From Hangover Survival Kit to Experience Box: The 5‑Euro‑Business Competition Final at the University of Bayreuth Was Alive with Innovation

The 5‑Euro‑Business competition offers students from all disciplines the opportunity to gain initial entrepreneurial experience under real market conditions. Over the course of eight weeks, participants developed their own business models, implemented them with a start-up budget of just five euros, and tested their ideas directly on the market.

The teams were supported by workshops and seminars on key topics such as marketing, project management, law and intellectual property. In addition, experienced business mentors from regional companies and institutions accompanied the students throughout the project phase, including: Aktivsenioren Bayern e. V., Bayreuther Naturheilpraxis, Braun Multimedia, Gedikom GmbH, HWK Oberfranken, IF.DIGITAL GmbH, Invest in Visions, Jobtrüffel, Neuroforge GmbH, TMT GmbH & Co. KG, WF Tax.

Bayreuth’s Second Mayor, Dr Andreas Zippel, who served as a member of the jury at the finale, likewise highlighted the importance of start‑up initiatives for the region’s economic development.

Bertram Brossardt, Chief Executive of the Bavarian metal and electrical employers’ associations bayme vbm, also paid tribute to the competition’s long-standing success: “For more than 25 years now, the 5‑Euro‑Business competition has encouraged students to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and to put their ingenuity to the test. Once again this year, the participants have shown in an impressive way how much innovative strength, teamwork and dedication are embodied in their business ideas.”

After an engaging and varied evening of presentations, the jury selected the most convincing business concepts of this year’s round.

First place went to the team KaterKumpel, with a humorously branded “Hangover Survival Kit” that combines functionality with strong recognition value. The user‑centred product is aimed specifically at young adults and was successfully marketed through both B2C and B2B channels. The team’s creative media work and clear brand positioning particularly impressed the jury, earning them the additional media prize.

Second place was awarded to Heimatschätze. The team developed a high‑quality gift box containing selected products from regional Bayreuth businesses. In their pitch, they convinced the jury above all with their clearly articulated company philosophy of regionality and quality, which provides small businesses with greater visibility while also offering emotional value for customers.

Third place went to ThreeGoods, whose experience boxes enable users to bring travel experiences into their homes. The jury especially appreciated the underlying idea: making wanderlust tangible even when travelling is not possible. This was complemented by successful B2B sales and a professional corporate presence that extends beyond the project framework.

The sustainability prize was awarded to the team hälsa kids. With its interactive prevention concept “Wash Heroes”, the team playfully promotes correct handwashing among children, thereby supporting the early establishment of sustainable everyday routines in the areas of health and education.

From the organiser’s perspective as well, the competition is far more than a one‑off project. Michael Mötter, Deputy Managing Director of bbw e. V., emphasised: “The 5‑Euro‑Business competition is not only a platform for creative ideas, but also a valuable learning environment for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. It not only strengthens the participants’ innovative capacity, but also promotes independence and a willingness to take responsibility.”

The finale of the 5‑Euro‑Business competition at the University of Bayreuth impressively demonstrated how student ideas can evolve into market‑ready products, functioning business models and viable start‑up perspectives within just a few weeks.