STAR*PARADE FINALE a complete success: Lusatian start-up scene grows together

Lusatian founders impress at the STAR*PARADE

The STAR*PARADE is a unique example of cooperation with over 50 organizations consisting of juries, sponsors and the organization team. Prof. Dr. Jörg Steinbach, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg, paid tribute to the courage and perseverance of the founders who decided to "swim against the tide" and take the plunge into self-employment. "Remain steadfast on this path," he appealed, thanking the participants for their commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

Almost 80 convincing applications were received during the STAR*PARADE and almost 50 pitches took place in ten categories throughout Lusatia. During the grand finale on September 19, 2024, the best ideas of the LAUSITZ*STARS were awarded:

School Pupils: The student company Parlicka (Niedersorbisches Gymnasium) and the students from Augustum-Anne-Gymnasium from Görlitz with Peddys

Students & Researchers: Johann Paul (Functional Handbag)

Innovation & Sustainability: Sebastian Kießling and Lucie Töpfer (PyroPower)

Crafts: Sarah Ochsner (piano making workshop)

Services & Trade: Robert Jannusch (Bond-Ing)

Hospitality & Tourism: Christin Jarick & Martin Libutzki (Eisvogel)

Health & Social Affairs: Maria-Liisa Bruckert (IQONIC.AI) and Lisa Schultchen (Pension Spreewald Lächeln)

Culture & Creative Industries: Cornelia Kusyk (Kambium)

Digitalisation: Abdullah Zeyn Hassan (Museful)

Misch*Pitsch: Jonas Krenz (Nijo Bike)

The finalists then presented their business ideas with passion and persuasiveness. The audience had the difficult task of choosing their favorite. With a large majority, Lucie Töpfer secured the title of SHOOTING*STARS and a prize of 1,500 euros in the Innovation & Sustainability category with her development and implementation of sustainable energy systems (PyroPower).

In addition to the SHOOTING*STAR, the LUCKY*STAR was drawn from all participants. The lucky winner, Jonas Krenz, was delighted to receive a 5,000 euro voucher for an outlet kitchen.

A milestone for the Lusatian start-up ecosystem

A particular highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the Startup Lausitz start-up ecosystem. With this step, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg as the initiator and other regional players are reaffirming their commitment to further establishing Lusatia as an attractive location for start-ups.

In addition to BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and the start-up consultancy PULS e.V., the initial signatories of the MoU include Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe e.V., Cottbus Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Cottbus Chamber of Crafts, Wirtschaftsinitiative Lausitz and Entwicklungsgesellschaft Cottbus mbH.

Prof. Eike Albrecht emphasized that start-ups, start-up advice and support are now among the central tasks of universities, including BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. He was particularly pleased to be able to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the BTU as board chairperson of the Senate.

A strong network

STAR*PARADE was made possible by the close cooperation of various regional players, including the signatories of the MoU and the BTU projects Startup Community, creative.open.lab, BTU Founders' Service, Lausitz Science Park and Energy Innovation Center. The STAR*PARADE has once again shown that Lusatia is a region full of potential and that the start-up culture is flourishing.