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Team Illutherm
Tobias Schirra, hcp Sense
They build the brightest LEDs in the world – powerful enough to melt ceramic and steel. With this idea, scale-up ILLUTHERM GmbH has been named Frankfurt Forward Startup of the Year 2025.
Co-founder Milto Vlachos impressed the jury of leading investors and top CEOs with a stunning pitch at the FRANKFURTER HOF | A STEIGENBERGER ICON, making the vision of this TU Darmstadt spin-off quite literally shine.
ℹ️ The Illutherm team is developing a technology to provide industrial process heat entirely without fossil fuels. Instead of combustion, the company relies on blue LEDs that can generate temperatures of more than 1,400 °C within seconds. The process is highly energy-efficient and extremely fast – up to 1,000 times faster than conventional methods – enabling clean and competitive industrial production.
Also on stage: Tobias Schirra from HCP Sense. His impressive pitch:
➡️ HCP Sense develops sensor solutions that turn standard bearings into intelligent components without any redesign or additional measurement hardware. Lubrication, load and condition can be monitored in real time. The technology lays the foundation for predictive maintenance, reduces unplanned downtime and increases the efficiency of machines and plants.
Even if it wasn’t quite enough for first place this time – you are winners nonetheless.
You inspired both jury and audience with your ideas – a strong signal of the innovative strength of university spin-offs from Technische Universität Darmstadt.
Congratulations – we are proud of all of you!