Innovative ideas, creative solutions to societal challenges, and entrepreneurial thinking are what THM-Ideeco, the startup competition of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), is all about. On June 9th, nine finalist teams will present their concepts live on the stage of the "Altes Hallenbad" theater in Friedberg.

With a total of 26 submitted ideas, this year's competition has set a new record. Nine teams convinced the jury and qualified for the final pitch round.

In the final round, students present ideas such as limiting food waste, improving long-term residential care, or developing a tool for ratings that never expires. The Ideeco competition thus demonstrates the wealth of practical, sustainable, and future-oriented ideas generated at the university.

In the final pitch round, the teams present their ideas live to a jury. Following each pitch – each team has five minutes – there is a short Q&A session, the results of which, along with the presentation, are factored into the evaluation.

For the idea creators, there are also attractive prizes at stake: First to third place will receive prize money totaling €4,500. In addition, a special sustainability prize worth €1,500 will be awarded. The audience can also have its say and award a separate audience prize.

“IdeaCo is an important building block of our start-up and transfer culture at THM. The aim is to make innovative ideas visible, promote entrepreneurial thinking and create prospects for spin-offs,” emphasizes Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Frey, who as Vice President is responsible for the areas of research, transfer and Young Academics .

The competition also serves as a springboard for participants to secure further funding and increased visibility. Previous winning teams have subsequently received grants such as the Hessen Ideas Scholarship, the EXIST Start-up Grant, or funding from the Distr@l program of the state of Hesse. Two former Ideeco teams have even won the Hessian Start-up Award.

In addition to the competition, the event offers a platform for exchange, networking, and discussions about entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology transfer. Students, researchers, companies, and aspiring entrepreneurs come together to talk to each other.

The THM-Ideeco final will take place on June 9th at the "Altes Hallenbad" theater (Haagstraße 29) in Friedberg. Admission is free. The event starts at 5 pm, with doors opening at 4:30 pm.

Further information about the competition and registration can be found at: https://thmideeco.de/2026.