The Progress Pitch is deliberately not a competition. The focus is on open discussion, constructive feedback, and the further development of startup ideas. The event takes place four times a year and offers founders the opportunity to present their projects, address challenges, and gain new perspectives on their ventures.
This time, the startups presenting included grovez GmbH with smart street lighting based on LoRaWAN technology, Ligno Spring with ergonomic wooden headrests for saunas, SugrSugr GmbH with so-called “Carb-Shots” for people with diabetes, and Study Gum with functional chewing gum for students. After each pitch, the jury and audience discussed product development, market potential, and business models with the teams.
The jury brought expertise from various fields to the table. Julia Wunderlich, Head of Transfer Promotion at TH OWL; Marcel Bannmann, Managing Director of kontori; Professor Dr. Jürgen Jasperneite from Fraunhofer IOSB-INA; and Nicole Bäumer, Smart City Project Manager, provided the teams with practical guidance for their next steps.
New members of the Campus Foundery OWL also used the event to introduce themselves in short pitches and network. This exchange is a central component of TH OWL’s startup center. The Campus Foundery supports students, researchers, staff, and alumni from the initial idea through to founding a company. Formats such as the Progress Pitch promote networking, mutual learning, and the translation of innovative ideas into practice.
