TECHgrow 2025 - A week full of innovation and exchange at KIT

International start-up teams develop pioneering technologies and experience effective collaboration at KIT
Gruppe junger Menschen vor Bildschirm mit TECHgrow-Winners Begrüßung am KIT Gebäude.
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Last week, we successfully completed the TECHgrow program at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Our Phase 1 winners - LumiGuard, CheInnovations and Altruistech - further developed their prototypes, refined their pitch decks and networked with the German innovation ecosystem.

One of the biggest success factors of the week was the close support and individual mentoring sessions. Each startup team had the opportunity to sit down with experts who provided detailed feedback on their PCB designs. Together, strengths were identified, hidden problems uncovered and new development opportunities pointed out. This practical support showed the founders concrete next steps and a clear vision for the further development of their prototypes.

In addition to the lab and coaching sessions, the program also offered space for cultural exchange. On Saturday, we explored the Palatinate region, known for its wine, landscape and history. The highlights included:

  • A visit to the Italian-style summer home of Ludwig I of Bavaria

  • A ride on the nostalgic chairlift to castle ruins with breathtaking views

  • A typical German lunch with schnitzel and wine spritzer

A big thank you to everyone who made this week possible - the doctoral students at ITIV, our partners at KIT Gründerschmiede and GIZ. Special thanks go to the KIT team: Markus Lehner, Janik Weis, Felix Fromback, Patrick Brecht, Wilhelm Stork, Nermin Siam, Jacqueline Layh, Thomas Neumann and Moritz Fonda Ludwig from GIZ for his support.

We wish the entrepreneurs all the best for their projects: Marta Toni Atwine, Messach Samuel Luminsa, Joseph Okileng, Diana Ruth Nambooze, Abdul Karim Sesay and Faith Waithira Ndung'u. Together, we have created an inspiring bridge between African innovation and German high-tech expertise.