GROW start-up competition takes place online for the first time

From idea to start-up – in less than three months. The GROW” start-up competition PionierGarage, the university group for entrepreneurship at KIT, offers exactly that. The winners also receive financial start-up support.

This year’s winner was Data Flares, which aims to increase data protection by rendering data unusable. Second place went to Traggert for a system for localizing tools in production facilities. And third place went to joeybag for their reusable shopping bags. The judges awarded the special prize to the start-up Kemit & Sure, which aims to sustainably increase transparency in healthcare in African countries such as Cameroon with digital applications.

“Seeing the progress of the individual start-ups was incredibly impressive,” said Alexander Kapp from the GROW organization team, drawing a positive conclusion. “Because despite coronavirus, the participants have achieved a great deal over the past few months.” During the pandemic winter, “GROW” went completely digital for the first time. On November 19, 2020, the start-up competition was launched with a kick-off for 40 teams. Participants had to present their progress at the midterms on December 17, and the final with the remaining ten teams took place on February 11. Between these three dates, numerous workshops were held for the participants to further develop their business.

“Entrepreneurship is the trend at universities”

For the PionierGarage team, however, there are only winners at “GROW”. “Entrepreneurship is all the rage at universities. In our competition, start-ups receive the best possible support in developing a business idea,” says Kapp. During the competition, the start-up teams are advised by experienced entrepreneurs. The Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion is an excellent location, especially for start-ups with a focus on digital applications. “The technical and infrastructural conditions for digital start-ups in Karlsruhe are simply outstanding,” emphasizes Kapp.

PionierGarage promotes entrepreneurship and leadership personalities

The PionierGarage was launched in 2011 and is currently filled with life by around 30 active students . Thanks to the great commitment of former pioneers, the association currently has over 300 members. According to its own information, the aim of the largest university group in the field of entrepreneurship is to improve the quality of student entrepreneurship and the targeted development of leaders. The Karlsruhe PionierGarage network includes coaches and leaders from numerous companies and universities. “Starting their own business is a real dream for most of our members ,” says Kapp. “And we want to make this a reality with all the resources available to us “.