match2make: Start-up meets Co-Founder

Who we are: 

Benedikt Keßler (M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering), Johannes von Wittke (B.Sc. Electrical Engineering)

What we do:

We develop and build a solution for automated sorting and quality control of potatoes. The system is to be implemented on existing sorting plants owned by small farmers, making the purchase of large and expensive plants unnecessary.  Currently most small farmers have to sort potatoes by hand on specially built sorting tables, resulting in time consuming and burdensome work. Combined with labor shortage of trained personnel for quality control this part of potato production forms a perfect fit for our automated solution with easy integration.

Current Business Challenge:
The engineering part of our project is covered, we lack expertise in the area of business administration and financial management. Creation of business and finance plans are a new challenge to us.

Who we need:

• You are an economist, farmer and have sound and deep marketing knowledge (e.g. business studies)
• Ideally, you have experience in the field of agricultural engineering and marketing channels. It would be particularly desirable if you have a good network in these areas
• You work independently, systematically, reliably, carefully and you can also grasp complex issues quickly
• You are fluent in German and English
• You would like to work in a start-up and perhaps already have practical experience in the start-up environment

For more information see this link.

Who we are: 

Julia Larikova (M.A. Architecture)

What we do:

My business idea grew out from my scientific research and motivation to change the building industry, to reduce a negative impact that built environment creates now and contribute to the improvement of biodiversity as one of the key factors in the mitigating the climate change.

With the help of technologies – computational design and digital fabrication, I am creating sustainable building facades from ceramic materials that have cooling effect and can host insects and small animals, like birds or bats, within that improving both microclimate and biodiversity in the cities. Digital fabrication, namely additive manufacturing, enables the realisation of the parametrically designed tiles, which is not possible with any other industrial technologies now. Facades are developed to be implemented both on the new and on the existing buildings for renovation purposes, improving their energy-efficiency quality and creating positive climate impact. In the light of the new COP biodiversity agreements, this product will be on a higher demand in the coming years.

Current Business Challenge: 

Market analysis and business plan.

Who we need:

• Background in at least one of: Business/ Marketing and Sales/ Finance
• Excitement about sustainability
• Nice to have: Working experience; Relation to built environment/Sustainability

For more information see this link.

Who we are: 

Dr. Amal Taqi (PhD Biochemist), Dr. Rainer Grossmann (PhD Physicist)

What we do:

The following products are planned:

1. Edible films are used to extend the shelf life of meat from 1 to 3 weeks.

2. Biodegradable plastics are so-called polymers that can be decomposed by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria by means of enzymes under certain conditions. Biodegradable plastics are used in everyday areas (in packaging and catering) and special areas.

3. Bio-adhesives are adhesives made from plant or animal products. The bio adhesive can be used on wood, paper, glass, cork and porcelain.

The advantage of my products is that they are inexpensive and completely non-toxic due to the raw material and the easy process. The greatest potential in my invention lies in the flexible, universal and creative applicability of the bioresource and in its biodegradability.

Daniacompack can be produced with regionally generated vegetable waste materials. This can further increase the attractiveness of bioplastics compared to plastics made from petroleum, as low-cost raw materials and short supply chains will bring the price level of bioplastics in line with conventional plastic prices.

Current Business Challenge:

We are looking for an interested and active partner to bring the bio packaging and bio-adhesive into production/sale.

Who we need:

• Risk appetite for new products
• Potential Support for Patent application
• Interest in cooperation
• Sales
• Marketing

Who we are:

Felix Laarmann (B.A. Industrial Design, B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering)

What we do:
Orbit enables innovators (innovation management / predevelopment) to successfully manage their Net-Zero Journey by actively designing low emission products. It is the first solution that allows to quantify carbon footprints based on concept descriptions (text or CAD) and to enable users to analyse and shape sustainable product life cycles.

Current Business Challenge: 

Overall Business Development, starting from working out a Business Model and evaluating an initial industry focus.

Who we need:

• team player & experience in managing teams
• start-up and work experience
• passion and experience in the field of sustainability and sustainable design
• readiness to participate full-time after an initial ramp up phase

For more information see this link.

For more information see this link.