Together with the Mercator Foundation Switzerland, we have organised the "Impact Workshop Democracy" for the second time at Basecamp 2024. In a hackathon, participants developed low-threshold and feasible projects that make an effective contribution to the preservation of democracy in Switzerland and Europe.
The participants presented their projects to the audience and a jury at the Annual Meeting 2024 with the aim of attracting 'investors'.
Heilbronn-Franconia has the potential to become a European Silicon Valley with a
values-based approach focused on empowering traditional Mittelstand industries. To
achieve this, it's essential to connect these businesses with their communities and
external innovation.
Enter the Zukunftsbox, led by TUM HB, which gathers challenges
from Mittelstand companies and channels them into a regional incubator. This
incubator includes industry leaders, community members, artists, students
researchers, and officials.
Their solutions are returned to the Mittelstand as nonbinding
recommendations, fostering community-driven innovation to tackle critical
challenge. This strengthens the communication across backgrounds and strengthens
democracy.
TechTies is a student consultancy initiative at the TUM Education Campus in Heilbronn. It connects international students with local businesses to bridge the gap between traditional industries and digital transformation. In consultancy projects, students apply their digital expertise to solve challenges, strengthening both businesses and the community.
A Community Garden at TUM Campus Heilbronn fosters democratic participation through shared gardening and dialogue. Supported by a project manager, gardener, and tech tools, it unites stakeholders, businesses, and the community to address shared challenges. Monthly events and harvest donations promote collaboration, with sponsorships ensuring lasting impact.
A key challenge for democracy is low economic development. Our innovative Business School for Women in Kosovo aims to break the cycle that excludes nearly 80% of Kosovan women from the labor force, hindering economic growth and resilience. This one-year program fosters exchange, mentorship, and practical skills, empowering women to leverage resources and drive progress.
Heilbronn, with its strong Mittelstand and industries, is set for transformation. The TUM Bildungscampus, with 80% international students, connects startups, education, and industry. This program drives innovation by matching business challenges with campus talent, fostering solutions through events and collaboration, and building a future-proof ecosystem.