Fit4Business@School – From the classroom to the big pitch

On July 3, 2025, the grand finale of the Fit4Business@School 2025 ideas competition took place at the FH Kufstein Tirol. Fifty-five students from three schools in the Tyrolean Unterland region presented their innovative business ideas to an eight-member jury of experts in 15 teams.

The contributions ranged from digital platforms and sustainable projects to technology-based business models. The focus was on solution orientation, feasibility as a business model, and social relevance.

“Real-life problems inspired the students to come up with creative solution approaches. With the support of the Fit4Business@School team, these were turned into innovative business models with real implementation potential,” said Karin Steiner, initiator of the competition and expert in entrepreneurship education.“

The competition is organized by the Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation under the direction of Dipl.-Kfm. Karin Steiner, university lecturer for business management, entrepreneurship, and controlling, and actively supported by students from a practical project group from the Business Management degree program (now Leadership & Business Management).The aim of the competition is to promote entrepreneurial thinking and innovation among young people.

The dedicated teachers also made a decisive contribution to the success: Bettina Anker, BEd MA (TFBS Economics and Technology Kufstein), MMag. Hrvoje Tadic (HLW Kufstein), and Mag. Lisa Maria Gattinger (BRG Wörgl) actively integrated the format into their lessons and accompanied their students with great enthusiasm on their way to developing their own business ideas.

Expert Jury Unites Academia, Business and Students

The expert jury and the dedicated project team followed the young people's diverse and exciting ideas with great curiosity and enthusiasm. The jury was made up of representatives from the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences, the business community, and students: Philipp Bayer, Elias Dorfmayr, and Aylin Kelling (students of business management), Lea Carnuth, MA, Markus Ehrlenbach, MSc, Selina-Maria Schiller, MSc, Prof. (FH) DDr. Mario Situm (Kufstein University of Applied Sciences), and Tobias Loinger, MSc (Kufstein Chamber of Commerce).

IDEAS THAT INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE

At the end of the competition, the expert jury honored three particularly impressive concept ideas that stood out for their innovative strength, practical relevance, and social significance:

1st place (and EUR 300 prize money): Käfer AI impressed with its idea for a drone-based early warning system to combat bark beetle infestation. Their innovative idea combines sensor data with AI-supported evaluation, enabling affected forest areas to be identified at an early stage. This could provide forestry companies and research institutes with an effective solution for protecting biodiversity and targeted reforestation.

2nd place (and EUR 200 prize money): IntelliSwap followed with an app idea designed to promote sustainable consumption. Instead of buying new things, the app would enable users to exchange items in a straightforward manner. With integrated matching functions and a user-friendly interface, it actively supports resource conservation while strengthening the sense of community.

3rd place (and EUR 100 prize money): TeilMal – Weil nicht jeder alles braucht (Because not everyone needs everything) impressed with its concept of a practical sharing platform for everyday devices. The locally focused platform is designed to be easy to use and feature an integrated insurance system for the items loaned out. The idea strengthens neighborhood cohesion and builds trust among neighbors, while also extending the life of devices.

Diverse ideas and strong presentations also in fourth place

In addition to the three winning teams, the other finalists also impressed with a wide range of creative and practical business ideas. Their commitment and the high quality of their presentations reflected the diversity and innovative strength of the competition.

All other finalists were awarded an honorable fourth place. The business ideas presented were diverse, ranging from upcycling services to digital learning platforms and sustainable event planning. Many concepts impressed with their suitability for everyday use, social commitment, or technological innovation. The jury particularly praised the high quality of the presentations. In recognition of their achievements, the teams received individual certificates and a small cash prize in the form of Kufstein ducats.

Further formats await committed young people

Starting in fall 2025, teams will be able to participate in the NEXT GENERATION Award Tirol, particularly in the Idea Challenge category. For initial microprojects, there is the 7€ Cash@School format. The next round of Fit4Business@School will start in May 2026.

Links:

• Leadership & Business Management | ft
• Institut für Entrepreneurship & Innovation | website
• Fit4Business@School | website