In his keynote speech, Jonathan Kümmerle, founder of Vemo Logistik, reported on the hurdles he had to overcome in the past and how these did not prevent him from founding Vemo, his third start-up – all with a sustainable philosophy. Even social or sustainable companies need “cash flow and loans to be serviced,” said Kümmerle. At the end, he emphasized another important positive aspect: “Employees enjoy working for a company when there is a meaningful purpose behind it. We have never had any problems finding good, committed people.” Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer (Alanus University) also made a case in his keynote speech for seizing the opportunity and initiating sustainable change through impact start-ups.
In the interactive World Café, the large audience was asked to help shape the future. Together, the participants gathered thoughts and ideas on needs, challenges, innovation impulses, networking, synergies, and participation. Founders, interested parties, and supporters engaged in lively discussions about the best possible conditions for impact start-ups.
The three partner universities also presented themselves at the event and reported on their SoNaR project. “We want to show what innovative ideas are being developed at the universities,” says project manager Karoline Noth, explaining the aim of SoNaR. Prof. Dr. Martin Sieber (CENTIM, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences) adds: “The challenge certainly lies in finding investors who want to invest in companies that are oriented toward the common good. We already have strong expertise in start-up consulting.” All partners bring the best prerequisites to the table: Scientists at the Institute for Regenerative Economy (REGWI) at Alanus University work together with companies to develop ideas for a sustainable and just future. Sandra Speer (Transfer Center enaCom, University of Bonn) emphasized joint action and community building. At the University of Bonn, for example, Prof. Dr. Adrian Herrmann, head of the Bonn Lab for Analog Games and Imaginative Play, is establishing a gaming community called “Uni Bonn spielt” (University of Bonn plays), which develops business ideas for games in the educational and social sectors, among other things.
During the concluding networking session, participants exchanged ideas about start-up projects, sought inspiration for new ideas and potential investors, or sat down together with a board game to get to know the gaming community.
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