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High-flyer from Bochum: mechIC wins with revolutionary strain sensor!
Start-up mechIC from the Ruhr University Bochum wins the high-flyer competition with an innovative strain sensor and a prize of 25,000 euros.
High-flyer from Bochum: mechIC wins with revolutionary strain sensor!
On September 16, 2025, the whiz kid competition took place in the Starlight Express Hall in Bochum, in which the start-up mechIC from the Ruhr University Bochum triumphed. The team around the founder Steffen Wittemeier was able to convince the jury and the audience with their innovative business idea and won a prize of 25,000 euros. In total, five final teams competed against each other and presented their ideas live.
The decision on the winner was made by a combination of jury evaluation and audience votes. Wittemeier was positive about the event and the significant victory, which once again underlines the potential of their development.
Innovative strain sensors
mechIC's main product is a new type of strain sensor that works according to an innovative principle. In contrast to conventional sensors, this sensor does not require a separate power supply, which makes it particularly efficient. Strain sensors are often used, for example in kitchen scales, which are usually battery-operated. The team's sensors are compact, measuring just 4 mm x 4 mm. They output digital signals and are characterized by their ability to mechanically store limit values and provide simultaneous real-time measurements.
The development of the currentless strain sensors is also supported with 1.37 million euros from the EXIST research transfer. This funding is among the highest that the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has approved for projects at the Ruhr University. The team, which includes Wittemeier as well as Philip Schmitt, Lisa Schmitt and Henning Mays, is looked after by WORLDFACTORY.
Further awards and future prospects
The innovative concept of mechIC's currentless strain sensors not only impressed the competition jury, but was also recognized in the “Start-up Competition – Digital Innovations”. On March 19, 2025, mechIC received the “Foundation Prize+”, which is worth 32,000 euros. This award underlines the relevance of the technology and its possible applications, especially in difficult-to-access areas such as structural and machine monitoring.
mechIC already has plans to be founded in 2025 and is working to successfully bring its innovative sensors to market. It is expected that the products will be used not only in industry but also in many other areas.