04.07.2025

Different business ideas – similar challenges

On Thursday, July 3rd, we invited several young and ambitious entrepreneurs to the Startup Center. What they have in common: All of them are supported by “EXIST – Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft”, a funding program that encourages students, graduates, and scientists from the University of Tübingen and associated institutions who are interested in starting their own business.

Despite their diverse fields of expertise, the founders usually face similar challenges. 

For instance, they have to deal with rapidly changing market conditions - especially in the field of AI. German bureaucracy also poses some difficulties during the start-up process, as do issues related to the search for co-founders and investors.

Meeting other potential entrepreneurs gave the founders the opportunity to connect over shared issues and discuss coping strategies. In addition to the exchange among themselves, they also received valuable input from our startup consultants.

The following teams took part in the event: 

pi_optimal

This tech startup has designed an AI-based open-source platform which enables developers and data scientists to use reinforcement learning without in-depth expert knowledge. 

BIOCOMPILE 

This bio-tech startup provides a platform to optimize the resource-intensive design process of microorganisms by using AI. 

YugenSpace 

This space-tech startup develops specialized satellites together with a prompt-based, AI-driven platform that makes satellite data accessible to everyone. 

TuCAN 

This med-tech startup develops tablet- and computer-aided diagnostic procedures for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. 

Elastheal

This bio-tech startup develops a synthetic, mRNA-based technology to promote elastin synthesis and restore the skin’s natural elasticity. 

The Startup Center would like to thank all the participants of this event for their valuable contributions, and looks forward to welcoming ambitious founders again next time!