What an evening. On February 27, the Theater of Peace in Rostock became the stage for innovation, founder spirit and plenty of seagull power
The 18th founding roundtable was under the motto #HEALTHECONOMY – and impressively showed how lively and forward-looking the start-up scene in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has become by now.
In total, 11 energetic startups from the healthcare industry presented their ideas at the Himmel der Möwen challenge – in front of an audience of over 120 guests: founders, supporters, institutions, university clinics and decision-makers from politics and economy. A strong mix that shows: the healthcare industry is not only a growth market, but a real field of innovation for courageous entrepreneurs.
Official video in collaboration with FilmVision
Introduction with visions and clear words
The opening already left no doubt about the claim of the evening: Among others, Eva-Maria Kröger, the mayor of the Hanseatic and university town of Rostock, was present, who opened with a strong greeting, as well as Paul Westphal, who showed new perspectives on the start-up scene in MV with his impulse. He emphasized how important it is to understand innovations not as a luxury, but as a central answer to societal challenges.
Tobias K. Gebhardt, successful founder of Hypros GmbH, then impressed with his keynote – a passionate and personal journey through highs, lows and unwavering faith in his own vision. His conclusion: „Founding means taking responsibility – for oneself, for others, for our future.“
Workshop: Ideas, Challenges, Potentials
At the heart of the program was the interactive workshop led by Sophia Walczyk. The goal was to identify concrete areas of action and fields of innovation together with representatives of the healthcare industry, start-ups, and supporters. The discussion focused on barriers in the system, the need for interdisciplinary networks, and new ways of collaboration between start-ups and institutions. It became clear: there are many good ideas – but it also takes courage to implement them and stronger cooperation.
Heaven of Seagulls: The Pitching Challenge
Then it got loud, colorful and really exciting: Heaven of Seagulls, our Pitching Challenge, brought ten start-ups onto the stage – and the crowd to cheer. With charm, wit and expertise, Chuck Henjes and Hannes Lipka moderated the competition, which ultimately produced two winners:
- Dr. Jörn Winter (Nebula Biocides GmbH) convinced with his innovative solution for disinfection and hygiene – a real game changer in the fight against multi-resistant germs.
- Andreas Pfeiffer (Dr. Pfeiffer Medizinprodukte) presented a clever medical product that not only saves lives, but is also easy to apply – especially in emergency care.
But the other start-ups also showed how broad, creative and solution-oriented the scene is set up:
- Jan Zeggel – doctor consultation
- Fabian Nokodian – Medventi GmbH
- Robert Wiesner – MEDICATRIX
- Nishjanthan Kandiah – time of rest
- Richard Powazynski – Entrepreneurial Doctors Network
- Jonas Flint – DEJ Technology GmbH
- Azadeh Kooshesh – Expansion
- Sabine Petters – Pilgrim Coaching
Conclusion with Speed-Dating and Networking
The evening ended as it should for a vibrant startup scene: with open business speed dating and networking over drinks and good spirits. There was matching, laughing, networking – and probably also the one or other foundation stone for new cooperations was laid.
Thanks to all contributors!
An event of this size only works with many dedicated minds behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to:
- Lars Bauer and Michael Lüdtke (BioCon Valley® GmbH)
- Sophia Walczyk (Digital Health Hub)
- Marten Kählert (video accompaniment)
- Christian Berger (for the fantastic photos)
- Maximilian Voß (for the guest gifts)
What remains?
Strong community, powerful infrastructure, intense partnerships. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has long shown that it’s not just a place for relaxation – but also for real innovations. But one thing has also become clear: We need to put the topic of Innovation & Entrepreneurship even more at the center of our society.
Because: Innovation is not a luxury – it is our future.
We are already looking forward to the next chapter.