On Track for Impact: INNOTram macht Unternehmertum erlebbar
Flim and Fotos: Britta Althaus (FEC)
A tram as an idea factory for the future of public transit: INNOTram demonstrated how closely entrepreneurship is tied to a city’s big future questions—right inside a moving real-world lab. In partnership with the Future Engineer Career Program (FEC), HEAG mobilo, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Mech) and the Institute of Automotive Engineering (FZD) at TU Darmstadt, HIGHEST put this interactive format on the rails. Twenty-two international and German students worked with coaches, founders, and industry partners in the heart of the city, directly within the “future of public transit” problem space.
From warm-up to living lab
The day kicked off at the MechCenter with a networking breakfast, short warm-ups, and cross-disciplinary teambuilding. Then it was all aboard: a specially equipped research tram became a mobile living lab for urban mobility. In teams of three to four, students tackled real challenges from HEAG mobilo, guided by lead coach Georg Fischer and supported by coaches from the regional innovation ecosystem. As the city rolled by outside, first hypotheses, prototype ideas, and user test questions took shape.
Voices from the tram
The momentum was tangible. “It was super intense—lots of spontaneous decisions and dynamic teams. The enthusiasm was high and everyone clearly learned,” summarized Georg Fischer upon returning to the Lichtwiese campus. Students echoed the sentiment: “I feel refreshed and motivated to dive back into entrepreneurship,” said Valentina Karapetyan. Saman Bozorgvar added, “The energy was incredible and contagious.” Hadiseh captured the value: “It was interactive and hands-on—so it was truly productive.”
Six solutions in two hours
In a short time, six robust solution approaches emerged—ranging from safer boarding and information processes to smart sensor concepts and more inclusive passenger experiences. The breadth of perspectives proved invaluable: technological, operational, and rigorously user-centric. Teams tested their hypotheses directly within the running system. A standout moment: at one stop, passersby spontaneously engaged, offered on-the-spot feedback, and asked questions. Real-time citizen feedback—about as close to the application context as it gets.
Finale with practice-driven sparring
Back on campus, the stage belonged to the pitches. Teams presented to a feedback panel from industry and the start-up scene. Michael Gaenzler, Dr. Timm Ruppert (Persival), and Dr. Benjamin Blat Belmonte (Fenexity) provided targeted sparring on value propositions, feasibility, and the next validation steps. Researcher Alexander Kroth offered this takeaway: “What I like most is seeing more INNOTram ‘drivers’ emerge—people who recognize themselves as such.” A strong signal for self-efficacy and ownership.
An alliance of strong partners
HEAG mobilo enabled direct access to the real system with a tram and concrete challenge statements. The FEC bridged to international talent and career competencies. The Department of Mechanical Engineering lent faculty support with remarks from Sonja Rehwald. Experts from the ecosystem—Veneta Ivanova (Fraunhofer IGD), Conrad Peto-Madew (Futury), Michael Marquardt (hessian.AI), Dr. Yamara-Monika Wessling (xchange), as well as Phillip Travers and Gudrun Lantelme (HIGHEST)—contributed their expertise. Organization was led by Jessica Retzlaff from HIGHEST (lead) and Eileen Paßlack-Runkel (FEC) supported by Maximilian Seip and Britta Althaus (FEC), along with additional student assistants.
Next stop: INNODAY25
The next milestone is set: INNODAY25 on October 30 at the darmstadtium. Start-ups, research, and industry will convene—with standout keynotes, pitches, and over 100 exhibitors. Anyone looking to carry the INNOTram energy forward will find a strong network, mentoring, and potential co-founders. Tickets are free.
This event was funded through TU Darmstadt’s Future Engineer Career (FEC) Program, which supports international students during their studies and as they transition into the workforce. FEC is a project within the DAAD’s ‘Campus Initiative for International Professionals’ and is financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR).