How did you come to participate in the IAA.prototype.club 2023?

DriveX’s journey to the IAA.prototype.club 2023 Mobilitython began serendipitously. While exploring the IAA Mobility trade fair, they chanced upon the prototype.club booth. Intrigued by the ongoing challenge addressing the management of on-demand working hours for TÜV Nord employees in dealerships, DriveX felt an immediate connection to the problem. Despite the tight timeline, the prototype.club team welcomed them into the competition, setting the stage for a dynamic and engaging participation at the Mobilitython.

What was the challenge and what was your solution?

The challenge presented to DriveX at the IAA.prototype.club 2023 Mobilitython focused on devising a system to synchronize data between TÜV Nord inspectors and car dealerships, incorporating an incentive mechanism for the latter. Despite joining the competition with less than 24 hours remaining, DriveX swiftly developed a Figma prototype and a compelling PowerPoint presentation. Their solution aimed at creating a smart communication tool bridging customers and workshops, along with a digital maintenance book, showcasing their adaptability and innovation in a short timeframe.

How was the participation for you?

Participating in the IAA.prototype.club 2023 Mobilitython was a fast-paced yet rewarding experience for DriveX. Despite joining late, they embraced the challenge, enjoying the exciting on-site presentation where the engaged jury sparked interesting discussions. The dynamic exchange led to contact-sharing, indicating a positive trajectory for future collaboration. TÜV Nord expressed interest in linking DriveX with their colleagues in Scandinavia for a potential rollout, underlining the constructive outcomes arising from their participation.

What advantages does the prototype.club concept have?

DriveX values the prototype.club concept for its direct access to major decision-makers in corporations. The platform uniquely facilitates communication that might otherwise involve lengthy processes like emails or cold calling. The specific nature of prototype.club challenges allows companies to find tailored opportunities, streamlining the connection between startups and significant industry players.

Would you recommend the participation to other startups?

DriveX highly recommends prototype.club to fellow startups. They emphasize the exceptional support provided by the prototype.club team and the well-organized challenges. The team’s commitment and flexibility, even accommodating last-minute entries, greatly contributed to DriveX’s positive experience and success in the competition.

„And on Wednesday, we happened to meet DriveX quite by chance, and we were very surprised. They were happy to get to know us, saw the challenge, understood it, and spontaneously jumped on board on Thursday and pitched. The result was very, very good. Despite the short onboarding time, they really understood the challenge well.“

At DLG.prototype.club 2023, CLAAS teamed up with prototype.club to explore cutting-edge solutions for the tractor cabin of the future. Through this collaboration, promising startups were identified to bring innovative UX and control concepts to life. The result? A visionary approach to modern farm machinery that enhances user experience and efficiency.

The Goal

CLAAS sought innovative UX/UI solutions to transform the tractor cabin into a smart farm control center. The challenge was hosted at DLG.prototype.club 2023, where startups presented groundbreaking approaches to interface design, visualization, and interaction.

The Collaboration

Working with prototype.club, CLAAS engaged with cutting-edge startups to rethink how operators interact with farming machinery. The focus was on:

• Intuitive User Interfaces – Simplifying complex controls
• Advanced Visualization – Improving data display for better decision-making
• Seamless Interaction – Enhancing the operator experience

The Winning Concept

Lumos, an innovative startup, convinced CLAAS with a future-oriented UX design. Together, they developed a concept that reimagines the tractor cabin as an intelligent control hub, integrating modern data visualization and interaction technologies.

What’s Next?

The insights gained from this collaboration will help shape the next generation of CLAAS tractors. prototype.club continues to connect CLAAS with innovative startups, driving technological progress in agriculture.

The challenge

CLAAS aimed to redesign the user experience of tractor cabins, making them more intuitive and efficient. The challenge brought together startups specializing in UX/UI, interaction design, and data visualization to explore future-ready solutions.

What startups brought to the table

Through prototype.club, CLAAS engaged with a diverse group of startups, each offering fresh ideas to improve interface usability, operator comfort, and smart data integration. The concepts explored ranged from gesture-based controls to AI-driven assistance, challenging traditional design approaches.

Key learnings

Based on the collaboration, several key takeaways emerged:

• Simplicity matters – Operators need intuitive controls to focus on the job, not on complex technology.
• Data accessibility is crucial – Real-time insights should be displayed clearly and contextually.
• New technologies offer new efficiencies – AI, automation, and smart visualization can enhance productivity.

Studicon scored the first place of the TÜV NORD challenge during the IAA MOBILITY 2023. The task for the IAA.prototype.club was to develop a way to synchronize data between TÜV inspectors and garages. Studicon’s innovative solution convinced the diverse jury.

What is Studicon doing?

Studicon is a dynamic consulting firm specializing in connecting businesses with a vast network of Young Experts. With a pool of over 8,000 highly skilled and knowledgeable young professionals, Studicon provides innovative solutions to complex challenges across various industries. Their mission is to deliver top-tier consulting services, akin to industry giants, at a significantly more accessible price point. They bridge the gap between businesses seeking specialized expertise and the emerging talents eager to contribute their skills. Their Young Experts possess a diverse range of knowledge, spanning from business and engineering to IT and digitalization. Studicon’s unique approach allows companies to access cost-effective, high-quality consultancy services, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Why did they participate in the IAA.prototype.club?

Participating in the IAA.prototype.club 2023 was a strategic decision for Studicon. They initially learned about the challenge through a personal recommendation and were captivated by the event’s innovative format. „While our typical clientele is cultivated through conventional sales channels and referrals, the IAA.prototype.club presented a novel and exciting opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities, network with industry leaders, and demonstrate our expertise. This challenge was a chance for us to exhibit our proficiency in tackling real-world issues and developing innovative solutions.“ says Ole, Project Manager at Studicon. It allowed them to explore creative ideas, work alongside like-minded teams, and present their problem-solving talents on a prominent stage.

How did Studicon experience the IAA.prototype.club?

„Our experience at the IAA.prototype.club was nothing short of exhilarating. From the moment we embarked on this journey, the entire process was meticulously structured and clear. The collaborative onboarding meeting helped us quickly grasp TÜV Nord’s challenges, igniting a surge of innovative ideas.“ explains Ole from Studicon.

Working on solutions was immensely enjoyable. They derived immense satisfaction from brainstorming, crafting, and developing creative answers to real-world problems. However, the true highlight was the IAA MOBILITY itself, where they could present their solutions to a live audience. Engaging with fellow participants, prospective clients, and the energetic teams from TÜV NORD and prototype.club was inspiring. „It strengthened our bonds, deepened our insights, and reinforced our dedication to driving innovation and effective problem-solving in the business world.“

What was the solution for TÜV NORD?

„Our solution, the TÜV NORD SmartSync System (TNSS), is an innovative platform underpinned by big data and artificial intelligence. It’s designed to streamline inspection processes between auto dealerships, workshops, and TÜV NORD.“ describes the Studicon Project Manager. TNSS fosters seamless communication and data transfer among all parties, offering a plethora of features.

These include an online booking system, dynamic pricing, a mobile app for data transfer, and a bonus/loyalty program. But it doesn’t stop there. TNSS incorporates intelligent functions like predictive models, route planning, customer behavior analysis, quality management, and a customer support chatbot. This comprehensive solution enhances efficiency, boosts customer engagement, and augments predictability while providing a competitive edge in the market. It’s a game-changer for inspection processes, with innovation and quality at its core.

What happened after the IAA MOBILITY 2023?

Following the IAA, Studicon’s focus shifted to preparing for the Scoping Workshop. During this phase, they concentrated on refining their concept, and these ideas are currently in the process of being reviewed and adapted by TÜV NORD. They’ve also begun conceptualizing initial Minimum Viable Products and eagerly await the first round of feedback. „We’re enthusiastic about the future of our collaboration and the possibilities it holds. Our aim is to forge a strong and productive partnership that has the potential to revolutionize the inspection process, benefiting both TÜV NORD’s customers and our company.“ states Ole. Looking ahead, they aspire to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions and, together with TÜV NORD, explore new concepts grounded in artificial intelligence and big data. This future collaboration is brimming with innovation and promises to yield significant advancements.

Why Studicon recommends prototype.club to other startups:

„Without a doubt, we wholeheartedly recommend other startups to get involved in prototype.club events. The advantages are abundant.“ emphasizes Studicon. It’s a fantastic platform for enhancing visibility, fostering new customer relationships, and building trust in the industry. Beyond this, it’s an opportunity to showcase your skills and unleash creativity. The concept of prototype.club itself is brilliant. It serves as a bridge connecting startups with major corporations, often facing specific challenges they’re eager to resolve. prototype.club’s challenges provide a unique arena for startups to demonstrate their expertise and connect with prominent industry players without the typical barriers to entry. It’s an unequivocal win-win situation for all involved, propelling innovation and fostering fruitful collaborations.

Together with APCOA we discover innovative solutions for the cities of tomorrow. As their open innovation partner, we offer startups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas seamlessly. Together, we evaluate these proposals and implement the best solutions in the Urban Hubs.

What is the actual idea behind urban hubs?

Urban Hubs are innovative urban spaces designed to facilitate smart mobility and optimize urban infrastructure by integrating various modes of transportation and services. They aim to enhance accessibility and sustainability in cities by promoting collaboration among local stakeholders, businesses, and residents.

Already today, urban hubs should connect different everyday experiences, ideally linking different services:

Powercloud is at the forefront of revolutionizing billing platforms, working collaboratively with customers and partners to shape the future of energy management. Their commitment to innovation and talent acquisition is evident through initiatives like the powercloud GmbH Speed Hackathon, where they engage with young professionals to address challenges such as credit scoring. With a focus on creating cutting-edge solutions and fostering partnerships, powercloud is leading the way in driving innovation within the energy sector

What was the powercloud hackathon about?

The challenge presented at the powercloud hackathon encompassed both technical and non-technical tasks. Participants were tasked with leveraging Powercloud’s event system to compute internal credit scores for customers, extracting relevant data from the customer lifecycle. Simultaneously, they had to develop a scoring system based on various customer lifecycle events and external credit scores. This involved defining events, determining derived information, and establishing a methodology for calculating internal credit scores. Participants were also required to ensure transparency and devise a strategy for continuous model improvement based on available customer data.

What did prototype.club deliver?

Prototype.club played a pivotal role in facilitating the powercloud hackathon, providing valuable support and resources to ensure its success. Through their expertise in organizing innovation competitions and fostering talent acquisition, prototype.club helped streamline the hackathon process and engage participants effectively. They provided logistical support, promotional efforts, and platform infrastructure for hosting the event, allowing participants to focus on tackling the challenge at hand. Additionally, prototype.club facilitated networking opportunities, connecting participants with industry experts and mentors to enhance their experience and maximize collaboration. Overall, prototype.club’s contribution was instrumental in driving innovation and fostering a dynamic environment for problem-solving and skill development.

Smart Grids BW is a platform at the forefront of the energy industry, bringing together stakeholders from the energy sector, industry, politics, and academia. Their focus lies in intelligently connecting energy sources and engaging stakeholders to shape the future of energy. As a proud member of Smart Grids BW, prototype.club collaborates closely with the platform to drive innovation and promote sustainable energy solutions.

What is SmartGrid BW’s focus?

Smart Grids BW is dedicated to advancing the integration of intelligent energy networks, with a focus on key areas such as smart meter rollout, e-mobility, smart neighborhoods, and sector coupling. Through initiatives such as Park4Flex, Bürger voller Energie, and the Smart Grids Roadmap Baden-Württemberg 2.0, Smart Grids BW leverages innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships to optimize energy management, enhance grid reliability, and facilitate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Their efforts aim to foster a more interconnected and efficient energy ecosystem, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.

How does the cooperation work?

The collaboration between Smart Grids BW and prototype.club takes place through various channels and engagements. Both organizations actively participate in industry events, trade fairs, and congresses related to the energy sector, where Smart Grids BW often joins prototype.club’s booth to engage with visitors and showcase innovative projects and initiatives. Additionally, prototype.club members attend Smart Grids BW’s events and workshops, fostering knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. The collaboration extends beyond physical events to include online interactions, joint projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring a dynamic and impactful partnership between the two organizations.

What are the benefits for SmartGrids BW and prototype.club?

The collaboration between Smart Grids BW and prototype.club brings mutual benefits to both parties. For Smart Grids BW, the partnership provides access to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, innovative solutions, and industry expertise through prototype.club’s network. This collaboration enhances Smart Grids BW’s ability to stay at the forefront of innovation and drive the adoption of intelligent energy networks. Conversely, prototype.club gains valuable insights, resources, and opportunities for collaboration within the energy sector, bolstering its mission to facilitate connections between startups and industry stakeholders. Together, the collaboration strengthens both organizations‘ efforts in promoting sustainable energy solutions and driving the energy transition forward.

KOINNO, the Competence Center for Innovative Procurement, is a vital initiative under the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Dedicated to fostering innovation within the public sector, KOINNO offers a range of services and support mechanisms to promote innovative procurement practices. At prototype.club, we share KOINNO’s mission and collaborate closely to advance our common goals, facilitating connections between startups and public sector buyers to drive innovation and create new opportunities in public procurement.

What does KOINNO do?

KOINNO, the Competence Center for Innovative Procurement, plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation within the public sector. Established by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KOINNO offers a comprehensive suite of services and resources aimed at facilitating innovative procurement practices. These include workshops, seminars, one-on-one consultations, and an online toolbox. KOINNO also operates the KOINNOvationsplatz, providing a platform for startups and public organizations to list their offers and needs. Through these initiatives, KOINNO seeks to encourage public sector buyers to explore new solutions, broaden their horizons, and ultimately drive innovation forward.

How do they collaborate with prototype.club?

KOINNO and prototype.club collaborate closely through various channels to promote innovative procurement practices and facilitate connections between startups and public sector buyers. This collaboration includes joint participation at industry fairs and events, where they share a booth to provide advice and guidance to companies seeking innovative procurement solutions. Additionally, KOINNO provides valuable insights and expertise for interview and information materials distributed within the prototype.club network, helping to educate and inform. Most importantly, KOINNO acts as advising partner for public sector clients of prototype.club to ensure compliance with public procurement law. Through these collaborative efforts, KOINNO and prototype.club work hand in hand to drive innovation and foster meaningful connections in the public procurement ecosystem

Watch the interview with Peter Schlösser, Project Manager at KOINNO, about their collaboration  with prototype.club

AGCO played a central role at Agritechnica 2023, hosting a challenge focused on „Multi-route optimization for autonomous infield machine collaboration.“ The goal was to enhance coordination in agricultural tasks.

OmegaLambdaTec GmbH stood out with a groundbreaking solution that not only impressed the jury but also aligned seamlessly with AGCO’s vision for the future of farming. Their optimized route not only considered speed and cost-effectiveness but also environmental factors. This collaboration highlights AGCO’s commitment to innovation and sustainable agriculture.

What was the AGCO challenge about?

The AGCO challenge at Agritechnica 2023 revolved around „Multi-route optimization for autonomous infield machine collaboration.“ In the agricultural landscape, where tasks like plowing, sowing, and harvesting demand intricate coordination, the challenge sought innovative solutions. The aim was to replace uncoordinated movements of individual autonomous and manned machines in the field with a sophisticated system. This system would facilitate seamless interaction among several machines running in parallel and streamline their routes.

Harvest precision quest

The imperative lay in addressing the tight harvest window, requiring an efficient and synchronized harvest chain. AGCO, a global leader in agricultural equipment, sought a cutting-edge tool for effective communication and planning across diverse machines in the field.

What was the winning solution?

OmegaLambdaTec GmbH emerged victorious with their groundbreaking approach to „Multi-route optimization for autonomous infield machine collaboration.“ Their ingenious solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the entire harvest operation, integrating autonomous and human-driven machines seamlessly. The winning algorithm not only optimized routes for speed and cost-effectiveness but also factored in environmental considerations.

Revolutionizing agriculture through simulation

Visualized through a 2D simulation, the Farm Manager, Combine Operator, and Tractor Operator could interact effectively with the system. OmegaLambdaTec’s solution promised to revolutionize the agriculture industry, aligning with AGCO’s commitment to innovation and sustainable farming practices.

Watch now the interview with Laszlo Füri, Director DevOps Digital and Enterprise, about the experience with prototype.club

As a pivotal part of the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022, prototype.club joined forces with a renowned partner to tackle pressing challenges in transportation technology: Collaborating closely with DLR, the initiative focused on revolutionizing vehicle recognition accuracy through cutting-edge solutions. Following rigorous evaluations by a diverse expert jury, the outcomes were met with unanimous excitement and approval.

The contribution from startup ANavS, with their expertise and commitment, played a crucial role in navigating the project to success. This collaboration underscores the power of synergistic partnerships in driving innovation and shaping the future of transportation technology.

What was the DLR challenge about?

In 2022, prototype.club embarked on a dynamic collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), delving into a challenge that sought to revolutionize vehicle recognition accuracy using camera data. The focal point of this endeavor? The precision of trajectory calculations for the bustling A39 highway.

Challenges on the Lower Saxony Test Field

Within the context of the Lower Saxony test field, the existing image recognition system grappled with a considerable 50cm localization error, compounded by demanding computational requirements. The challenge unfolded as a quest to craft real-time image recognition software capable of pinpointing and localizing vehicles, with a specific emphasis on calculating the trajectory of cars navigating the A39 highway. As an added layer of complexity, participants were encouraged to explore features like identifying other objects, classifying vehicles according to EU standards, and documenting variables such as velocity and acceleration.

Sprinting towards success at IAA Transportation 2022

Participants were provided with raw camera data from dual vantage points, challenged to engineer a prototype within a mere two weeks. The culmination of this sprint saw the unveiling of innovative solutions at the prestigious IAA Transportation 2022. A noteworthy incentive awaited the team that achieved the lowest localization error — a coveted follow-up order to collaboratively elevate their prototype into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) over the next 100 days in tandem with the DLR. This collaborative venture exemplified the synergy between cutting-edge technology and aerospace ingenuity, promising groundbreaking advancements in image recognition systems.

What was the winning solution?

What seemed to be impossible at first turned into a surprisingly amazing solution in the end. Within 2 weeks, teams crafted prototypes, unveiled at IAA 2022. The winning team secured a follow-up order for MVP development, marking a triumphant success story. 

ANavS impresses with extraordinary prototype

Who is DLR and what are they doing?

As the national research institution for aviation and space, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) stands at the forefront of aerospace research and technology development. Renowned for its pioneering work, DLR engages in a spectrum of endeavors, spanning space exploration, aeronautics, energy, and transportation. With a commitment to advancing scientific understanding and technological innovation, DLR plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation, space exploration, and sustainable transportation solutions. Their collaboration with prototype.club on refining vehicle recognition exemplifies their dedication to cutting-edge research with real-world applications.

How can open innovation work with public institutions?

Open innovation in public institutions harnesses the power of collaboration between government entities and innovative startups like ANavS to drive progress and efficiency. With the support of organizations like KOINNO, innovative procurement methods are employed, ensuring that processes remain within legal boundaries while allowing public players to benefit from cutting-edge solutions. prototype.club’s successful track record in this arena demonstrates the effectiveness of such partnerships, not only in saving costs but also in expediting processes. By embracing open innovation, public institutions can leverage external expertise and agile methodologies to tackle complex challenges effectively, ultimately fostering a culture of advancement, like the DLR did.

How did the collaboration continue?

Since IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022, DLR and ANavS have collaborated closely, showcasing their joint achievements at the HANNOVER MESSE 2023. ANavS emerged as the challenge winner, and the collaboration is set to continue at IAA MOBILITY. This partnership, sparked during Mobilitython 2022, led to the development of an innovative real-time vehicle detection system. The ongoing collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and facilitating discussions on lessons learned with the support of Kompetenzzentrum innovative Beschaffung (KOINNO).

At E-world energy & water 2023, prototype.club teamed up with EnBW to tackle the challenge of modernizing solar park inspections. This partnership brought together industry leaders and innovators to reimagine the future of energy efficiency. The jury from EnBW joined us at the event, witnessing firsthand the ingenuity and creativity of participants as they presented their groundbreaking solutions. Explore this page to delve into the journey of innovation and collaboration that defined the EnBW challenge at E-world.prototype.club.

What was the challenge background?

The challenge background revolves around the imperative need to modernize the inspection processes for solar parks. Currently, these inspections demand significant manpower and resources, leading to high costs and delays in defect detection. With distributed PV parks, skilled workers spend considerable time commuting, resulting in inefficiencies. Moreover, periodic inspections contribute to revenue loss due to delayed defect identification and underutilization of optimization potentials. However, advancements in drone technology offer promising solutions. The rapid development of drones, sensors, and related hardware presents an opportunity to automate inspections, optimize resource utilization, and enhance overall efficiency in solar park maintenance.

What was the challenge about?

The EnBW challenge at E-world energy and water 2023 centered on revolutionizing solar park inspections through the strategic utilization of commercially available drones. Participants were tasked with conceptualizing solutions to enable automated, efficient, and cost-effective inspections. The primary objective was to enhance automation, ensure continuous availability, and optimize resource utilization in the inspection process. By leveraging the latest advancements in drone technology, participants aimed to develop innovative solutions that would streamline inspection processes, expedite defect detection, and ultimately contribute to maximizing the operational efficiency and profitability of solar park management.

What was the winning solution?

The winning solution, developed by DiAvEn UG, offered a groundbreaking approach to solar park inspections. Leveraging cutting-edge drone technology, their solution provided a fully automated inspection process, ensuring continuous monitoring and swift defect detection. By integrating advanced sensors and software systems, DiAvEn UG’s solution not only optimized resource utilization but also minimized downtime and maximized operational efficiency. Their innovative approach promised significant cost savings, enhanced safety measures, and unparalleled accuracy in solar park maintenance, marking a milestone in the evolution of inspection methodologies.

Driving innovation forward

The EnBW challenge at E-world energy and water 2023 not only showcased the prowess of participants in addressing pressing industry challenges but also underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. By fostering an environment of creativity and ingenuity, prototype.club continues to serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking solutions that drive progress and sustainability. The success of the EnBW challenge exemplifies the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in shaping the future of energy production and management.