Ceremonial and Digital Opening of the HGU and EBS Founders Club

06/12/2020

[Translate to English:] Rama Suleiman und Dr. Christoph Munck bei der Eröffnungsfeier © Dr. Christiane Jost

The livestream of the opening of the Rheingau Founders Club was watched by more than 100 people. Funding for the club was provided by the EXIST-Potentials initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) to strengthen knowledge-based start-ups.

The Rheingau Founders Club, a joint project of Hochschule Geisenheim University and EBS University of Business and Law, officially opened its doors to potential founders, partners and supporters in a digital ceremony on June 3, 2020. After the welcome speech, given by Co-Project Coordinator Rama Suleiman of Hochschule Geisenheim University, the stage, in the Waas.schen Fabrik in Geisenheim was opened to project initiators and partners.

The Mayor of Geisenheim, Christian Aßmann, Chairman of Rheingauer Volksbank eG, Andreas Zeiselmaier, as well as both University Presidents, Prof. Hans Reiner Schultz of Hochschule Geisenheim University and Prof. Markus Ogorek of EBS University gave their impressions of the development of this joint project of both Rheingau universities. A video tour of the premises conveyed the unique atmosphere of the extensively renovated, listed factory building.

Dr. Christoph Munck, Co-Project Coordinator from the EBS University, explained to the guests the self-defined tasks and goals of the Rheingau Founders Club. These focus on start-up coaching and referral advice, the creation of spatial perspectives by offering co-working spaces, various start-up programs and networking events for founders and companies, as well as pitching possibilities - mainly, but not only, in the main areas of ecological, sustainable and social innovation.

The highlight of the opening event were the 'live pitches' on the Rheingau Founders Club stage. Two teams of founders from both universities presented their ideas: the ebb&flow team demonstrated the sustainable and resource-saving use of stainless steel barrels in wine bars, while the Startup, PlantYourAir, introduced an innovative system to improve workplace air quality. An active exchange was provided by questions from the audience.

The Rheingau Founders Club is also continuing actively with the digital launch of the FRESHMEN program, exactly one week after the opening ceremony. The lecture series - in digital form at the moment - takes place every two weeks and is open to all those interested in founding and innovation at the universities.

All information about the Rheingau Founders Club can be found at www.gruendungsfabrik-rheingau.de.