More than 90 teams from Technical University of Munich applied for the TUM IdeAward. Following an online pitch, a jury selected three winners. The award is presented jointly by TUM, UnternehmerTUM, and the Zeidler Research Foundation, which provides the total prize money of €37,500.
First place goes to QuantumDiamonds. Dominik Bucher and Robin Allert, a scientist and student at the Department of Physical Chemistry, are using so-called NV diamonds as sensors in a research project on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Targeted point defects in the crystal lattice of these diamonds lead to special electromagnetic properties, making NV diamonds suitable for sensor applications. Potential applications include quantum technologies, biology, and chemistry. The team is also receiving funding from the TUM Venture Lab Quantum.
Second place goes to BugSense. The team, comprised of students and doctoral candidates in biotechnology, medicine, electrical engineering, business administration, and industrial design, has developed a test that can detect pathogens that cause urinary tract infections more quickly, more cost-effectively, and without the need for trained personnel. The test also identifies existing bacterial resistance. If the test is administered by the patient themselves, a smartphone app takes over the evaluation and can transmit it to a doctor's office.
Brainsight takes third place. Using an electroencephalogram (EEG), it records the brain activity of video game testers while they play. To evaluate the measurements, the founders developed an algorithm trained using machine learning methods. This should allow the results of a game test to be presented more accurately than previously possible with questionnaires. The team consists of electrical engineering student Vadim Juris, theoretical particle physics graduate Vladislav Samoilov, and management and technology student Philipp Zent.
Premiere for TUM Deep Tech Idea Award
The TUM Deep Tech Idea AwardIt is part of the Global DeepTech Venture Initiative, launched in 2020. The goal of the initiative, jointly run by TUM and UnternehmerTUM, is to develop Munich into Europe's best deeptech ecosystem. In addition to the €40,000 prize money for preparing their startup, the teams will each receive a €10,000 grant to support them in settling in Munich.
First place goes to Koralo, who developed a fish alternative made from mushrooms. Before settling in Munich, the team collaborated across borders, including Brazil, India, and the Netherlands. They will be integrated into the TUM Venture Lab Food/Agro/Biotech in the future.
Holloid takes second place. The Austrian team has developed a microscope technology that can analyze bacteria, algae, yeast, microplastics, and other particles in 3D and real time. It is also supported by the TUM Venture Lab Food/Agro/Biotech.
Third place goes to Farbe with its platform for marketing and presenting digital art. It enables digital exhibitions, auctions, and blockchain-based verification, for example. This team was also founded across national borders, including Mexico and Pakistan.
