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JKU Linz Danube Cup

Welcome to Danube Cup 2024 and to the host of this year

The 8th international Pitching Contest

The Danube Cup is an annual International Pitch Competition for students of universities along the Danube. Two Hungarian top universities, Corvinus University of Budapest and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, founded the competition in 2016. Danube Cup’s mission is to bring start-ups to international success, while bringing together the most motivated university start-ups along the river Danube. This year’s 8th edition is organized by the Johannes Kepler University in Linz..
Rooted in regional tradition but endowed with a strong international perspective, the Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) supports and fosters high-quality standards in research and education, aiming to become a top-rated European university. The JKU’s 50-year success story includes progressing from an institution of higher-level education in social and economic sciences to becoming one of Austria’s largest educational institutions in university-level education and research.
Johannes Kepler University

The LIT Open Innovation Center (OIC) where the Danube Cup will take place this year was designed as an open-plan research hub to bring science, academia, and real-world practices together, thereby supporting a circular economy and sustainable polymer production. Constructed in 2019, the contemporary building is a place to conduct research and development in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Robot Intelligence, IT Security, Information Electronics, and Industry 4.0.

Together with the LIT Factory, the LIT OIC is an open platform designed to not only conduct research into the potential of advancing digitalization, but also create cross-industry solutions and manufacture innovative products.

 

What can you expect at Danube Cup 2024?

The Danube Cup is a unique opportunity for early-stage student start-up teams.

Start-up Pitching Contest
  • compete with other student start-up teams on an international level
  • receive professional business advice from experienced start-up mentors and entrepreneurs
  • learn that international market research is a must
  • understand the importance of start-up validation
  • practice pitching in front of a jury
  • make friends with other local and international students
  • get familiar with ecosystem players and widen your social network
  • connect with students from other countries and broaden your network
  • find additional team members with skills currently missing in your team
  • teams at the final competition win a prize
  • the winning team can keep the perpetual Danube Cup trophy for one year

National Pre-Selection

Each partner university individually nominates two student start-up teams to participate in the semi-final. The sixteen teams will be mentored by the respective universities preparing for the semi-final. To be eligible, teams must meet the following requirements and must be nominated by the delegating universities of the Danube Cup network.

Selection Criteria:

  • Validation: We are looking for teams that have already performed validation research for their ideas, at least locally. This event is not an idea competition, so teams are required to have already performed some market research or gained traction. The applicants must have validated the business idea among potential customers, the product must be innovative and enjoy a growth potential independently of local market trends.

  • Team sizeTeams must have at least two, maximum five total members. Participants can only be a member of one team.
  • Availability: In principle, the teams must be available for the Danube Cup program; in exceptional cases, a single member may also pitch. 
  • Student teams: Teams may contain non-university member participants. However, the majority of the members should be composed of registered students and one of them should be studying at Danube Cup partner universities.
  • Funding: Teams must be in a early stage, that have not received equity related financial backing by professional third-party accelerators, existing companies or venture capitalists.
  • Summary: Teams participating in the Danube Cup must consist of 2 to 5 members, with each participant belonging to only one team. Student teams are encouraged, with a majority of members being registered students, including at least one from partner universities. Delegated startups should have a validated business concept, are innovative, have growth potential, are in international demand and no external (market-) capital for equity has been raised.  An existing prototype is not a prerequisite of application.

Danube Cup Start-up Teams & national winner

Johannes Kepler University Linz I Austria

Pflegezeit – PflegeZeit, offers valuable support for people caring for relatives with dementia at home. PflegeZeit not only provides tested exercises for personal care, but also creates a sense of community and understanding through old, often forgotten songs and cultural content. Personal care with PflegeZeit also makes physical care much easier, which also benefits carers in nursing homes.

Surfjobs – SURFjobs stands for ‘See Your Future’ and is Austria’s first mobile career guidance & job platform, where future apprentices and young professionals can find out about their career opportunities through authentic short videos and with the help of artificial intelligence. From career guidance and insights into companies and jobs to a simple application to the chosen company in just two clicks, nothing stands in the way of a successful start to professional life.

Corvius University of Budapest – Hungary

Casar Fashion – Fast fashion trends and throwaway consumption created an environment in which consumers are easily bored with their clothing. It can be because of the lack of uniqueness and emotional connection. They are quickly abandoned, which has a harmful effect on the environment and contributes to overconsumption.

uMix3D – Globally, one in three clothes purchased online are returned by customers mainly due to the wrong size and poor visualisation options. uMix3D is a platform with a virtual fitting room that provides an ideal solution to this problem by allowing users to try on their personalised 3D avatars clothes we model with millimetre precision. Moreover, customers can even create a full outfit. Our solutions are also beneficial for fashion brands, as they can both reduce the rate of product returns and increase sales. With our internationally recognised specialists we also create digital content for our clients, such as a 3D marketing video or an AR filter. Our team is not only competent but also determined to make uMix3D a success.

Budapest University of Technology and Economics – Hungary

BridgeAID – BridgeAID aims to bring a breakthrough in transport infrastructure maintenance with the next generation of bridge monitoring systems. Continuously measure and analyse bridge conditions and traffic. BridgeAID takes engineering and management decision-making to a new dimension, enabling predictable and effective intervention.

stArt – For individuals seeking spontaneous plans on a free night of the week, finding the perfect event within a few minutes can be quite challenging. Likewise, for event organizers, getting people to step out of their comfort zones and attract new faces to their establishments is quite a challenge. stArt addresses both of these issues by connecting the two groups.

University of Belgrade – Serbia

Artemi – Artemi is a innovative mobile game that merges thrilling digital gameplay with physical activity and real-world exploration, promoting health and social interaction. The primary goal of Artemi is to redefine the mobile gaming experience by creating an innovative game that blends engaging digital gameplay with physical activity, specifically walking, to promote health benefits among its users. Our objective is to leverage the universal appeal of gaming to encourage a more active lifestyle, transforming routine walks into captivating adventures and social experiences.

Movebly – Moveably, a student startup stemming from a student company, introduces an innovative digital platform based on the auction principle, acting as an intermediary in brokering deals between carriers and clients. We streamline the process for carriers in finding jobs, while simultaneously providing clients with a faster and simpler way to discover cost-effective carriers, facilitating the transport of goods.

University of Passau – Germany

Luvia – Following the example of the „Augsburger Modell“, our business offers the organization and construction of pigeon lofts. Current measures are meant to deterrent (spikes, nets) and do not tackle the issue at its root cause: breeding compulsion. Pigeon lofts give you direct access to the eggs, which can be swapped and each swapped egg equals one less pigeon. Additional benefits are: reduced costs compared to current measures, less pigeons on the streets and cleaner cities.

Reviving Rugs – Reviving Rugs creates premium handbags through the upcycling of designer carpet samples. Our innovative use of this distinctive material not only ensures superior quality but also embodies sustainability and individuality. Tailored to customers with a passion for both design and environmental consciousness, our handbags stand as exquisite, artisanal accessories.

Regensburg University of Applied Sciences

FlowHerb – FlowHerb aims to offer customers a unique experience, combining the pleasures of gifting, aesthetics and fine cuisine. Customers are able to buy beautiful flower bouquets for themselves or for others, but those flowers not only look good, they can later be turned into brilliant recipes that taste great. Nothing goes to waste.

University of Regensburg – Germany

VoluLink – VoluLink is a social start-up that aims to strengthen non-profit organizations by providing IT expertise from the corporate world. We are addressing the social challenge that many non-profit organizations need support in the area of digitalization, partly due to a lack of time and human resources, in order to increase their effectiveness and better reach target groups.

Pendura – Pendura is developing a platform that, through advanced blockchain technology and AI, enables automated and cost-effective sustainability reporting in global supply chains, significantly improving information flow and data quality

Vienna University of Economics and Business – Austria

Zenyth Innovation – As consumption reaches new heights by the day, one must wonder, where does human waste end up. At Zenyth Innovations, we have followed sewage treatment processes from top to bottom and identified an array of wasted and landfilled resources waiting to make an impact. We are developing a software based solution to establish new markets, create new revenue streams for stakeholders and provide novel sustainable materials to clean up heavy industries. By rethinking the potential of sewage treatment, we are bringing the new standard of responsible circular economy resources to life.

Evidenta.io – Evidenta.io is a startup operating in the recruitment industry, committed to enhancing the hiring process with its innovative ecosystem. Evidenta’s mission centers on creating a trusted job market, where every individual’s achievements are valued and the focus shifts from company brands to the personal accomplishments of candidates. This is enabled by four core features: a standardized CV builder for effective resume presentation, a robust CV verification system for authenticity, an AI-powered recommendation engine for precise candidate-job matching, and a unique reward system to foster active engagement.

Prices

1st Price – Danube Cup Trophy, Cash Price € 1000,-

2nd Price – Cash Price € 600,-

3rd Price – Cash Price € 400,- 

Winners

DC Winner

1st Place – Artemi          2nd Place – BridgeAID          3rd Place – Luvia 

Danube Cup Event Team

Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Elisabeth S.C. Berger
Petra Muschitz, BA - LIT Open Innovation Center - Teamlead, Operations and Event Management
Christoph Frei, BSc, MA - LIT Open Innovation Center Team - 	Marketing and Communications
Safak Bilgic - JKU LIT Open Innovation Team - Entrepreneurship Management

Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Elisabeth S.C. Berger – JKU Head of the Institute for Entrepreneurship

Petra Muschitz, BA – JKU LIT Open Innovation Center Team – Teamlead, Operations and Event Management

Christoph Frei, BSc, MA – JKU LIT Open Innovation Center Team – Marketing and Communications

Safak Bilgic – JKU LIT Open Innovation Center Team – Entrepreneurship Management

The Danube Cup Jury

Semifinals

Danzer Roman – Germany – OTH Regensburg

Thomas Steger – Germany – University of Regensburg

Maria Diekmann – Germany – University of Passau

Petheő Attila – Hungary – Corvinus University of Budapest

Pal Danyi – Hungary – Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Mladen Čudanov – Serbia – University of Belgrade

Monique Schlömmer – Austria – Vienna University of Economics and Business

Katharina Kloibhofer – Austria – Grand Garage

Birgit  Wimmer – Austria – tech2b

Elisabeth  Berger – Austria – Johannes Kepler University

Finals

Norbert Leskó – Hungary – Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Philipp Moser – Austria – Upper Austrian Economic Chamber

Tamara Čolić Milosavljević – Serbia – University of Belgrade

Kathrin Obernhumer – Austria – Tabak Fabrik Linz

Mara Schneider – Germany – University of Passau

News

Celebrating Innovation and Teamwork: University Students Shine at Danube Cup 2024 International Final Pitch Event in Linz

The annual Danube Cup Final Pitch Event, where students from different disciplines presented their creative business concepts, had an electrifying atmosphere. This occasion honoured vital teamwork in addition to inventiveness and ingenuity. 

What set this event apart was its emphasis on the entrepreneurial mindset, which is an outlook that values creativity, adaptability, and perseverance. Pupils demonstrated that they were fully aware of what the market demanded and that they could alter their plans and make improvements in response to feedback. The well-prepared presentations and original ideas showcased how intensive training and coaching cultivated this style of thinking.

The teams gathered to compete with company ideas and models at the intriguing Tabakfabrik location on May 16 in Linz for the semi-final. During the networking sessions that followed, judges and business leaders gave students insightful input. The students’ enthusiasm for entrepreneurship was further stoked by these exchanges, which also helped the finalist teams prepare for the final competition and offered insights into real-world company dynamics. 

 In addition to honouring the results of the students’ labours, the Final Pitch Event reaffirmed the value of collaboration and an entrepreneurial attitude. Out of the fifteen student teams, eight made it to the final through the semifinal. The students got the opportunity to present their revised ideas, which they had received from the eminent jury, in the final round of the competition on the last day. 

First place went to Artemi from the University of Belgrade, second place went to BridgeAID from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and third place went to Luvia from the University of Passau. The judges and the audience were impressed by the final three top teams’ professional and creative presentations, which showcased their ground-breaking concepts, in-depth market analysis, and creative solutions. 

We express our gratitude to our amiable and industrious colleagues at the University of Linz and the LIT Open Innovation Centre for their tireless efforts and impeccable planning that preceded, accompanied, and concluded the Danube Cup 2024 International Pitch Event. We can’t wait to assemble the following round of teams for the Danube Cup 2025 International Pitch Event in Belgrade in 2025. 

Hope to see you there!

Danube Cup Network

The partner network of the Danube Cup comprises nine universities from five countries