The university's Founder Award was presented for the fifth time as part of the event. The event brought together founders, researchers, students and funding institutions and focused on the importance of entrepreneurial initiatives for Saxony-Anhalt.
The day was opened by Stefanie Pötzsch, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt, and Prof. Dr. Markus Holz, Vice-President for Research, Transfer and Sustainability at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr. Markus Holz emphasized the special role of the start-up environment at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences: "Starting a business in the context of research is an important part of our work at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. To this end, we have established the FOUND IT! start-up center at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, which has acted as a central point of contact for start-ups at our university since 2012. Today's Start-up Day is intended as an impetus to emphasize the economic importance of start-ups for Saxony-Anhalt. Innovative new companies are essential for the economic development of our federal state. They create new jobs, promote regional Economics and help Saxony-Anhalt to remain competitive."
This was followed by a practical experience report from the founding team of PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals led by Prof. Dr. Schilling, before representatives of central funding and investment institutions provided insights into their programs and support services. The speakers included Projektträger Jülich, Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Business Angels Sachsen-Anhalt and bmp Ventures AG.
The ceremonial highlight was the presentation of the start-up grants and the Founder Award 2025. The winning teams impressed with innovative ideas, high transfer potential and a strong regional connection.
Two start-up grants support students - Founder Award 2025 presented
Louis Wahlich, a Master's student on the Intermedia Design degree program, received one of this year's start-up grants. With his BioMatters project, he is developing innovative, mycelium-based materials from organic waste materials such as coffee grounds or hemp fibers, which could even be used in 3D printing in the future. "The scholarship enables me to further expand my research into pioneering mycelium materials," says Wahlich. The idea of sustainability is particularly important to him: the award encourages him to "work today on the materials of tomorrow".
The second founding scholarship also supports a project with sustainable building materials: Johanna Reßler and Raphael Biller, Bachelor's students of Architecture, are developing an ecological insulation and acoustic panel made from crushed olive pits, a previously unused by-product of olive oil production. They emphasize: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to do research and start our project during our studies thanks to the scholarship." The aim is to develop a functional prototype and examine the sound and thermal insulation effect as the basis for a marketable, recyclable product. For both of them, one thing is certain: "We want to have a positive impact on our world."
Founder Award 2025
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences also honored Maik Pranzke, Mechanical Engineering graduate and founder of AIKz - 3D Printing & Product Development, with the Founder's Award 2025. His company supports regional companies in the development of technical products. "The award gives me motivation and peace of mind at the same time," says Pranzke. His goal is to continue expanding AIKz, acquire new customers and build up a permanent team in the long term.
With the "Start-up Day", Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is underlining its commitment to a dynamic start-up ecosystem and its role as a driving force for Economics innovation in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
More information: www.hs-anhalt.de/ftgz
