Over the past year, the BHT Startup Hub has had the privilege of supporting three outstanding startups: Scripe, Dialectics.com, and Wavess. With the support of the Berliner Startup Stipendium and the BHT Startup Hub, these teams have achieved remarkable milestones, such as gaining their first paying customers, validating their solutions in real-world markets, and securing the confidence to tackle their next big steps.

Here’s a closer look at their inspiring journeys:

• Scripe has transformed content creation on LinkedIn with AI, recently securing a pre-seed funding round.
• Dialectics is empowering people with Type 1 Diabetes through interactive, expert-driven online courses.
• Wavess is redefining B2B marketing with neurosciene, offline data and AI-driven tools that boost efficiency and results.

Their time at the BHT Startup Hub was marked by a focus on refining key product features, validating their offerings with real customers, and receiving invaluable guidance from our dedicated coaches and mentors. These elements were critical in helping them overcome challenges and build a solid foundation for future growth.

Recently, we bid them farewell during a gathering at our coworking space, followed by the BSS Startup Nexus Event at SAP Data Space, organized by avant now // innovation for impact. This inspiring event showcased some of the most promising BSS startups, particularly those offering solutions in ClimateTech. It was a fantastic opportunity for networking and celebrating the spirit of innovation.

We couldn’t be prouder of Scripe, Dialectics, and Wavess. Their dedication, creativity, and resilience inspire us all, and we are excited to see how they will continue to shape their industries. Join us in wishing them every success as they take their next steps in their entrepreneurial journeys!

The BHT Startup Hub recently had the privilege of participating in an inspiring evening dedicated to changemakers in sustainable fashion. The event, part of the quarterly Impact Stories series at Impact Hub Berlin, brought together leaders and innovators driving real change in the circular economy. Through heartfelt stories, engaging discussions, and valuable networking, the evening showcased how bold ideas and creative solutions are shaping the future of fashion.

At the heart of the evening were three remarkable speakers:

• Martina Steinke, a sustainable stylist and advocate for “shopping in your own closet,” shared her vision for moving away from fast fashion. Through initiatives like Fashion Revolution, Martina inspires mindful consumer choices and a more circular approach to fashion.
• Frank Peralta, founder of Peralta Clothing, and Dalma Braun, founder of Dollitta the Brand, presented their collaboration on upcycled leather. From high-performance engineering to bespoke designs showcased at Berlin Fashion Week, their work highlights the harmony of industrial innovation and sustainability.
• Marte Hentschel, Co-CEO of VORN — The Berlin Fashion Hub, explored the intersection of supply chain sustainability, collaborative design, and digital innovation. As a serial entrepreneur, Marte champions systemic transformation within the fashion industry.

The event’s format—featuring short, impactful presentations followed by open dialogue—allowed for an intimate and meaningful exchange of ideas. Drinks and networking further fostered connections among attendees, creating opportunities to collaborate and innovate.

The event was part of the A-B-Circular project to promote the climate-neutral manufacture of products “Made in Berlin” in the design/fashion and architecture/construction sectors. The A-B-Circular project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affaitd, Energy and Public Enterprises as part of the call for a circular economy in the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026.

On November 20, 2024, our event at the Infocenter of the former Tegel Airport as part of the MATERIAL CULTURE BERLIN TXL 2024 exhibition was a tremendous success! Together with our future partner, Urban Tech Republic, and Circular Berlin, we welcomed a full house.

The event provided an inspiring platform for startups, companies, and enthusiasts to explore the future of building with recycled and regionally sourced materials. Engaging presentations, lively discussions, and an interactive Business Matching Game made the day an unforgettable experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and our partners, especially Urban Tech Republic, for the fantastic collaboration. Together, we are shaping a sustainable future for the construction industry!

This is event is part of the A-B-Circular Project funded by the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026.

Berlin combines tradition and innovation in science and research. The Brain City campaign, an initiative of Berlin Partner for Business and Technology together with the network of Berlin’s science partners, was launched to highlight the capital’s diversity and strengths.

We have also become part of this campaign: In an Instagram reel, Adelina from the startup Sulpont gave an insight into her work and the BHT startup with its co-working space.

If you would like to find out more about her path to founding a company, how the BHT Startup Hub team supported her and what you can do in the co-working space, take a look at the short interview.

The BHT Startup Hub had the opportunity to contribute to the programme at the Transferale, the science and transfer festival of the ‘Zukunft findet Stadt’ project.

The first event, which was part of the A-B-Circular project of the Masterplan Industriestand Berlin, focussed on ‘New Building’ and offered the opportunity for a lively exchange with experts from science and industry. The construction industry continues to be characterised by high CO2 emissions and large amounts of waste – but there are signs of change that can be seen in various aspects. Whether through building in existing buildings, which Prof Matthias Haber from the BHT showed with the project ‘A Building Life’, which convincingly demonstrates the qualities of reuse in the construction industry, or the ‘House of Transformation’, which Prof Sebastian Feucht from the HTW presented – it is becoming increasingly clear that the construction industry is undergoing change and that the time is ripe. In a panel discussion with Sofia Ceylan, architect and founder of TOMAS Transformation of Material and Space, and Simon Kimmel, project manager for the Urban Tech Republic at Tegel Projekt GmbH, it became clear that one of the challenges standing in the way of change is still the cost. Traditional construction methods are still more cost-effective. However, this should not prevent us from creating space for experimental projects and thus paving the way for sustainable realisations.

The second event brought together the BHT Startup Hub, HTW Startup, HWR Startup Incubator Berlin and Impact Hub Berlin. All incubators had the opportunity to present themselves to interested participants and provide an insight into their funding opportunities for founders. There were also six start-up teams who, despite their different subject areas – from sustainability in the skilled trades to a fertility care platform and a type 1 diabetes platform – all have one thing in common: They want to make a difference with their solution.

We are delighted to have been part of this exciting and inspiring event and look forward to further opportunities to make a difference together. This provided an opportunity for a lively exchange with experts from science and industry.

After twelve months of support, coaching and mentoring, it was recently time for us to say goodbye to five startups: Tekkr, Homesome Living, SulPont, Maluma and Fion Energy. Last year, they were all part of the Berliner Startup Stipendium, a support programme for startups at our BHT Startup Hub, funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy & Enterprises and ESF.

Despite many challenges, realignments and team changes, all startups were able to make great progress on their start-up journey – even four of them gained paying customers, which is a great success.

Although both their overall journey and their business models were very different, they all agreed on one thing: the BHT Startup Hub and its programme of coaching and workshops on various topics, as well as the financial support from the Berliner Startup-Stipendium, gave them the security and confidence they needed in the early stages of setting up their businesses.

We are delighted to have been able to accompany them over the past twelve months and wish them every success in their future endeavours – and of course we hope to see them again at the Startup Hub and Coworking Space, where they are always welcome.

The textile industry remains one of the sectors with the highest CO2 emissions, which is why the circular economy harbours great potential in this industry. But what is the best way to combine fashion and sustainability? Innovative solutions were presented on 2 July 2024 in the Beuth Halle at Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) at our event “Circular Fashion: Embracing Sustainable Design and Couture”, as part of the A-B-Circular project to promote the climate-neutral manufacture of products “Made in Berlin” in the design/fashion and architecture/construction sectors. The A-B-Circular project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affaitd, Energy and Public Enterprises as part of the call for a circular economy in the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026. The event not only highlighted the importance of circular economy principles, but also inspired participants to integrate these practices into their own designs and businesses.

 

The programme opened with inspiring keynotes from industry and academic leaders, including Prof. Dr Florian Schindler from BHT, Anke Pfau from the Association of the North-East German Textile and Clothing Industry (vti), Jens Heitland, former Global Head of Innovation at IKEA Centres, and Catalina Panoiu from HYUNDAI CRADLE. Their insights into the challenges and opportunities of the textile circular economy provided the framework for a discussion full of insights and practical strategies for implementing the circular economy.

 

A panel discussion moderated by Janna Schlender from IMPACT HUB Berlin with experts such as Prof. Marte Hentschel from VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Aleksandar Kovacevic from Re-Fresh Global further enriched the dialogue. They explored sustainable innovation, partnerships in the circular economy and the transformative potential of eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry.

 

The programme also included pitches from start-ups and a fashion show where the founding teams and designers presented their creations that incorporate upcycling elements and redefine eco-friendly aesthetics. Among others, Reverse Supply, The Loop Look, Re-Fresh Global, La Moda Me, Peralta Clothing, Kristin Verita Katze, Emma Lafoz and Canussa were there with their remarkable contributions.

 

The BHT GLASBOX team, part of the project “Zukunft findet Stadt – Hochschulnetzwerk für ein resilientes Berlin” also demonstrated how sustainable projects can be realised. Organised as a makerspace, the GLASBOX is intended to promote creative exchange and is open to BHT students and employees as well as external visitors. The space is equipped with 3D printers, sewing and stitching machines.

Business information, support and creative projects by and for female entrepreneurs. The Female Founders Day on 29 May 2024, organised by the BHT Startup Hub (Berliner Hochschule für Technik), was packed with useful insights and offered female founders inspiration and valuable input for their start-up journey. Our partners Startup Incubator Berlin (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht) with Sandra Thumm, HTW Startup (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft) with Lena Scholp and Claudia Dünckmann and Berlin Partner for Business and Technology were also on board.

The programme included exciting keynote speeches, interesting and diverse pitches from female founders with their innovative and creative projects as well as reverse pitches from women’s networks and organisations.

A particularly motivating and inspiring speech was given by Victory Magazine’s ‘Most Influential Woman of the Year 2023’, Denise Schuster, CEO of Park Your Truck. Her refreshing talk vividly demonstrated ambition, hard work and a positive attitude help you overcome a number of challenges on the way to becoming a successful business in the (male-dominated) transport and logistics industry. And always keep a good portion of flexibility as well as adapt and expand your business idea to the given circumstances.

 

#femalefoundersday #BHTStartuphub #femalefounders #BHT

Together with Cradle to Cradle NGO, HWR Berlin – in cooperation with BHT and other universities of applied sciences is organizing a cross-university Makeathon.

As part of an ideas competition, interdisciplinary student teams develop sustainable and innovative solutions for the cultural and event industry. Participation in the Makeathon is open to students and startups from all disciplines.

THE CHALLENGES
The student teams work on challenges relating to the ecological sustainability of companies, start-ups and organizations in the event and cultural sector – from the development of new products and processes to cross-sector innovations and systemic solutions.

To address these challenges, the Cradle to Cradle NGO is sharing its knowledge from the project “Labor Tempelhof” to the students. With the help of cradle to cradle and circular design principles for the event industry, climate-and resource-positive products, processes and innovations were developed and tested at major concerts with over 180,000 visitors. In the Makeathon, these findings are to be used, further developed and transferred to related areas together with the students.

The following challenges are planned together with partners from the event and culture industry:
1. Circular and sustainable solutions for large concerts
2. Circular and sustainable solutions for museums
3. Circular and sustainable solutions for theaters
4. Circular and sustainable solutions for trade fairs

When does it start?
It starts with the kick-off on 30.05.2024, followed by the idea generation phase and the preparation of pitches until 03.06.2024.
On 4 June 2024, the jury will evaluate the best ideas and the selected teams will have until 1 July 2024 to further develop their prototypes and concepts and finally present them on 2 July 2024.

The Makeathon is part of the A-B-Circular project to promote climate-neutral manufacturing of products ‘Made in Berlin’ in the design, fashion & fashion and architecture & construction industries.
The project is being realised as part of the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin from the thematic funding call CIRCULAR ECONOMY and financed by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.

Further information and registration options can be found HERE.

We look forward to your participation and wish you lots of fun and success with real challenges from the world of business!