After Michael Hack's introduction, the pitches from textile start-ups, all three current or alumni members of our SCE Incubation, began:
ButtonUp develops innovative aluminum buttons without needle and thread that make repairs and recycling much easier.
Noxon produces clothing with biosensors that can analyze and control movements to give mobility back to people with muscle problems.
And BoxingBabe strengthens women's self-confidence and resilience through martial arts training and suitable sportswear.
Bonita Grupp then took the floor and gave the audience a brief summary of Trigema's history, which now spans over 100 years. She openly shed light on the values, the approach and also the difficulties that the family business has already had to face. She cited the use of artificial intelligence in difficult production steps and in the digitalization of the well-known Trigema mascot Charlie as a possible solution. However, the many long-serving employees and the low staff turnover at Trigema serve as proof: This doesn't have to be done at the expense of human jobs. Like SCE, Trigema also wants to take responsibility for its work and make a difference.
"We want to show that it is still possible to produce cleanly and sustainably in Germany," explained Bonita Grupp.
The audience listened intently and asked numerous interesting questions after the presentation: everything from the sibling and family dynamic at Trigema, details of on-demand production and Trigema's collaboration with start-ups was covered. Bonita took a lot of time and answered all questions openly and in detail, which was rewarded with a joyful, final round of applause.
The evening concluded with relaxed networking over snacks and drinks. The Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship would like to thank all the helpers and the engaged audience who enriched the evening with their questions and willingness to talk, and of course Bonita Grupp for her interesting insights!
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