Münster's start-ups in the spotlight: networking for the future!

Münster's start-ups in the spotlight: networking for the future!

Today, September 8, 2025, a large number of innovators and founders will meet at the “Enschede Slush’D” event. This offers start-ups a platform to present their ideas and products. Particularly noteworthy is Anne Vortkamp, ​​CEO of “CARAPAX biotechnologies”, who is taking part in this important event for the third time. Her company specializes in developing chitosans as biostimulants to improve plant resilience, an initiative that not only aims to reduce the use of pesticides but could also make agriculture more sustainable.

The event attracts around 800 guests, including more than 300 founders and 100 investors. In the foyer of the “U Parkhotel” there is a “matchmaking area” that serves to create networking opportunities. Vortkamp made valuable contacts during her participation and is now holding a technical discussion with Dr. Frederik Wurm from the University of Twente on biotechnological methods. Eight student teams have the opportunity to present their ideas on an outdoor stage. The topics of the presentations range from agriculture to healthcare to environmental protection.

Collaboration and innovation

A special highlight is that one team will be awarded tickets to the larger “Slush” in Helsinki in the evening. Vortkamp has a different role this year; She is presenting her own start-up after previously only acting as a participant. Your team currently needs 10,000 euros for laboratory equipment and learned about typical mistakes after financing in the sessions. This shows that the event is not just for presentation, but also for further development and learning.

The success of the event is further underlined by the first prize won by a team from the University of Twente. Vortkamp plans to end the evening with karaoke, which will create a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on the day's intense conversations.

Start-up ecosystem and challenges

The context of these efforts is important as the start-up ecosystem in Germany was examined in 2023 using 1,825 data sets. Respondents cited networking, economic policy support, infrastructure, and access to talent and capital as key issues. There were particularly positive reviews regarding the proximity to universities, which was positive for 75.6% of those surveyed. Universities are considered incubators for innovation, providing access to research and talent.

However, the reviews are not entirely positive. Only 33% of respondents were pleased about access to capital and investment, which is seen as the biggest challenge for start-ups. The high rental prices in cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg also led to a negative assessment of the availability of affordable office properties. The shortage of skilled workers and challenges posed by visa policy represent further hurdles that need to be overcome in order to further promote the growth of the start-up sector.

Overall, it shows that events like “Enschede Slush’D” as well as the support from institutions and networks are crucial for the success of start-ups. Anne Vortkamp and her team exemplify the innovative strength of the German biotechnology industry and their desire to contribute to solving global challenges.