DuCem UG, a TUBAF spin-off, has won first place in the Central Saxony Awards 2024 with its idea for innovative coatings in drywall construction. The prize was awarded at the SAXEED Innovation Day, which brought together founders, students and industry at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. The evening demonstrated the importance of start-ups for the region and provided a platform for dialogue and inspiration. SAXEED remains a central partner for start-up support in Central Saxony.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mittelsachsen Award. Nine of the ten nominated start-up teams presented their innovative ideas in an exciting pitch format. The winners, who were determined by public online voting, were then honoured:

1st place: DuCem UG from Freiberg, Adrian Bajrami, Founded in 2024

The DuCem UG team, a spin-off from TU Bergakademie Freiberg, has developed an innovative process for thin cement coatings in drywall construction. It produces surface-ready construction products such as plasterboard and insulation materials with improved properties. The technology offers advantages such as shorter construction times, better planning and more sustainability in the construction industry.

"The start-ups that emerge from the application-oriented research projects at TU Bergakademie Freiberg are real role models: They not only create innovative solutions, but also valuable jobs in our region," explains Prof Fieback, Vice-Rector for Research, International Affairs and Transfer at TUBAF.

"With the SAXEED Innovation Day, we are starting right here to make this positive development visible and to further strengthen the corporate landscape in Central Saxony. The packed hall and the presence of numerous entrepreneurs and business development representatives emphasise the relevance of this topic. I am therefore all the more pleased that the district of Central Saxony is presenting the Central Saxony Award to outstanding start-ups and new businesses as part of this event," added Andre Uhlmann, Head of the SAXEED start-up network at TUBAF.

2nd place: New Age of Food UG, Odette and Abdelilah Lamkhizni, founded in 2024

The "New Age of Food" project promises fresh food around the clock and could be the future of vending machine catering. The special thing about the vending machines is that food is gently heated in just two minutes using integrated infrared technology and is available 24 hours a day in reusable containers. There are plans to set up a franchise system so that other restaurateurs can also sell their food to people with minimal labour costs.

3rd place: SEBB GmbH from Hartmannsdorf, Franziskus & Maximilian Stopp, founded in 2021

SEBB GmbH emerged from research into cellular glass gravel during Franziskus Stopp's Master's degree. His work demonstrated the advantages of a foam glass ballast foundation solution over conventional floor slabs. In 2021, the idea of a sustainable and cost-effective foundation cushion was honoured with the eku Future Prize Saxony.

The SAXEED Innovation Day 2024 was a complete success and brought together players from Saxony's start-up scene. Students, scientists, professors, entrepreneurs and partners took the opportunity to make contacts, exchange ideas and be inspired by exciting presentations and success stories.