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EVENTS
How can cooperation between industry and start-ups succeed when it involves more than just exchanging business cards?
At the heart of THE BRIDGE - Industry Meets Innovation are practical experience, concrete insights into successful collaborations and pilot projects, and the question of how companies can solve specific challenges together with start-ups using new technologies.
The integration of SMEs and start-ups is a major concern for us as a regional start-up network and has been an essential aspect of our start-up support activities for years.
In DO IT Südwestfalen , the Gateway Factory InnoVentures and the Smart Demonstration Factory , we have found partners who share this concern.
Addressed to the target group of companies: If you are interested in participating, please contact Gesine Westhäuser, Jens Jacobs, or Max Gottschalk from Startpunkt57. The organizing committee of the five mentioned institutions will not invite publicly but will specifically approach companies.
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The University of Siegen has double cause for celebration: DelphiCore and CLARIGEN , two startups supported by the university's Entrepreneurship Center , have been selected for funding under the "Start-up Transfer.NRW" initiative . Each startup will receive €270,000. This funding is intended to enable both projects to take the next step towards market launch and underscores the potential of research-related spin-offs.
“We are delighted that two teams we supported, DelphiCore and CLARIGEN, have been successful,” says Dr. Jens Jacobs, Head of connect.US at the University of Siegen. “This success demonstrates the innovative potential at the University of Siegen and the importance of early, structured support for startups.” The Entrepreneurship Center, part of connect.US, supports members of the University of Siegen in developing a business model, identifying and applying for suitable funding, and creating a business plan. It guides them through the entire startup process. Through various programs and intensive support, the startup teams can further develop not only their technical expertise but also relevant soft skills.
Technology for safe components
DelphiCore is developing a technology that makes components made of high-performance materials digitally monitorable. Through the integration of sensors and a patented calibration method, changes and stresses within a component can be continuously recorded. This enables predictive maintenance, extends the service life of components, and increases reliability, for example in aerospace, wind energy, and industrial applications.
The research was conducted at the Chair of Materials Systems for Lightweight Vehicle Construction, headed by Prof. Dr. Robert Brandt, at the University of Siegen. The technology has been patented by the University of Siegen and forms the basis for the further development of DelphiCore. The team consists of Sascha Grindel, with a background in electrical engineering, robotics, and automation; Sebastian Haller, specializing in materials engineering, materials science, and sensor technology; and Sarah Steurer, focusing on business development and strategic partnerships. Sebastian Haller is the inventor of the technology. The team is supported by, among others, Prof. Dr. Peter Kraemer.
With this funding, the team aims to develop a prototype, test the technology under real-world conditions, and prepare for company launch by 2027. The long-term goal is to bring the technology to market maturity and implement it in collaboration with industry partners.
AI supports stress prevention
CLARIGEN is developing an app to help people better manage everyday stress. At its core is an eight-week prevention program that uses artificial intelligence to personalize the user experience. The software takes into account factors such as a person's current stress level, available time, completed exercises, and personal user feedback. The goal is to suggest the most suitable support for each individual situation and personality from a pool of scientifically developed exercises.
The team places particular emphasis on data protection. Sensitive information should be processed directly on the smartphone whenever possible. The project is being scientifically supervised by the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Siegen, headed by Prof. Dr. Tim Klucken. The founding team consists of Junis Balaom and Tobias Dyballa. Junis Balaom holds a bachelor's degree in business psychology, is studying computer science, and has been working as an entrepreneur in the digital sector since 2018. Tobias Dyballa holds a master's degree in clinical psychology and psychotherapy and is currently completing his licensure examination to become a psychotherapist.
Image credit: Delphicore
Do you have a startup idea and want to turn this idea into a viable business concept step by step? Then apply for our incubator program by October 23rd! The selection pitches for the new batch #12 will take place at the beginning of November.
So that you can meet other startups and experienced professionals right at the beginning of the 12-month fitness program, you will benefit from four exciting workshops, which are expected to take place at the beginning of 2027:
- Business model development and target audience
- Brand, marketing and sales
- Communication of the business idea
- Forms of financing
In the further course of the incubator program, you can deepen these topics and choose additional modules that will make you fit for your startup venture. A free office workspace in the Haus der Innovation enables you to advance your project in a lively and motivating environment. Become part of this founding community!
All information about ONE SMALL STEP can be found here.
Image credit: Hans on Pixabay
With the grant from NRW.BANK's MID program, small and medium-sized enterprises can strengthen their innovative capacity and resilience. The program offers financial support of up to EUR 15,000 for investments in digital products, security, and processes, and up to EUR 48,000 for hiring university graduates who implement innovative projects in the company. This way, your company can remain strong in the market in the future.
You can find more information here .
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Virtual Founders' Hub
Whether you're just starting out or already growing your startup – in Startpunkt 57’s Virtual Founders' Hub, you’ll find valuable information and direct exchange with the community. 📌 Funding Opportunities – Discover financing and support programs to help your startup grow. 📌 Expert Insights & Best Practices – Learn from experts and alumni about topics like funding, marketing, scaling, and more. 📌 Media Recommendations – Podcasts, books, and articles to deepen your entrepreneurial knowledge.
