Fostering a Spirit of Innovation
How do innovative business ideas come about, and what does it take to present them successfully? A joint project between the Funkenwerk at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA) and the International School Augsburg (ISA) provided answers to these questions. Over a period of about six months, students worked in interdisciplinary teams to develop their own startup ideas, gaining hands-on experience with key stages of entrepreneurial activity along the way.
As part of the project, three teams of students worked intensively on developing their own business concepts. This resulted in creative and forward-looking ideas: “Ladsify,” a smart water bottle that uses gamification to optimize drinking habits; “EPRY Jacket,” a jacket with built-in heating and cooling functions for outdoor activities; and “Pyure,” a sustainable travel program to indigenous communities in the Amazon region with a focus on environmental and cultural conservation.
The project was structured around real-world innovation processes. After a collaborative brainstorming phase, the concepts were developed into digital prototypes. Through targeted feedback, the teams were able to further develop and refine their ideas. In addition, they created their own branding, designed marketing materials, and prepared specifically for the final presentation through two pitch training sessions.
The highlight was the final pitch on March 20, 2026, at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. The teams presented their business ideas in a professional setting before a jury from Funkenwerk. Parents were also invited and followed the presentations with great interest.
The “Ladsify” team emerged as the winner. With its compelling idea and presentation, the team secured a spot at the major final pitch event this summer, which will bring together all participating schools from Augsburg.
Following the final presentations, both the participating students and their parents had the opportunity to attend the college orientation day at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. There, they were able to gain insights into the academic programs offered, explore laboratories, and speak directly with students and faculty. These additional activities rounded out the day’s events and provided the students, in particular, with valuable inspiration for their personal academic and career planning.
This collaboration impressively demonstrates how fostering entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and teamwork at an early stage empowers young people to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.