News from the TUGZ

With over 100 entries, the BESTFORM AWARD 2025 – the Creative Award of the State of Saxony-Anhalt – set a new record for participation. The winners were announced on 20 August 2025 at the Central German Multimedia Centre (MMZ) in Halle (Saale) from among the 14 nominated finalists. Awards were presented in two categories – PRODUCT for marketable solutions and CONCEPT for visionary ideas.

First place in the PRODUCT category went to “Olschak Stahl + Design” from Aschersleben. Together with the Drohndorf and Mehringen volunteer fire brigades, the company developed a retrofittable front spray bar for emergency vehicles – an efficient and resource-saving alternative to previous solutions. The spray bar enables targeted application in the event of wildfires, oil spills or to protect emergency personnel.

In the CONCEPT category, students Carla Wirths and Max Koch from Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (Saale) impressed the jury with their “Sip Bag” project. The living wound dressing is based on the healing properties of goldfly larvae and their historical use. The “living plaster” is used to treat chronic wounds. The product system is designed so that it can be manufactured industrially and
locally in pharmacies.

More than 100,000 people are already using the AI Campus (www.ki-campus.org) as registered learners, five years after the learning platform was launched in 2020. This high level of interest demonstrates just how relevant AI education has become for many people. By 2030, the platform aims to have reached at least 500,000 learners and 100 higher education institutions with its offerings.  The extent to which artificial intelligence is transforming the higher education landscape is demonstrated by the work of the "AI in Higher Education" task force within the Alliance for Future Skills.

There are also new offerings for lecturers: from Monday 4 August, the AI Campus will be offering the online course "AI for Lecturers" covering the basics of AI, with a workload of just 2.5 hours. And by the end of August, a new course will be published as part of the popular "Prompt Lab for University Teaching".

But it is not only in study and teaching that the use of AI plays an important role. University administration must also increasingly engage with AI – an area that has so far received too little attention. With the new course "AI Skills in University Administration", we aim to specifically close this gap. 

(From the AI Campus newsletter dated 29 July 2025)

Following a long-awaited expansion of our team, we are delighted to welcome Marcel Jahnel Cuadra as a new member of the Saxony-Anhalt Research Portal team. Marcel brings an excellent combination of user-centred design and technical expertise in ICT projects, making him an ideal addition to the Saxony-Anhalt Research Portal team. He is an experienced product manager specialising in organising and managing complex projects. Marcel developed his product management skills through his extensive professional experience at HASOMED GmbH in Magdeburg, where he played a key role in the development and optimisation of software solutions.

One of his core competencies is maintaining close contact with clients to understand their requirements and integrate them directly into product development. This client-focused approach is vital for his new role at the Saxony-Anhalt Research Portal. Prior to his role as Product Manager, Marcel worked as a Master’s student at HASOMED GmbH from May to December 2023. During this time, he designed an app for digital patient admission and investigated the app’s sustainability aspects. This highlights his practical skills in UX/UI design and his ability to develop innovative digital solutions. His technical knowledge is further enhanced by his work as a working student at Fraunhofer IFF in Magdeburg. 

Marcel’s academic background is equally impressive and vital to his responsibilities within the IT department at TUGZ. Since 2023, he has held a Master of Science in Integrated Design Engineering from our Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. Prior to this, he also completed a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Technology at our university in 2021. His education, particularly in the field of Integrated Design Engineering, has given him a deep understanding of the interface between design, technology and user experience. 

His core competencies include product management, UX/UI design, customer relations, teamwork, communication and initiative. With his expertise in software development and user-centred design, Marcel will undoubtedly be a driving force in the development of our future digital offerings on the Saxony-Anhalt Research Portal. Marcel is an excellent addition to our team. A warm welcome to you, Marcel!

We are delighted to welcome Theresia Großkopf to our team. Theresia completed her Master’s degree in Vocational Training and Training Management (M.Sc.) at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, specialising in human resources and organisational development. This was complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in German as a Foreign Language (B.A.) and periods spent abroad.
In her role as a Scrum Master at several medium-sized companies, she coached teams through their development processes. Theresia is well-versed in agile project management methods and virtual collaboration tools, and applies these flexibly. She places great importance on engaging in dialogue with relevant partners to incorporate individual perspectives and topics. She is committed to designing digital processes in a way that serves people. Her focus is equally on facts and figures as well as on people.

Her strengths lie in the design and facilitation of engaging participatory formats. She places great importance on fostering the exchange of knowledge within the team and across team boundaries.

If you ask those close to her, they praise not only her technically flawless execution of sports exercises 😉, but also her ability to recognise potential in people and situations and to bring people together. Not to be forgotten is her ability to find pragmatic solutions at a moment’s notice and to be highly organised.
Theresia describes herself as someone who is easily inspired. Structuring and visualising complex issues, as well as questioning existing structures, motivates her.

Theresia values clear and respectful communication and is committed to fostering a supportive working environment in her day-to-day professional life. Developing ideas through creative collaboration and familiarising herself with new things are what drive her. She enjoys being active, spending time in nature and engaging with people.

We are convinced that Theresia’s combination of coaching experience, agile mindset and deep understanding of organisational development will be an enormous asset to all the founders we have the privilege of supporting – and to our team as well. A warm welcome to you, Theresia!

The MACHN Festival brings together interdisciplinary exchange between business, technology, art and culture in a unique setting in Leipzig. Practical content designed to inspire action offers solutions for employees in SMEs and start-ups. As the largest hub for innovation in eastern Germany, MACHN provides visibility for brands, talent and capital for new ideas. At MACHN, students, professionals, founders, C-level executives and entrepreneurs meet on equal terms.

Our video: https://youtu.be/JEH7EyRLCGI

Focus on quality and inspiration: the talks and workshops offer professional development and are specifically selected to meet the needs of SMEs in eastern Germany.

Genuine connections rather than a mass event: the personal and relaxed atmosphere encourages in-depth conversations and lasting networking. Numerous opportunities to network with other companies, professionals and industry experts will help you take your business to the next level.

The MACHN Festival programme is as diverse and vibrant as the region itself.

The main themes focus on: Management & Business Development | Digital Marketing, Strategy & PR | Automation, Robotics & Sustainable Innovations. In addition, MACHN offers a platform for traditional brands from eastern Germany, as well as educational and social topics.

TUGZ will be there on both days – come and visit us at our stand in the Outdoor Pavilion! 

An exciting new appointment is bringing fresh energy to the Transfer and Start-Up Center at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg: Ralf Harrie has taken over as Head of Section for start-up advisory and will henceforth lead the university’s start-up support services. Ralf brings with him a wide-ranging and in-depth expertise, gained through various management roles and as an entrepreneur. He is a proven expert, holding qualifications as a Certified Business Administrator (IHK), Business Mediator (Steinbeis) and Business Lawyer (LL.B.). These qualifications form a solid foundation for his new role at the TUGZ and make him ideally suited for complex support projects.

Particularly noteworthy is Ralf’s extensive experience in the field of start-up consultancy and support. For many years, he was Managing Director and Senior Consultant at K.E.R.N – Die Nachfolgespezialisten GmbH. In this role, he advised and supported entrepreneurs on the handover of their businesses within the family or on the sale of the company. He also supported founders (MBIs) and investment firms in the search for and acquisition of successful companies. 

Another key pillar of his start-up and business experience is his role as founder of Ahorn Möbelhandelsgesellschaft mbH in Bremen and as co-founder of K.E.R.N – Die Nachfolgespezialisten GmbH in Weimar. This direct experience in building and managing his own business is of great value for his leadership role at TUGZ and demonstrates his strong hands-on approach and deep understanding of entrepreneurial processes.

Ralf’s impressive career, particularly his expertise in start-up consultancy and his entrepreneurial spirit, make him the ideal candidate for the role of Head of Section for Start-up Support at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. His ability to manage projects strategically whilst always maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective will undoubtedly provide a positive impetus for the development of the campus. In Ralf Harrie, the TUGZ gains an experienced and dynamic leader who will make a significant contribution to shaping a successful future.

Discover. Try it out. Be amazed – The Long Night of Science in Magdeburg

On Saturday, 14 June 2025, Magdeburg will become a city of curiosity: during the Long Night of Science, the world of research opens up to you – exciting, accessible and interactive.

Universities, research institutions and companies invite you to take a look behind the scenes. Look forward to surprising experiments, inspiring talks, hands-on technology and exclusive insights into laboratories, workshops and think tanks. The TUGZ will be there – come and meet us in the conference room of the University Library, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Our video: https://youtu.be/JNtdYMFOIaQ

Whether you’re a school pupil, a student, a family or simply curious – here you can ask questions, try things out and chat with real researchers. From medicine to robotics to climate research: discover what drives science – and how it relates to your everyday life.

Entry is free – come along and discover the magic of science! You
can find all the details and the full programme at: https://wissenschaftsnacht.magdeburg.de/programm/

The Start-up Toolbox:Everything you need to get started!

You’ve got an idea but no clue where to start? No worries! With our Start-up Toolbox from the Team & Strategy support programme, you’ll get the essential basics for your start-up journey. Compact, practical and to the point – exactly what you need at the start:

1.  Ideation & Validation – From a vague idea to a solid concept
2.  Marketing & Sales – Finding, engaging and inspiring customers
3. Personal development & self-management – Because your mindset determines your success
4. Finance & Law – The most important fundamentals, without the jargon

Plus plenty of further information and smart insights to help you avoid typical pitfalls.

 The toolbox is waiting for you! Download here

The year is drawing to a close – the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect. The time has come to tackle your 2024 year-in-review. For founders and entrepreneurs, a year-in-review is not only personally rewarding, but also a strategic necessity for developing your business further.

Your year-end review. This is perhaps the most important hour you should set aside or schedule for yourself this year. In this article, you’ll learn why a year-end review is so important, what questions you should ask yourself, and which methods will help you apply these insights effectively to the future.

Why you absolutely must do an end-of-year review

Most of us jump straight from the hustle and bustle of December into planning for January. But how do you intend to be successful next year if you don’t know what you should take away from the past year?

A structured year-end review offers you:

Clarity on where you stand: What went well? What didn’t work? Only by reflecting can you make targeted improvements.

Appreciation for your achievements: All too often we forget to be proud of what we’ve achieved – be it a satisfied customer, a successful workshop or overcoming a personal challenge.

Strategic focus: A year-end review helps you channel your energy specifically towards the things that really move you forward.

The right questions for your year-end review: The key to a successful review is asking the right questions. Take the time to answer these questions honestly and in detail:

What were my biggest successes? Make a list of everything you’ve achieved this year – both professionally and personally. Don’t just think about the major milestones, but also the small successes that are often overlooked.

Tools and methods for your year-end review

The year-end review is not a one-size-fits-all process. Here are some tools and methods that can help you make your review efficient and creative:

Journaling: Sit down with a notebook or an app and write down your answers to the questions above. Take your time and also note down any feelings and thoughts that come to mind. Tip: Find a quiet spot and set aside at least an hour just for yourself.

Mind mapping: If you’re a visual learner, create a mind map with the categories ‘Successes’, ‘Lessons learnt’, ‘Challenges’ and ‘Goals’. Tools such as Mural or Canva can help you structure your thoughts.

Analysing facts and figures: Reflection is also a matter of data. Review your KPIs. Let facts and figures speak for themselves as a complement to your subjective impressions.

Our conclusion: Your year-end review as the foundation for a strong 2025

An annual review is not a luxury, but a necessity for remaining successful in the long term – both professionally and personally. The time you invest now will give you clarity, focus and energy next year. So take a quiet moment, block out an hour in your calendar and go through the steps outlined here. You’ll be surprised at how much you can take away from the last twelve months.