The following 18 nominees are now hoping to win an award at the 2026 Strascheg Ideas Award and will present their business ideas to the audience during the awards ceremony:
Category 1 – Best Business Idea from College
- Argus – An AI-powered early warning system for continuously monitoring global news and identifying relevant developments in supply chains, markets, and regulations.
- BauRast – A certifiable folding seat for scaffolding that reduces the physical strain on workers by allowing for short breaks.
- Ceresis-Thermoliner – A custom-made prosthetic liner that passively wicks away sweat and improves comfort through evaporative cooling.
- Solarsync – A browser add-on for the automated transfer of project data from tradespeople’s ERP systems to the registration portals of distribution network operators.
- Steribot – An AI-driven robotic system for automated instrument reprocessing in medical and dental practices that reduces the workload on healthcare professionals.
- Synthrace – A web-based EDA tool for the automated development of power electronics circuit boards with optimized heat dissipation, form factor, and energy efficiency.
Category 2 – Best Business Idea from Research & Practice
- Archival Research Labs – Innovative hardware and software solutions for modernizing and optimizing professional film scanners.
- Argus One – A compact, cost-effective controlled substance cabinet with automated and comprehensive documentation of every withdrawal to reduce the workload on nursing staff.
- CIV IQ – An AI-powered system for the automated detection, recording, and spatial localization of damage to reinforced concrete structures.
- Learnforte – An AI coach that supports participants after training and facilitates the long-term application of training content in practice.
- ResiConMe – A highly efficient process for the sustainable production of methanol from biogenic CO₂, water, and renewable electricity.
- Veva – At-home blood test subscription service with easy-to-understand analysis of health metrics and personalized recommendations for action.
Category 3 – Best Business Idea with Initial Market Validation
- Apovendo – Cloud-connected vending machines with pickup compartments and digital advertising screens for 24/7 sales in pharmacies.
- Enyra RE – Sustainable and cost-effective battery storage systems made from reused electric vehicle batteries using innovative gateway technology.
- Hem X – A medical device for automated vein detection and venipuncture, even for veins that are difficult to see.
- MeetEffX – AI-powered live meeting coach for preparation, real-time support, and automated task tracking.
- ShiftTalk – An AI-powered language learning platform that prepares international public transit drivers for communication through practical, everyday scenarios.
- Sustinerin – A comprehensive service for sterile reusable instruments in medical practices, including delivery, pickup, and professional reprocessing at partner clinics.
Congratulations to the nominees, and we’re already looking forward to an exciting awards ceremony featuring the nominees’ pitches on November 17, 2026, at Munich University of Applied Sciences! Register here.
If you’d like to take your ideas further, feel free to take advantage of the services offered by HM & SCE, such as SCE startup consulting, our free events, and much more. And if you’re already working on a specific startup idea, you’re cordially invited to apply for the SCE funding program: www.sce.de/incubation
