A mobile test chamber for small satellites and an AI-powered smart hairdressing chair: The two founding teams from THM have reached the finals of the Hessen Ideas Competition with two innovative ideas. On September 16, BERT spacesystems and Hairconomy will present their innovations and hope for a place on the podium.

BERT spacesystems is the brainchild of students Yaris Winter Jimenez, Malwin Najmadin, Jonas Derksen, and Leon Budimovic. Their idea: a mobile test chamber for satellites. This chamber simulates extreme space conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperatures, weightlessness, and intense solar radiation – all within a mobile unit. Their motto: "Those who emerge from our chamber will no longer fear space."

Manufacturers of small satellites often lack the resources, expertise, and time for extensive test campaigns. As a result, 35 percent of all small satellites end up as space debris. BERT spacesystems aims to change this: "We are developing more than just a test facility – we offer a comprehensive solution that efficiently and reliably prepares small satellites for deployment. In doing so, we are setting a new standard – an important step towards sustainable and future-oriented space travel."

Hairconomy aims to revolutionize the hairdressing industry with an AI-powered smart salon chair. The idea comes from Salah Alnachawati, Wafaa Al Nachwati, Arthur Freye, and Osama Nouralddin. "A classic salon chair is transformed into an intelligent, networked chair that digitally supports the entire salon – the world's first patentable, AI-powered smart salon chair," explains the founding team.

Equipped with an AI assistant for hairdressers, it recognizes salon availability in real time, handles appointment scheduling, digitizes processes, automatically reorders necessary materials, and provides support in advising clients. Hairconomy's message: No one should be left behind or forgotten by the "train of the future"—especially not tradespeople. "We work for an economy that serves people, not the other way around," the team emphasizes.

Hessen Ideen is an initiative of the State of Hesse, Hessian universities, and Hessian companies. This statewide startup competition, now in its tenth year, will recognize the best startup ideas to sustainably strengthen the startup culture.

The award ceremony will take place as part of an anniversary event on September 16th at the Lokschuppen in Marburg. There, the 13 innovations presented to a wide audience and the prize money, totaling 21,000 euros, will be awarded.