Interview with BTU alumnus Anton Evdokimov (PhD)

Anton Evdokimov studied Equipment and Technology of Welding Production at the Ural Federal University in Russia and completed his doctorate at BTU on the subject of "Numerical Laser Welding Simulation of Dissimilar Steel-Aluminium Overlap Joints". He developed simulation models for welding steel with aluminium. It sounds complicated, but he has often been able to explain it at science slam events in a way that is not only simple but also very entertaining. As a specialist in computational welding mechanics, he also worked as a research assistant at the Cottbus campus and was able to acquire EXIST Startup funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. His goal is to make metal processing simulations accessible to companies of all sizes. Now the time has come and he is embarking on an exciting future as CEO of Heatshape to turn his entrepreneurial mission into reality.

Hello Mr Evdokimov, how did you come to BTU for your doctoral studies and what was your experience like here?
Originally, I wanted to move to China to complete a Master's programme there. However, through direct contact with a professor at BTU, the opportunity arose to start doctoral studies in Cottbus. After careful consideration, I changed my plans shortly before leaving for China and came to Germany in 2014. From today's perspective, that was a good decision. The Chair of Joining and Welding Technology at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, where I did my doctorate, has excellent facilities and numerous research projects that are carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners. As my doctoral studies were closely linked to a large German research project, I had my first meeting with industrial partners at VW in Wolfsburg after just five months. I really liked the connection to industry. The campus and the hall of residence were very pleasant and allowed me to combine scientific work with student life.

Doctoral studies on technical developments are always a great challenge. What did you learn for yourself during your doctoral studies and who would you advise to do a doctorate, or what qualities should you have for such a long-term project?
Above all, I learnt how to approach complex problems systematically over a long period of time. I have significantly improved my ability to work independently and think critically, as you often work at the limits of your knowledge and have to find solutions independently. As doctoral studies involve scientific publications and presentations at international conferences, among other things, you develop your skills in precise writing as well as public speaking and networking. I would recommend doctoral studies not only to people who have a strong interest in science and in-depth research, but also to those who want to learn how to deal with large amounts of information and structure it in order to draw important conclusions. As there is a lot of research involved, you stay up to date and keep a good overview of the challenges facing the industry. It can also help you to find a gap in the market for your own start-up idea.

You were able to obtain funding from EXIST - Start-ups from Science. Please tell us about it and perhaps you also have tips for people interested in founding a company who would also like to write an application.
With the EXIST start-up grant, I was able to work full-time on my idea for a year. This enabled us to develop a prototype of our software and draw up a business plan. EXIST not only offers financial support, but also positions the project as innovative in Germany, which can be helpful when participating in other programmes. I can recommend EXIST to anyone who wants to turn their research results into a company. There are many aspects that you don't normally think about as a scientist and EXIST is a great help in familiarising yourself with the new world. Even writing the application for EXIST helps to structure your thoughts. As a first step for those interested in starting a business, I would definitely recommend contacting the BTU's Founders' Service and talking about the idea.

You live in Cottbus and are starting your business in Startblock B2, what do you like about the city and the start-up centre and what would you like to improve?
The Startblock B2 start-up centre is a modern building with good facilities and a real start-up atmosphere. I feel very comfortable there. It's difficult for me to suggest anything that could improve my everyday life. Cottbus is a great place to concentrate on developing new ideas without too many distractions. As a compact city, it allows you to spend less time travelling to work and more time on important things. The good connections to Berlin also make it easier to attend numerous events in the German capital.

What exactly is heatshape and what are your tasks as founder and CEO of the company?
At heatshape GmbH, we develop cloud-based simulation software that is specifically geared towards welding, hardening and metal-based additive manufacturing processes. The software predicts harmful microstructures and deformations and gives instructions on how to optimise the process. As founder and CEO of the early-stage start-up, I deal with everything that is necessary for the stable development of the company. In particular, this involves software development, fundraising and customer acquisition.

What do you miss most from your doctoral studies at BTU?
Sometimes I miss the times when you could concentrate on research without having to think about business and organisational matters.