On September 12 and 13, 2024, the Grand Hall at Erste Campus in Vienna was transformed into a center for innovation and pioneering spirit. At this year's #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY, more than 90 motivated founders had the opportunity to prepare their product ideas for the final step to market launch. With over 40 experts from the fields of financing, marketing, digital sales channels, sustainability and packaging design, the Academy was a place to get new ideas ready for the retail sector.
Two days of intensive networking and coaching
The participants were able to benefit from the expertise of the mentors in various workshops and coaching sessions. The topics ranged from the optimization of packaging designs to the financing of business ideas and innovative marketing strategies. There was a particular focus on the question of how sustainable and creative product ideas in the food, drugstore, pharmacy, catering, hotel, fashion and design sectors can make the leap onto the shelves of retail chains such as REWE. “We believe in the power of innovative ideas and are proud to support young entrepreneurs on their way into retail. The #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY is the perfect stage for this,” says Marcel Haraszti, Member of the Management Board of REWE International AG.
Conclusion with the BILLA innovation dinner
One of the highlights of the Academy was the exclusive BILLA Vienna Innovation Dinner under the motto “Innovation meets tradition”. A selection of start-ups presented their products at a creative gourmet dinner. These included the family business Gemüsebau Janisch, which specializes in the cultivation of edamame in Austria, among other things. This was met with enthusiasm by industry leaders such as Markus Kuntke, Head of Trend and Innovation at REWE International AG, Heinrich Prokop, CEO of Clever Clover and Fabian Stenzel, Head of Retail and Sales, Erste Bank Austria. The event offered participants - especially from Vienna and the surrounding area - the unique opportunity to share their innovative creations with top decision-makers from the industry. The annual innovation dinner is dedicated to a different region each year in order to focus on the specific entrepreneurial culture of the respective region.
Markus Kuntke, Head of Trend and Innovation at REWE International AG: “At the #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY, we saw how raw ideas become market-ready products that have the potential to change our industry. The passion and creativity with which these start-ups work is impressive - it motivates us all to continue pursuing innovative paths.”
Tina Weinreich, mastermind of Erste Bank Austria's #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY: “This year, we once again supported talented founders in turning their visions into reality. It is our mission to provide not only financial but also strategic resources to actively shape the future of retail.”
About the #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY
The #glaubandich STARTUP ACADEMY is an initiative of Erste Bank und Sparkassen, REWE and Clever Clover and supports start-ups in getting their product ideas ready for the market. The aim is to see innovations on the shelves - from food and cosmetics to design products.
