We are very pleased to announce the three winners of this year’s DurchStarter Student Startup Competition and congratulate them on their success!
1. Place : Joy Nijhia with Mazao
2. Place : Aafreen Ramani with MIETO
3. Place : Oleg Velichinskii with LITOS
We’d also like to thank all participants for their ideas, their dedication, and the many exciting submissions.
Even if you didn’t win this time, we invite you to continue developing your startup idea and sign up for a consultation.
About the competition
Do you have a vision that makes everyday life smarter, solves a technical problem, or makes the world a little more sustainable? Then seize this opportunity and apply for the 2026 DurchStarter Student Start-Up Competition! Win financial support to turn your vision into reality.
Important Dates:
Application Opens: January 12, 2026
Deadline: May 22, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Pitch and Awards Ceremony: June 23, 2026
Prizes:
The top three winners will receive a grant to develop their idea, whether for market research, building a prototype, or preparing for EXIST funding.
Do you have questions about the contest, or would you like to check in advance whether your idea meets the guidelines?
If so, please feel free to contact us at: gruendung(at)hs-schmalkalden.de
“… a valuable opportunity for students to creatively develop their own ideas and present them professionally.”
- Prof. Frank Schrödel
“… an important catalyst for innovation and a great opportunity to actively shape the transformation of our society. Those who start businesses shape the future!”
- Prof. Elisabeth Scherr
“… a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs to receive feedback from experts, network, and turn their ideas into reality.”
- Ronny Danz
“… a valuable platform for fostering entrepreneurial thinking early on, bringing innovative ideas to light, and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs on their path to taking on responsibility.”
- Christian Jung