Three RWU start-ups in the state finals

The start-up Smart Size (Matthias Jäger and Tobias Schmähling) won the prize for the best pitch in the final of the state-wide start-up competition ASAP BW (Academic Seed Accelerator Program). A total of 26 teams competed against each other on 19 July, each with a 90-second pitch in front of the audience and a five-member jury. Three startup teams from RWU were represented in the finals with their different business models.

HabitHaven
An app to break bad habits and implement better habits for a happier, healthier and more balanced life.

Upgrade Scholarship
A business-funded scholarship and mentoring programme designed to help gifted but socially and/or culturally disadvantaged students in grade 8 and above graduate with a high school diploma commensurate with their cognitive abilities.

Smart Size
An intelligent app that uses a specially trained AI to calculate the optimal shoe size based on a foot photo and suggests suitable shoe models. For fewer returns in online retail. Winner of this year's BEST PITCH Award.

This is the tenth time that innovative business models from university teams in Baden-Württemberg have been awarded prizes in the competition. The state-wide competition aims to motivate students and alumni of Baden-Württemberg colleges and universities to develop and implement their creative ideas into business models. The competition is part of the state campaign "Start-up BW" as well as part of the Gründermotor state initiative and has been held every six months during the semester since 2018. After the final, the participants had the opportunity to network with important decision-makers and present their ideas in more detail to potential supporters and customers.

"Qualifying three teams for the finals of such a prestigious competition as ASAP BW is a great recognition of the commitment, creativity and entrepreneurship of our talented students. We are grateful to support and accompany these dedicated teams and congratulate Matthias Jäger and Tobias Schmähling from Smart Size on their win!", says Kai Schmid, Startup Coach and Head of the Startup Centre at RWU.

More information on the competition, the teams and the programme is available at gruendermotor.io.