Offenbach am Main.
Medium-sized German businesses are constantly exposed to high pressure for change due to digitization, climate change, global political crisis and labor shortages. Creative solutions and new incentives are needed here. A promising strategy is close cooperation between established companies and new young companies. With the The challenge of innovators they do Hessen Economic and Infrastructure Bank (WIBank) and the State credit development bank of L Bank Baden-Württemberg an important step in this regard. They are supported in this by the innovation platforms NXTGN and TechQuartier. The aim of the challenge is to initiate the necessary transformation of the region’s economy. In this way, the development banks of Hesse and Baden-Württemberg support cooperation between medium-sized companies and innovative start-ups in an innovative way.
At the closing ceremony, which took place on November 21 in the L-Bank Rotunda in Stuttgart, said Dr. Michael Reckhard, a member of the WIBank board of directors, said that he sees great opportunities to promote young and established companies in new ways: “This project is more than just connecting start-up and medium-sized companies large – it shows how two federal states, their development banks and innovation platforms can work together “Unlock new potential to strengthen our regional economic structures.” Johannes Heinloth, member of the board of L-Bank, confirmed the unconventional approach of the campaign: “With the The challenge of innovators “We will build bridges between tradition and innovation and create the basis for sustainable business models in Baden-Württemberg and Hesse.”
High interest: Strong participation in the Innovators’ Challenge
die The challenge of innovators giving medium-sized companies in Baden-Württemberg and Hesse the opportunity for a venture partnership and thus for cooperation with new start-ups. In a two-week program, specific company cases were specifically linked to solution ideas from relevant startups. The venture partnership approach allowed established companies to be brought together with start-ups that offer innovative and effective solutions to key challenges.
The large number and diversity of participating companies exceeded expectations: 14 medium-sized companies participated in the challenge. Among them are well-known companies such as Bott GmbH & Co KG, Festool GmbH, SCHARR WÄRME GmbH & Co. KG, FiMAB GmbH & Co. KG, Koehler Group, Rutronik Elektronik Bauelemente GmbH, Witzenmann GmbH, Paul Bauder GmbH & Co. KG, Vectorsoft AG, Veltum GmbH, Eberspächer Group GmbH & Co. KG.
Successful conclusion: Demo Day concludes the first edition of the challenge
die The challenge of innovators starting in the summer of 2024 Deepdive Workshops, in which the participating companies worked on existing challenges. This was followed by a search and selection of suitable start-up companies that could provide solutions to the problems mentioned.
On November 7, the startups and selected companies met as part of the Matches Day in Frankfurt TechQuartier. The focus was on close ones Deep Dive Sessionsto find and discuss starting points for collaboration. In the following concept phase, the startups developed customized solution concepts.
In the middle of the final Demo Day On November 21, the startups came to an end: eight young companies pitched their solutions. They provided concrete solutions to the challenges faced by medium-sized companies and demonstrated the synergies between start-ups and medium-sized companies. The next step is to develop the first concepts from the concepts presented Assertiveness and pilot projects developed to test the feasibility of the solutions in practice.
The goal: creating long-term partnerships
die The challenge of innovators 2024 showed how medium-sized companies can work with start-ups in a simple and effective way. By integrating new approaches, technologies and business models, the competitiveness and resilience of medium-sized companies is strengthened in the long term.
Press contact: Claudia Ungeheuer Head of Press and Public Relations Tel: +49 (0)69 9132-3716 Email: claudia.ungeheuer@wibank.de
Additional material: www.presseportal.de Source: Hessen Economic and Infrastructure Bank
2024-11-22 17:51:00
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**What concrete examples can be provided of how the pilot projects stemming from the “Innovators’ Challenge” are expected to drive tangible benefits for both the participating startups and the established companies involved?**
## Interview: Fostering Innovation through Collaboration - The Innovators’ Challenge
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! Today we’re diving into the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship, examining how established companies and startups can work together to drive progress. We’re joined by two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Michael Reckhard**, Member of the Board of Directors at Hesse Economic and Infrastructure Bank (WIBank)
* **Johannes Heinloth**, Member of the Board of Directors at L-Bank Baden-Württemberg
Gentlemen, thank you for joining us.
**Section 1: The Need for Innovation**
**Interviewer:** The article highlights the immense pressure medium-sized businesses face today due to factors like digitization, climate change, and labor shortages. Dr. Reckhard, could you elaborate on these challenges and why collaboration between established companies and startups is crucial to overcoming them?
**Dr. Reckhard:**
*(Responds)*
**Interviewer:** Mr. Heinloth, WIBank and L-Bank have taken a bold step by launching the “Innovators’ Challenge”. What sparked the idea for this initiative, and what are your overall goals for the programme?
**Mr. Heinloth:** *(Responds)*
**Section 2: The Innovators’ Challenge – Process and Impact**
**Interviewer:** The article mentions an impressive lineup of participants, including well-known companies like Bott GmbH & Co KG and Festool GmbH. Can you shed some light on the selection process and the diversity of the companies involved?
**Dr. Reckhard:** *(Responds)*
**Interviewer:** The challenge involved a series of stages, from Deep Dive Workshops to Match Days and culminating in the Demo Day. Mr. Heinloth, what were some of the key moments or breakthroughs that you witnessed throughout the programme?
**Mr. Heinloth:** *(Responds)*
**Interviewer:** How did the young startups benefit from collaborating with these established giants? What valuable insights or resources did they gain?
**Dr. Reckhard:** *(Responds)*
**Section 3: Looking Ahead – Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration**
**Interviewer:**
The “Innovators’ Challenge” concludes with pilot projects to test the feasibility of the solutions. What are your hopes for the long-term impact of these collaborations?
**Mr. Heinloth:** *(Responds)*
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to other regions or organizations looking to implement similar programs to foster innovation and collaboration between startups and established businesses?
**Dr. Reckhard:** *(Responds)*
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Dr. Reckhard and Mr. Heinloth, for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking initiative.
Your commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and growth is truly inspiring.
*(Ends with a call to action: Encourage viewers to learn more about the “Innovators’ Challenge” and WIBank/L-Bank initiatives)*
