FH Kufstein Tirol joins Tiny Torquers as a sponsor

21.08.2025
General

Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch (left) and Prof. (FH) Dr. Christian Schmid (right) shaking hands to seal the sponsorship agreement between the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and the Tiny Torquer association.

Mini-bikes, maxi-enthusiasm – and now official backing too: The FH Kufstein Tirol is sponsoring the Tiny Torquer club, which combines low-threshold motorsport and practical technical training in a unique way.

What began as a student working group is now being strengthened institutionally: The Tiny Torquer association founded by Prof. (FH) Dr. Christian Schmid has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences in Tyrol. The higher education institution is thus committing itself to a project that not only inspires enthusiasm for racing, but also offers hands-on technical training – with steel frames, standard engines, and a lot of personal initiative.

“We are also committed to innovative formats,” says FH CEO Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch. “The Tiny Torquers are not only fast on the track, but also true ambassadors for team spirit and technology – which fits in perfectly with us.”

The Tiny Torquers are not only fast on the road, they are also true ambassadors for team spirit and technology – which fits perfectly with us.

Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch

CEO Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol

More than just screws: learning technology, getting things moving

The new partnership will make many things possible that were previously almost impossible. Events, trade fair appearances, and participation in official races can now be planned and financed more professionally. In addition, the university provides all club members with a workshop and meeting rooms. This creates a place where inventiveness and teamwork come together.

“This is enormous recognition for us – both professionally and personally,” says project manager Schmid. “It shows that our vision of a broad, affordable motorsport movement is not a one-off project, but an idea that the FH supports and is helping to develop.” Valuable support is also provided in terms of organization – for example, through marketing material, event equipment, and the presentation area in the foyer.

Members of the Tiny Torquers tinkering with the frame of their mini motorcycle at the FH Kufstein Tirol.

Teaching with spark

The project is now deeply integrated into teaching. In addition to bachelor's and master's theses, the mini-bikes are actively used in several courses – for example, in materials engineering, machine elements, and rapid product development. Students develop, design, and build prototypes in record time – often with extraordinary dedication.

“As part of the international program, two teams built a complete bike from scratch – even though most of them had no technical background. Both groups voluntarily invested twice the amount of time allocated. This shows what is possible when you really inspire students.”

The project is also attracting attention from companies in the region – some are considering letting their apprentices participate in the development of their own mini-bikes. “The project makes technology visible, tangible – and above all motivating.”

The project makes technology visible, tangible—and, above all, motivating.

Prof. (FH) Dr. Christian Schmid

Professor (FH) for Product Development and Project Manager at Tiny Torquers

A boost for the next stage

The association now has over 20 members, including FH students, FH employees, and interested parties from the region. The community is growing: supporters now also come from Rosenheim, Brannenburg, and Salzburg. Initial contacts have been made with German motorsport associations, and even a separate racing class is in the pipeline for official events.

“Our position in discussions with partners and organizers has improved massively thanks to the sponsorship,” reports Schmid. “We are perceived as a serious player with vision and substance.” In addition to the DMV regional group Saxony-Anhalt, the SCB e.V. and the DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) have also signaled their interest in long-term cooperation.

In the long term, the FH Kufstein Tirol could even organize its own events under its umbrella – in cooperation with practical projects or local partners. Initial ideas are already in place.

FH spirit on the racetrack

For the FH Kufstein Tirol, supporting the Tiny Torquer is an example of how innovation, passion, and education can intertwine. “The Tiny Torquer stands for enthusiasm for technology, talent promotion, and fun in sports – values that we also live by at the FH,” says Thomas Madritsch. “We see an exciting connection to our degree programs, especially in the areas of technology and digitalization.”

The fact that team spirit, personal responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration are also strengthened is an additional benefit. “The students don't just learn technology – they experience responsibility and create something that lasts.”

Students not only learn technology—they experience responsibility and create something that lasts.