The 5-Euro Business Competition at the Regensburg/Amberg/Weiden university location turned the closing event into an impressive occasion with creative ideas and innovative concepts. Five teams presented their business concepts at exhibition stands and on stage in front of the jury and audience. A special occasion rounded off the event: the competition is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. For a quarter of a century, the 5-Euro Business has been offering students the opportunity to test their entrepreneurial thinking under real market conditions. The anniversary edition once again demonstrated how relevant this format is for promoting entrepreneurial skills at universities.
Statement on the anniversary
Bertram Brossardt, CEO of the Bavarian Metal and Electrical Employers' Associations bayme vbm, emphasized the value of the project for economic education in the run-up to the event: "For 25 years now, the 5-Euro Business Competition has been encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial spirit and put their ingenuity to the test in practice. This year, the participants once again impressively demonstrated how much innovative strength, teamwork, and commitment they have put into their business ideas. They have gained valuable experience that they can put to good use in their future careers. Companies also benefit from this, as committed young talent is indispensable to them. As the main sponsor, we are delighted to be part of this successful model."
Focus on creative ideas and entrepreneurial thinking
The 5-Euro Business Competition at the University of Regensburg, OTH Regensburg, and the East Bavarian Technical University of Amberg-Weiden offered students from all disciplines a valuable platform to experience entrepreneurship firsthand in its anniversary edition. Working in teams, the participants developed innovative business models in just eight weeks, which they then implemented under real market conditions. In workshops and seminars, they gained in-depth knowledge on topics such as marketing, project management, and law/property rights—a solid foundation for successfully realizing their ideas. With a starting capital of just five euros, they faced the challenge of concretizing their ideas and putting them into practice. They received support from experienced business mentors from local companies and institutions, including Continental Automotive GmbH, IHK Regensburg für Oberpfalz / Kelheim, IT Heroes GbR, Oberpfalz Medien, Probonio GmbH, and Techbase Regensburg GmbH.
The winners of the competition: ideas that inspire
The best business ideas were honored at the closing event. Team Glücksfunken took home the overall victory, impressing the jury with its comprehensive package. Particular praise was given to the lovingly designed exhibition stand and an authentic and emotionally stirring pitch that impressively conveyed the impact of the product. With their interactive journal for the emotional early development of children, the founders sent a strong signal for social responsibility, mental health, and entrepreneurial creativity.
The Daedalus Defence team, made up of students from OTH Regensburg, secured second place and impressed with a highly topical solution for drone defense in civilian areas. The team presented a technically sophisticated concept that combines AI-supported analysis and active defense using a specially developed drone, including a net capture system and real-time monitoring.
Studio ESF was awarded the Sustainability Prize. The team impressed with its development of biodegradable lights made from coffee grounds and its innovative use of waste materials.
Guardify receives the media award for its strong public presence and successful communication in the 5-Euro Business Competition. The team impressed with a clear message, high visibility in various media, and an innovative solution for e-scooter theft protection.
Michael Mötter, deputy managing director of bbw e. V., emphasizes the value of the experience: "The 5-Euro Business Competition is not only a platform for creative ideas, but also a valuable learning experience for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. For 25 years, we have observed how initial concepts are transformed into viable business models through teamwork, creativity, and courage. During this time, the competition has developed into an important element in the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation. It not only strengthens the innovative power of the participants, but also promotes independence and a willingness to take on responsibility. These are essential qualities that future entrepreneurs need in order to be successful."
About the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V.
The Bavarian Business Education Association (bbw) was founded in 1969 by the Bavarian employers' associations and, in accordance with its statutes, operates on a socio-political mandate. Today, this non-profit organization is one of the largest educational institutions in Germany. Under the umbrella of the bbw, 17 education, care, consulting, and personnel service organizations with nearly 10,000 employees operate primarily in Bavaria, but also nationwide and internationally in 25 countries on four continents. The bbw offers early childhood care, training, and continuing education for public clients and companies, as well as a degree program at the University of Applied Sciences of the Bavarian Economy. Its portfolio also includes services such as temporary work and a transfer company.
Project sponsor and supporter
5-Euro-Business is a project of the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. (bbw). Regional partners: the East Bavarian Technical University of Regensburg, the University of Regensburg, and the East Bavarian Technical University of Amberg-Weiden.
Main sponsor: bayme vbm – the Bavarian metal and electrical employers' associations
The Start-up Center at OTH Regensburg is the central point of contact for all students, alumni, and employees of our university who are interested in entrepreneurial thinking and action or are pursuing their own start-up projects. Our wide range of services supports them in many different ways.
