With KICKSTART, Hof University of Applied Sciences has launched a funding program that starts at a very early stage of a potential start-up – with the development of ideas and prototypes. The KICKSTART teams have six months to develop their idea into an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or prototype.
Image:Hof University of Applied Sciences.
The mission
How did you come up with this idea?
“The idea simply came from our everyday life in the Formula Student Team. While working on the car, we realized how annoying and time-consuming some electronic solutions are – rewiring every time, tinkering with everything somehow. So we thought: there must be an easier way. Why not a circuit board that can be used flexibly for different purposes – especially in prototype construction or for racing cars? That’s how we came up with the idea of building something of our own that could not only help us, but also other teams.”
Studying or working alone is already very time-consuming and exhausting. Nevertheless, you are also busy developing your own start-up idea. Where do you get your motivation from?
“We are simply motivated by the fun we have with technology – and the desire to create something that is really needed. It’s super exciting to see how an idea becomes a real product. When we work together as a team, it doesn’t feel like extra work at all. We learn a lot in the process, and the idea that the whole thing can also help others gives us an extra boost.”
The Kickstart program is designed to promote the further development of ideas that are at a very early stage. You can receive up to 7,500 euros in financial support for this. How do you use the funding specifically?
“The money will really help us to get off to a flying start. We want to have professional prototypes made – so we don’t want to solder everything together ourselves, but build them “properly”. To do this, we need test equipment and software tools to develop the circuit boards properly.”
At the end of the six months, do you already know what you want to do next? What are your long-term goals? Are you aiming to set up a company?
“Yes, definitely! We want to turn the whole thing into a real product. Some people have already shown interest – especially in connection with the Kickstart program. That really encourages us that we’re working towards something worthwhile. After Kickstart, we want to apply for an EXIST grant, for example, to take the next step towards founding a company.”
What have you learned from the project so far? What would you like to pass on to other people interested in starting a business?
“Just do it! You can plan forever, but you learn the most when you get started. Also: get feedback early on – not just from the technical side, but also from people who will be using your product later on. It’s easy to get lost in the technical details, but ultimately the product has to solve a real problem. And what is super important for us: the team. You may go faster on your own, but you get further together – and it’s simply more fun. Find a strong team. With the right people, every problem can be solved.”
