COURAGE - THE NRW 2024 START-UP PRIZE

The winners of the MUT Start-up Award NRW 2024 have been announced: three innovative start-ups from Aachen, Olpe and Rheine share prize money totaling 60,000 euros.

Düsseldorf, 28 October 2024 - The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and NRW.BANK are awarding the "MUT - DER GRÜNDUNGSPREIS NRW 2024" to three companies with pioneering ideas in digitalization and sustainability. The innovative approaches of Incoretex GmbH (Aachen), Greis Beschichtungstechnik GmbH (Olpe) and SO DONE GmbH (Rheine) were honored. The prize money totaling 60,000 euros was distributed among the three winners.

Incoretex GmbH wins first place and 30,000 euros in prize money

First place and prize money of 30,000 euros go to Incoretex GmbH from Aachen. Founded by Dr. Martin Riebe, the company develops intelligent product solutions that combine sensor technology, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Incoretex platform makes it possible to transform everyday products such as mattresses or fitness equipment into interactive systems that adapt optimally to the needs of users. The technology is already widely used, including in the mobility industry and in retail, where precise foot measurement and customizable mattresses are used, for example.

People like them are making North Rhine-Westphalia an attractive and sustainable location by breaking new ground with courage and innovation.

Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur

Greis Beschichtungstechnik GmbH: Environmentally friendly coating technologies win second place

The jury honored Greis Beschichtungstechnik GmbH from Olpe with prize money of 20,000 euros. The company, headed by Nicolas Greis, specializes in environmentally friendly surface coatings and offers innovative solutions for corrosion and fire protection. A unique telescopic drying system reduces throughput times in coating processes by up to 50%, which not only improves efficiency but also environmental compatibility. Greis Beschichtungstechnik relies on low-solvent materials and continuously invests in sustainable standards.

The technological innovations of this year's winners set new standards for the economy of our country and inspire many other people interested in starting up their own business.

Gabriela Pantring, Deputy Chairwoman of the Managing Board of NRW.BANK

SO DONE GmbH secures third place with AI against online hate

SO DONE GmbH from Rheine has been awarded third place and prize money of EUR 10,000 for its AI-based solution to combat online hate. The founding team - Franziska Brandmann, Marcel Schliebs and Alexander Brockmeier - has developed software that recognizes hate comments and helps those affected to remove them and consider legal action. This free service protects the rights and freedom of expression of users and strengthens democracy in the digital space.

Background to the competition

With prize money totaling 60,000 euros, the "MUT - DER GRÜNDUNGSPREIS NRW" is one of the most highly endowed start-up prizes in Germany. In 2023, the awards went to companies from Rösrath, Düsseldorf and Bochum. The jury, headed by Prof. Dr. Christine K. Volkmann, is made up of representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, NRW.BANK and experts in the fields of business and start-ups.