From research to a marketable business model Students develop business ideas for innovative research projects
In the “Technology Business Model Creation (TBMC)” seminar, student teams developed business models for innovative research projects at Technische Universität Braunschweig. At the final event on 4 July 2024, a jury awarded prizes to three teams for their outstanding business models.
The winning team: Christine Weimar, Leonard von Werne, Dan Yang, Katharina Pflug and research associate Sven Jonischkies (ITE). Photo credit: Entrepreneurship Hub
The team took first place with a business model for the 3D-Printed WaxFormWork research project developed at the Institute of Structural Design (ITE) at TU Braunschweig. The research project uses 3D printing technology to produce innovative wax moulds for the pre-production of high-precision, free-form concrete components. The student team impressed the jury with a clearly structured pitch that highlighted the benefits of the technology – such as recyclability, efficiency and individual mouldability. The students also presented a well thought-out marketing concept and pricing structure.
Second place: Philipp Menke, Philipp Wagner, Robin Strunk and Robin Maier. Photo credit: Entrepreneurship Hub
The second-placed team worked on an innovative production process for shotcrete using 3D technology and the SC3DP process. This makes traditional concrete construction methods more efficient and sustainable. The formwork-free process not only saves labour and costs, but also reduces material consumption. In their pitch, the student team highlighted the all-digital, resource-saving and efficient printing process. The research project is part of the Collaborative Research Centre TRR 277 “Additive Manufacturing in Construction (AMC) – The Challenge of Large Scale”.
Third place went to the business concept for the existing start-up Lucky Plant. The students developed a business model for Lucky Plant’s herbal plant tonic, which provides plants with nutrients and increases their resistance to stress. In their pitch, the team focused on the marketing strategy for the plant tonic, as well as increasing sales and brand awareness.
This year’s expert jury included Klaus Lange (board member and business angel) from the Business Angel Netzwerk Süd Ost Niedersachsen – Banson e.V. and Karl Dettke, coordinator of entrepreneurship teaching at the Entrepreneurship Hub. The jury praised the innovative business models and gave the students important feedback.
Group picture with participants of the Technology Business Model Creation (TBMC) course. Photo credit: Entrepreneurship Hub
About TBMC:
The seminar is organised by the Entrepreneurship Hub at TU Braunschweig and Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences. Based on real research projects, participating students learn how scientific and technological research results can be transferred into a suitable and marketable business model. The students work with real technologies from TU Braunschweig, so that the results of their work can ideally be used after the seminar and create real added value for the market launch. The aim of the event is to take advantage of the great opportunities for high-tech start-ups in our region and to promote start-ups in this area. The Technology Business Model Creation (TBMC) course takes place annually in the summer semester.