06 June, 2025
News
The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), leading Work Package 6 “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” within the EUt+ Alliance, has confirmed its leading role and strategic approach in developing entrepreneurial culture across the alliance. This is the essence of the EUt+ Incubation Program, which, after a creative six-month journey, culminated in the grand final at the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in Germany, receiving enthusiastic feedback and warm support from all attendees.
More than 100 participants experienced an inspiring afternoon on June 3rd at the h_da campus, immersed in innovation. Students, researchers, academic and administrative staff from nine European universities, along with experts and local stakeholders, contributed significantly to making the EUt+ Incubation Program final the highlight of the Darmstadt Work Week. The event opened with a welcome speech by the President of h_da, Prof. Dr. Arnd Steinmetz, who stated: “When we talk about start-ups, the USA is always seen as the model. However, I believe there is also huge potential here in Europe.”
The final featured representatives from eight of the nine alliance universities: five teams and three individual participants who competed for the grand prize in a challenging process. Each had five minutes to pitch their entrepreneurial idea followed by two minutes of questions from the jury. Our student from Cyprus, Korina Michail, presented her proposal “SoulConnect,” a digital mental health platform, impressing the audience with her sensitivity and clarity.
After all presentations, the Vice-Rector for Research and Sustainable Development at h_da, Prof. Dr. Nicole Saenger, announced the winners:
- 3rd place: University of Cassino & Southern Lazio – “Graphene Breathe: filters for air purification in animal farms.”
- 2nd place: Technical University of Sofia – “Solar Blinds: smart solar-powered blinds for building facades.”
- 1st place: Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN), Romania – “Rhythm Touch: a bracelet that converts music into vibrations, providing access to music for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.” Their slogan: “Change the World with Music.” The Romanian team impressed the jury not only with their idea but also with a touching video showing deaf people dancing with the help of the bracelet — a memorable moment that rightly earned them the top prize.
The student team from UTCN, winners of the EUt+ Incubation Program’s first prize, gained more than just recognition — they earned a unique life experience. The Rhythm Touch team will travel to Cyprus to participate in an intensive and creative summer camp in Limassol, hosted by the Cyprus University of Technology!
During the semester of the Incubation Program, 148 students from EUt+ member countries developed 52 business ideas in total. Through nine online masterclasses—covering topics from funding and marketing to legal issues and pitching techniques—participants gained the tools necessary to turn their ideas into viable solutions.
The success of this first cycle confirms that the EUt+ Incubation Program was not a one-time event. On the contrary, it will return next year even stronger to continue fostering innovative thinking and nurturing the European entrepreneurial ecosystem for the new generation.
The Cyprus University of Technology remains at the forefront of this effort, creating synergies, opening pathways, and strengthening the vision of a Europe that innovates, collaborates, and creates without borders.
We thank Darmstadt for the hospitality, cooperation, and support!
Source: impact.h-da.de / Daniel Timme
Credits: Samira Schulz