Catalyst for Fresh Ideas

The focus of the event was on the practical projects developed by students, developed in collaboration with prestigious companies and innovative startups throughout the semester, as well as the students' own business ideas. International companies such as Varta, Audi, or Festo, as well as NGOs like Caritas were among the clients.

"In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, companies in all sectors must constantly challenge and rediscover themselves through continuous innovation. Our study program not only offers companies the opportunity to exchange knowledge with students but also creates space for fresh and forward-thinking ideas. With over 1,000 successfully completed projects, we have already gained more than 100 satisfied business and research partners," said Institute Director Dr. Nikolaus Franke.

Pitch-Perfect

During the event, the respective projects were presented in short 45-second pitches and evaluated by a high-profile jury, including Aina Reljič (Pawzler), Jim Lefebre (Varta AG), Katharina Binder (collectiv:a), Viktor Penzinger (i5 Growth), Andrea Putz (FFG), Berndt Schwarzinger (Microsoft), and Peter Stebe. In the batte rounds, the audience decided on the most convincing pitch of the evening.

AI Wine Recommendation Platform Crowned Winner

The team around presenter Gábor Pintér emerged as the winner with their artificial intelligence-based wine recommendation platform. "We recognized that the diversity of wine offerings can be overwhelming for many consumers. With 'Bibite,' we launched a platform designed to understand each user's individual taste and provide personalized wine recommendations using artificial intelligence," said Pintér, who previously won the last E&I Touchdown with his environmentally friendly and affordable cement concept, Zenyth Innovations and is the only pitcher to date to win two consecutive Touchdowns.

The E&I Touchdown is part of the eXplore! funding initiative, initiated by the B&C Privatstiftung and Michael Tojner, aiming to bring research and entrepreneurship closer together in Austria.

Touchdown as EcoEvent, supported by grand partners

We extend heartfelt thanks to our diamond partner UniCredit, our silver partner RHI Magnesita and our partners Brindlmayer, bykarl.at, Ottakringer, RedBull and Vöslauer. For the first time ever, the E&I Touchdown was recognized as EcoEvent by the City of Vienna, complying with strict environmental criteria to minimize our carbon footprint. Special thanks go to our beverage partners, who supported us in this endeavor.