BTUAlumni founding success: ismartC

The Cottbus start-up team ismartC is working on an environmentally friendly solution for charging electric vehicles. With the support of the Chair of Energy Distribution and High Voltage Engineering at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, ismartC was able to secure funding from the EXIST research transfer program. We talked to BTU alumni Mark Sebastian Kuprat (M.Sc. ERM and Ph. D. Power Engineering) and Saman Amanpour (M. Sc. Power Engineering and Ph. D. Power Engineering) about the project.

Hello Mark and Saman, what is the idea behind ismartC and how did you come up with it?
The idea for ismartC came about in the course of our many years of research in the field of grid-friendly integration of electric vehicle charging processes. The practical research at our Chair of Energy Distribution and High Voltage Engineering quickly made it clear to us that user-friendly mobility solutions are needed to help electromobility achieve a breakthrough. That's why our start-up is very close to customer needs and the integration of our system into everyday life.

You have now become a large team. How did you find your other team members?
We are now 12 colleagues from different specialist areas and backgrounds. The team came together through various opportunities. Among others, we were able to recruit former colleagues and students for the project. We were also able to get new team members interested in the project at competitions and networking events.

Which partners have you already been able to acquire?
We have already worked intensively with partners from industry and society during our research projects, and we have been able to get them interested in our start-up project. We are currently supported by enviaM, Stromnetz Berlin and DELTA Electronics, among others.

You are funded by the EXIST research transfer program, how does this help you to achieve your goals?
The EXIST research transfer funding was decisive for us in pursuing our start-up project, as it enables us to achieve the necessary financial independence and to invest in the further development of our product. We also benefit from the EXIST network and know-how.

How do you see the start-up potential in the South Brandenburg and Lusatia region?
The start-up potential in our region is definitely greater than one might expect in many places. Of course, there are structural disadvantages compared to other locations. However, these can be offset by targeted promotion and strengthening of regional structures. A lot can be achieved at our location, in particular in the area of future energy infrastructure and mobility. As an incubator for the future start-up culture, we also have great expectations of the newly emerging start-up center at the BTU main campus.

What can you recommend to people who want to start a business?
Starting a business always involves a lot of effort and energy, which must fit into the individual's life situation. Whether this effort will pay off is not initially foreseeable. If you believe in your start-up idea, you should leave no stone unturned to make it a success. The start-up journey is worthwhile, not least because of the many experiences and lessons learned. You can find the best contacts for the first steps at BTU's Founders' Service.