THe TOP 3 of 2026
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1st Place: OSPHIM GmbH
Business: Software / IT
Location: Aachen

1st Place: OSPHIM GmbH
OSPHIM is a digital AI-powered ecosystem that enables plastics manufacturers to optimize production processes through intelligent data analysis and automation.
Our business model is based on a scalable Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that connects directly to existing manufacturing equipment without requiring hardware replacement. OSPHIM combines simulation knowledge, historical production data, and real-time machine signals using transfer learning to generate optimization recommendations even with minimal data availability. This allows manufacturers to improve efficiency (>70%), stabilize quality, and reduce waste (>50%) within hours rather than months. Customers access the OSPHIM App via a web interface, providing real-time process insights, AI-driven parameter optimization, and intuitive decision support for operators and engineers.
Revenue is generated through annual or monthly software licenses per machine. By reducing setup times, scrap rates, energy consumption, and enabling the reliable use of recycled materials, OSPHIM creates measurable economic and environmental value. The platform democratizes access to industrial AI, making advanced manufacturing intelligence accessible not only to large corporations but also to small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide.
2nd Place: kaarlo health GmbH
Business: Healthcare
Location: Essen

2nd Place: kaarlo health GmbH
kaarlo addresses one of primary care’s largest unmet needs: psychosomatic (F45) disorders. Up to 25% of GP consultations are driven by psychosomatic complaints, yet 60% of patients remain untreated due to limited time, complex care pathways, and insufficient reimbursement. As a result, patients cycle through repeated consultations and avoidable diagnostics, creating high costs and system inefficiencies.
Our digital business model is based on a scalable, prescription-ready self-therapy platform. After medical diagnosis, patients can immediately start treatment within the kaarlo app. The platform delivers over 30 hours of structured, evidence-based therapy content through more than 65,000 personalized treatment pathways. Interactive, multimedia modules ensure high engagement and adherence. To enhance safety and outcomes, patients can access on-demand psychological support via kaarloDoc.
kaarlo generates revenue through a per-patient reimbursement model, including initial prescriptions and follow-on prescriptions. At an estimated €200 per patient (excl. VAT), our solution costs approximately 10% of comparable outpatient short-term psychotherapy (12 sessions), offering strong economic value for payers and providers.
3rd Place: foresAIght.ai GmbH
Business: Logistics, supply chain
Location: Köln

3rd Place: foresAIght.ai GmbH
* Why – The Problem We Refuse to Accept
European SMEs operate in increasingly volatile markets, yet many still rely on Excel spreadsheets and gut feeling to forecast demand. Inaccurate planning leads to excess inventory, stock-outs, and wasted capital. We refuse to accept that advanced forecasting should be reserved for large corporations.
* What – Accurate Forecasts Without Complexity
foresAIght delivers highly accurate, product-level demand forecasts on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Companies receive regularly updated forecasts that directly support production, procurement, and inventory planning, without requiring changes to existing systems or operational processes.
* How – The Technology That Makes It Possible
We combine proprietary meta-learning architecture with more than 1,500 external demand drivers, including weather data, macroeconomic indicators, and sector-specific trends. For each SKU, the system dynamically selects the best-performing model and continuously adapts to changing demand patterns.
* Who – The Companies We Build For
We focus on manufacturing and retail SMEs with complex product portfolios, high SKU counts, and volatile demand, where forecasting precision directly impacts profitability and resilience.
* Who Part II – The Humans Behind the AI
We are three co-founders with backgrounds in applied AI, software engineering, strategy, and large-scale technology transformation. Together, we combine deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial execution to build the human intelligence behind the AI forecasts.
+ Bonus Track / Recognitions
Winner of WECONOMY 2025/26 by Handelsblatt and UnternehmerTUM, awarded the EXIST Research Transfer program, selected as a Top 10 start-up in the EIT Supernovas Rocket Up program, and invited to present at leading European supply chain and AI events.


