This was the Startup BW Summit 2024

Not only our team was there, but also numerous spin-offs from the KIT such as Valoon, FastCast Ceramics, nanoshape, CAVIGEN, SciMo and ONINO, which presented themselves in the start-up exhibition and were able to take away many discussions and new contacts.

The Gründermotor also made its debut in its new NXTGN guise. This is an important first step for us as part of the NXTGN network, with which we are currently taking part in the national Startup Factories competition.

It was really inspiring to have the chance to talk about the future of Baden-Württemberg as an innovation and startup state, and to network with lots of interested stakeholders.

The network’s new name was also announced at the awards ceremony for the concept phase of the Startup Factories lighthouse competition. “From this summer, our common name will be NXTGN – derived from Next Generation. It emphasises the goal we are all working towards: a successful, innovative and closely networked next generation of companies and their contribution to a sustainable society,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth, Vice President Transfer and International Affairs at KIT. To support this vision of the next generation of companies, the NXTGN programmes bring together start-ups, science and established companies.