With 250 tickets distributed, StartupSpritzer #108 at FH JOANNEUM was completely sold out. On a Wednesday evening in the middle of the semester, the event demonstrated just how strong the interest in student innovation and entrepreneurship is in Graz.
At the centre of the evening were the start-up ideas developed by the 2025 cohort of the Master’s degree programme Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The students presented their projects to a larger audience for the first time and shared insights into the work they had been developing over the past months.
Among the featured projects were:
- Eclipse-Events – a platform designed to make events easier to discover, book, and enjoy, including an integrated loyalty system.
- RECEM – a sustainable approach for the cement industry using a bio-based additive to reduce CO₂ emissions and give waste materials a second life.
- SubSmart – a solution helping users gain more clarity and control over their subscription services.
- RAUS – a platform simplifying group travel by connecting hotels and experiences in one place.
The evening was hosted by Corina Winkler and Isabella Jacob from the 2024 cohort, who guided the discussions with thoughtful questions and confident moderation.
Alumni and partners of FH JOANNEUM also contributed their perspectives: alumnus Maximilian Kottnig shared his journey from student to founder of Dualify, while Craig Matthews from Science Park Graz highlighted the connection between student innovation and the regional start-up ecosystem.
Programme Director Christian Friedl also presented current insights from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and addressed the idea that entrepreneurship in Austria often fails not in execution, but before it even begins.
Beyond the official programme, the event was especially shaped by conversations, networking, and the exchange of ideas — moments that may become the foundation for future projects and collaborations.
Special thanks go to the Ideentriebwerk team, whose support played a key role in making the evening a success.
