The winners of the Strascheg Award 2025
Category 1: Best business idea from the study period
🥇 nexpaper - An AI assistance system for optimizing paper production in industrial processes.
🥈 AddPower - A universal plug-and-play drive system for Lego cars, compatible with all manufacturers and models.
🥉 mikroFox - Smart IoT device for increasing efficiency and maximizing returns from solar thermal systems
Also nominated were: Carie Smile, Dragonfly, FemTech and Snowhawk - with innovative solutions ranging from caries prevention and drone technology to smart energy optimization.
Category 2: Best Business Idea Research & Alumni
🥇 Cancelight - An AI-based device for precise tumour characterization for individualized cancer therapies.
🥈 XPert Connect - A smart matching platform that connects companies with certified coaches and trainers.
🥉 WattWert - A platform for the analysis and support of building renovations - from planning to implementation.
Other nominated projects were AidMax, Geniefy and Simple Forms - with innovative approaches to psychological support, automation and digital participation.
Category 3: Best business idea from the SCE Ecosystem
🥇 saemyra labs - An innovative recycling technology for plastic that is more energy-efficient and less toxic than conventional processes.
🥈 LivingLines - An AI-supported math learning app that supports students individually and relieves teachers.
🥉 DocTalk - An AI-supported language learning tool for international nurses and doctors to teach medical terminology.
Aereus, Hebio and OrthoCopilot were also nominated - projects that are setting new standards with technologies ranging from robotics to AI for medical documentation.
"It is impressive to see how much innovative power and entrepreneurial spirit can be felt at Munich University of Applied Sciences and throughout the entire ecosystem of the greater Munich area. We were impressed by the diversity and quality of the ideas presented - as well as the enthusiasm and passion of the teams. Through our support of the SCE, we are pleased to contribute to ensuring that entrepreneurial thinking and holistically developed innovations are firmly anchored in teaching, research and practice. The Strascheg Award shows how strong the potential is to use entrepreneurial thinking to make our world a better place to live."
- Dr. Daniel Bohlmann, Chairman of the Falk F. Strascheg Foundation
"I am particularly pleased that we have seen a large number of start-ups with female participation this year - including several all-female founding teams. This shows that our efforts to promote diversity and equal opportunities are bearing fruit. Equally impressive was how many of the award-winning ideas emerged from research and teaching at our university. Munich University of Applied Sciences is very well positioned to translate scientific findings into innovative start-up projects. Our laboratories and resources make an important contribution to putting research results into practice."
- Prof. Dr. Thomas Stumpp, Vice President for Business at Munich University of Applied Sciences
Ways to promote start-ups
For many teams, the Strascheg Award marks just the beginning of their start-up journey. In addition to the prize money, selected teams are accepted into the SCE Incubation Program. This offers:
- Group and individual coaching sessions as well as pitch training with experts and founders
- Funding advice and support with applications (e.g. AI+MUNICH, EXIST-Women, EXIST-Gründungsstipendium, FLÜGGE)
- Access to infrastructure, office space and the Startup Certificate at Munich University of Applied Sciences
- Prototype funding and nomination for the Dynamic Innovation Booster
- A strong network and community based on collaboration and mutual support
A strong signal for entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
The SCE would like to thank all participants, jury members and partners as well as Prof. Dr. h.c. Falk Strascheg and Renate Strascheg for their many years of support. Their commitment plays a key role in promoting the entrepreneurial culture at Munich University of Applied Sciences and anchoring innovation in teaching, research and practice.
"The Strascheg Award is a special moment for us every year - because it shows how much courage, creativity and passion there is in our students, alumni and teams. The diversity of ideas proves that entrepreneurship is not only taught at Munich University of Applied Sciences, but lived. We look forward to accompanying the teams on their further journey and bringing innovation into the world together."
- Prof. Dr. Christian Klusmann, Head of SCE Start-up Support
Do you also have an innovative idea? Then get in touch with us!
Find out more now at www.sce.de/gruendungsberatung