Lia and Franziska are studying - and preparing to start their own business at the same time
It can happen that quickly: Last year, Franziska and Lia attended a course together, developed an idea, designed a prototype and are now already preparing to found a start-up. With the support of TecUP, Paderborn University's Technology Transfer & Business Start-up Centre, the two students want to be founders soon.
Franziska and Lia are studying Management Information Systems in the Master's programme at Paderborn University, while Lia is also studying Business Administration. The two met in catch-up courses at the beginning of their Master's degree programme and discovered their shared interest in data science, although both had previously studied International Business Studies at other universities. They are now both working in the Data Analytics department under Prof Müller and want to write their Master's thesis next semester.
But this is not just the start of a wonderful friendship during their studies; the two friends are soon to become business partners. The idea was born in the "Digitalisation in the healthcare industry" course in the 2019/2020 winter semester, when the three of them were still working in a team with another fellow student. After their project received consistently good feedback and Lia and Franziska themselves were also convinced by the idea, the thought of actually realising the idea matured in them. Since then, they have been working on their app "Digimenz" and are preparing to found a start-up.
What exactly is "Digimenz"?
Digimenz is an app for dementia patients, relatives and doctors. People affected by dementia can use the app to train their cognitive skills. The individual applications can be customised by uploading photos of relatives and integrating them into games and other fields. An example exercise would be to match the name of a relative to their picture. However, photo collections with memories can also be created, which then serve as a digital photo album. The type of applications and the level of difficulty are adapted to the user's level of dementia.
The advantage of the app is that it not only benefits those affected, but also other groups involved such as relatives, doctors, carers and special institutions. By recording the data, conclusions can be drawn about the mental state and its changes can be documented.
The idea is convincing
After the concept of the app was convincing in the course, Lia and Franziska wanted to pursue the project further, which is why they approached start-up coach Kian Malucha from TecUp. He suggested that they take part in the Call for Ideas competition for business ideas. They came second, but it wasn't just about winning. "The advice you receive and the network you can build up in such competitions are worth just as much."
The project has been running since spring and is quite a challenge in terms of time alongside university and work at the chair. "A start-up like this is very time-consuming. You can't just do it on the side." After the Master's thesis in the winter semester - in which Franziska is working on the validation of Digimenz - the Individual Research Study is due as part of the Master's programme. "We hope that we can learn a few things there that will help us with our project later."
The two friends are currently in the so-called pre-foundation phase. The focus here is on orientation, planning and organisation as well as financing issues. Their plan is to apply for a scholarship so that they can dedicate themselves full-time to Digimenz. In order to advance the app, the two students are in lively dialogue with all user groups to identify the wishes and requirements for their application.
Don't despair, ask TecUp!
They receive support for their start-up-to-be from TecUp and their mentor at the university, Prof Dr Dr Claus Reinsberger from the Department of Sport and Health. "The feedback and suggestions really help us move forward. We were able to take advantage of the many offers and workshops digitally despite coronavirus, which worked really well and helped us move forward."
The offers from TecUP and garage33 are not only aimed at students who already have concrete ideas, but also at those who are just developing such ideas and want to realise them later. "Our tip for anyone looking for ideas: Take courses. So go through the module handbook and see which courses have such projects."
With courage, belief in the idea and a clear goal in mind, Lia and Franziska have already taken the first steps towards their start-up. At the moment, they are prioritising their studies, but with their degree in the bag, they want to really take off.
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More information about TecUP, the Technology Transfer & Business Start-up Centre at Paderborn University.
