At StartUpDay and the start-up get-together, SAXEED and prostartup demonstrated how research projects have become ‘hidden champions’

In his presentation, Jan Ehrlich outlined the impressive 15-year journey of Mittweida-based company Direct Out. He proudly emphasised that the company has developed into a true global brand. Direct Out GmbH specialises in innovative pro-audio solutions for broadcast, studio, live events and fixed-installation sound applications. As an internationally active company, it supports customers worldwide in finding ideal solutions to their audio challenges. The company had humble beginnings, with just four people and a strong partner, IMM, supporting the business. Since its foundation in 2008, Direct Out GmbH has steadily grown in prominence and can now proudly boast an impressive client list. From NASA and the Eurovision Song Contest to Formula 1 and renowned bands such as Coldplay and Imagine Dragons – Direct Out has established itself as a trusted provider of first-class audio solutions. The key message the managing director shared with the audience was the importance of a strong network and reliable partners who believe in the idea. The story of Direct Out is an inspiring example of how a company can grow from a small initial idea into an internationally recognised brand. It illustrates that building a strong network and collaborating with trusted partners are the keys to success.

In the second presentation, Tobias Tauscher, co-founder of Cinector GmbH, provided a fascinating insight into the company. Cinector is also based in Mittweida and specialises in Software Development for media production and digital communication, as well as in the development of artificial intelligence in the field of image processing. Cinector’s innovative technology is already being used by well-known companies such as Porsche and Douglas. It makes it possible to effortlessly create impressive video messages and broadcast live streams in TV quality. Tobias Tauscher himself studied at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, where he laid the foundations for Cinector. With the support of SAXEED, an application for an EXIST research transfer grant was submitted and approved at the time. This meant that nothing stood in the way of building up the company and getting it off the ground. His close ties to Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and the town of Mittweida were also very clear in his presentation. The founder began his talk by saying, “I want to embody, to some extent, the values that we too have found here in Mittweida – the reasons why we set up the company here and why we have deliberately sought to conquer the world from here in Mittweida.” He then presented the wide range of applications for the Cinector software to the audience. Guests also had the opportunity to explore various exhibits on display in the rooms and, for example, to transport themselves live into a virtual studio. Tobias Tauscher impressively demonstrated the innovative power and broad scope of application of the Cinector software. The audience was encouraged to explore the wide range of possibilities offered by this technology and to harness its potential for their own projects.

Following these impressive presentations, which demonstrated that ‘hidden champions’ are not to be found exclusively in major cities, visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition area over coffee and cake and discover further exciting companies and projects. Among those present were IMM electronics GmbH, prostartup, proagil, MWE - Mittweida Economic and Development Agency mbH, the Mittelsachsen district, Cinector GmbH, Prof. Hans-Gerhard Kretzschmar’s Technik AG, the Mittweida 3D Printer Lab and the InnoLab at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences. Together, they highlighted the diversity and innovative strength of this region and gave visitors the opportunity to exchange ideas with key players from the business world and make new contacts.

Another major highlight of StartUpDay was the SAXEED start-up get-together, which was opened by the project leader, Prof. Frank Schumann, and took place for the 21st time. “We want to encourage, initiate and support start-ups; we want to make a difference – that’s why SAXEED exists, and that’s also why our colleagues from the other institutions – MWE, IHK, ITZ, prostartup, and the university with all the professors who are also committed to this cause…”, said Prof. Schumann as he welcomed those present, before handing over to Dirk Liebers, who then guided the audience through the rest of the programme. Following the presentation of start-up news from Mittweida, the SAXEED InnoAcademy and the results of this innovative work placement were introduced. “We’ve realised that the InnoAcademy, as a tool, ties in with the region’s key issues, and that’s where we want to build on this – and at an early stage,” reported Dirk Liebers, reflecting on the experiences gained following what is now the third successful run of the InnoAcademy, and outlining plans to extend the concept to general secondary schools with the aim of recruiting skilled workers and to develop it further. The guests were given an insight into the learning process and the projects the students had carried out during their 12-week work placement with their partner companies and with coaching from SAXEED. Among other things, prototypes were developed for interactive videos, explanatory videos and a quiz to raise staff awareness of the issue of discrimination. Following the presentations, partner organisations such as prostartup, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Vrendex had words of praise for their interns, acknowledging their development and commitment within the organisation, and seeing the InnoAcademy as a suitable means of finding talented staff and bringing a breath of fresh air into the company.

This was followed by a presentation of the R42 project by Tom Potutschek, founder of GECKO.2 GmbH from Leipzig. R42 is a fascinating ecosystem within the games industry, designed to blend catering, events, content production, gaming, work and living across seven floors. This unique concept could bring together the traditional economy and the emerging games industry to promote and drive forward innovative ideas across the entire region. In his view, Mittweida is the location in Saxony that has best understood that a great deal is happening in the gaming sector, yet Germany still has some catching up to do: “We consume a great deal, but we produce very little,” said the founder. He first came into contact with Mittweida University of Applied Sciences when he attended beta 2019. He also organises two game jams at the university to raise awareness of the topic. His conclusion following StartUpDay was that it was impressive to see how networking and innovation work here between the university, the city and businesses.

The highlight of the regulars’ get-together was the presentation of the Prof. Detlev Müller Start-up Prize, which was awarded for the sixth time. This prize was established by Prof. Müller in 2018 and recognises spin-offs founded by students and alumni of the university, as well as spin-offs and projects from the university’s research departments. As a driving force for growth and competition in the region, the prize helps to strengthen innovative capacity and promote the regional economy. The entrepreneur after whom the prize is named, Prof. Detlev Müller, presented the award in person, wishing to honour outstanding achievements in the field of business start-ups and innovation. This year’s winner was the InnoLab at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

The InnoLab also received two free tickets for the “meets Perspektivenwechsel” event from Fabian Geißler, a dedicated student at the university. As part of the organising team for this networking event, he wanted to give the tickets to open-minded, young students who could benefit from the event.

At the InnoLab, students can give free rein to their enthusiasm for experimentation and their inventive spirit. Using state-of-the-art technology and resources, they can carry out their own projects and develop prototypes. The InnoLab promotes innovation and offers opportunities to bring creative ideas to life. Mittweida University of Applied Sciences thus enables students to develop their talents and gain practical experience.