The robotics startup Sitegeist (formerly Aiina Robotics) has won the third "Munich Startup Special Prize" at this year's Bits & Pretzels conference. The special prize goes to the best Munich startup at Bits & Pretzels 2025 and is endowed with €5,000.
The award was presented on October 2nd in the Schottenhamel tent at the Oktoberfest. Sitegeist impressed the jury with its innovative approach. The team developed a AI-driven solution and modular robotswhich counteract the shortage of skilled workers and ensure greater safety and productivity on the construction site.
Award for Munich startup at the Founders Festival
With the third award of the "Munich Startup Special Prize," Munich Startup aims to strengthen the visibility of innovative startups from Munich as a platform. By awarding the prize, Munich Startup also sends a clear signal to recognize the innovative strength of the Munich startup community and underscores the important role Munich plays as a startup hub.
Arno Eggers, Head of Munich Startup, explains the award:
"The Munich Startup Special Prize aims to highlight outstanding Munich-based founders. Sitegeist demonstrates how innovative thinking and bold entrepreneurship are shaping the future of Munich's startup scene. We are delighted to be able to accompany the team on this journey."
Significance for the Munich startup scene
The Minister for Labour and Economic Affairs, Dr. Christian Scharpf, congratulates:
"Munich is a hotspot for startups and the scaling of innovative business ideas. Sitegeist provided an outstanding example of this at Bits & Pretzels – honored with this year's special prize from Munich Startup."
The winning team is overjoyed with their success. Co-founder Lena Pätzmann says:
"For us, it was an honor to even be invited to pitch at Bits & Pretzels. To then make it to the finals and win was the cherry on top. We feel incredibly honored. And the fact that Munich Startup is now supporting us with €5,000 is truly amazing!"
Just a few months ago, Co-Founder Founder Julian Hoffmann an interview, in which he discusses the startup's founding story and his vision for the future.
