The Social X Factor is part of Real Projects, a cross-faculty practical and educational program offered by the SCE and Hochschule München. The goal is to promote responsible entrepreneurial thinking and action and to bring together students from different disciplines. Working in interdisciplinary teams, they tackle real-world social challenges, develop entrepreneurial solutions, and test their impact according to the principles of social entrepreneurship.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Social Impact
This year, students from seven faculties (Applied Social Sciences, Business Administration, Computer Science, MUC.DAI, Tourism, Design, and General Studies) worked together in 17 teams. They were supported by nine coaches, including eight professors from HM.
The focus was on the theme “Crafts of the Future.” For centuries, the skilled trades have been a cornerstone of the economy, culture, and regional value creation—but today they face challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers, business succession, digitalization, and the preservation of experiential knowledge. The student teams developed creative concepts and prototypes that combine tradition and innovation and open up new perspectives for the skilled trades of tomorrow.
Insights from Academia, the Skilled Trades, and Startup Practice
During the program, the teams received valuable insights from academia and the field. Julius Brantner, founder of Julius Brantner Brothandwerk, kicked off the project week with a presentation on entrepreneurial thinking in traditional crafts. Georg Räß and Ana-Sofie Schneider from the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Crafts supported the teams with expert advice on innovation and technology. In addition, Alexander Spitzner, director of the Chamber of Crafts’ training center, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the facility. The startups ArtGlove and Baubyte also provided insights into their day-to-day startup life at the SCE Incubator.
Finale in the Glass Pavilion: Ideas, Prototypes, and a “Market of Ideas”
To conclude the event, the teams presented their business ideas in the Glass Pavilion at Hochschule München before a jury of experts from the skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and academia. They then showcased their prototypes at the “Market of Ideas,” where the audience could vote for their favorites using an “Impact Dollar.”
It became particularly clear just how diverse the students’ approaches were: Several teams developed solutions to address the shortage of skilled workers, while others focused on occupational safety, knowledge preservation, sustainable production, or the preservation of traditional craft culture.
The winning teams of Social X Factor 2026
1st Place: Team Handful
First place went to Team Handful for a sensor glove that uses sensors and artificial intelligence to track optimal work movements and makes this information accessible to apprentices. The goal is to preserve valuable experiential knowledge in the skilled trades, accelerate training processes, and ensure the long-term quality of craftsmanship.
2nd Place: Team BauRast, Team WerkHeld, and Team X-O-Pants
Three teams were awarded second place:
- BauRast developed a solution for safe and comfortable breaks on construction sites—especially when working at heights.
- WerkHeld brings skilled trades professionals to daycare centers and schools for hands-on workshops and actively involves parents to break down stereotypes and spark children’s interest in skilled trades at an early age.
- X-O-Pants combines ergonomic workwear with an exoskeleton designed specifically for female carpenters to reduce physical strain and attract new target groups to the trades.
3rd Place: Team Loop and Team Werkzwerge
Two other teams tied for third place:
- Loop combines upcycling, repair, and tailoring in an open-concept store and studio, bringing the traditional craft of tailoring to life for future generations.
- Werkzwerge developed a sustainable craft kit that introduces children to hands-on activities in a playful way, aiming to spark an early interest in the trades.
As a special recognition, the winning team, Handful, received an invitation from the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Crafts to attend the event “Startup Meets Craftsmanship” on October 13, 2026 —an opportunity to further develop their project idea together with entrepreneurs from the skilled trades sector.
Entrepreneurship with Social Responsibility
The Social X Factor demonstrates how entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social responsibility can work together. The concepts developed range from digital platforms and AI applications to sustainable education and work models—and clearly demonstrate the potential that arises when students tackle real-world challenges together with industry partners.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the coaches, external partners, and the entire SCE team who made the Social X Factor 2026 possible. We would also like to thank photographers Ralf Kastner (HM) and Louis Dickhaut for documenting the program through their photography.