In between, there were countless discussions, research projects, discarded ideas, new perspectives, initial client meetings, presentations, cost calculations, and sometimes the realization that good ideas only become truly great through many iterations.
That’s exactly what our “Startups” course in the 4th semester of Information Design is all about: not just teaching entrepreneurship, but bringing it to life. The students developed their own design startups—from positioning and corporate design all the way to implementing their first real-world client projects.
A big thank you goes to the wonderful course team: Tomislav Bobinec, Anika Kronberger, Bettina Gjecaj, Christoph Neuhold und Tanja Hatzl-Schönbacher. Courses like this can only come to life when many people contribute their diverse perspectives and experiences.
We’d also like to thank our external experts Kira Schinko, Nils Kaltschmidt, Julia Kloiber und Kathrin Hiller. Your insights showed the students just how varied entrepreneurial paths can be—and how valuable it is to exchange ideas with people working in the field.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our clients and project partners: BASE Graz, Farngrün Grabpflege, Gleichstellungsbüro FH JOANNEUM, Verein Grazer Mitte, Die Bewegungsrevolution, die International Design Week der FH JOANNEUM, Lendwirbel, Xiling Fair Fashion, Steirerkraft Kernothek, HELMUT LIST HALLE, Citymanagement Graz, Seen Blue Organisation, Autohaus Gady, Lendwabe. Thank you for your trust and for giving our students the opportunity to grow through real-world projects.
The graduation gala once again demonstrated just how much potential these young designers have. There were pitches, discussions, laughter, and celebrations—and, above all, it became clear what can be achieved when creativity meets entrepreneurial thinking.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey.
