FH Upper Austria Teams Up with Industry Leaders for a Breakthrough Innovation Event

Management students from 27 nations had 36 hours to develop extraordinary ideas and solutions for nine renowned companies, unleashing their creativity to the fullest. For thirteen years, the Global Sales and Marketing program team at FH Upper Austria, Campus Steyr, has been organizing this unique format for students. All teamwork and presentations were conducted exclusively in English.

“InnoCamp36 is an excellent opportunity to connect universities, companies, students, and high school pupils, strengthening the already outstanding collaboration between business and FH Upper Austria,” says initiator and program director Margarethe Überwimmer.

Over the course of 36 hours, 80 participants worked through a structured Design Thinking process to generate ideas, develop solutions, and present the best concept. The challenges were provided by internationally recognized companies, including ENGEL, Fronius, Merlin Technologies, NIMBUSCLOUD, Silhouette International, TGW, voestalpine, and voidsy. Each team had just 360 seconds to pitch their solutions to a distinguished jury.

Project on Employee and Leadership Skills in Modern International Business Takes First Place
The winning team, representing TGW Logistics, delivered innovative approaches for the sustainable development of employee and leadership competencies in a modern international business environment. Their hard work was rewarded with an attractive cash prize.

InnoCamp36 was intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding for us. In just 36 hours, strangers became friends – building a team spirit that usually takes months. Between countless cups of coffee and even more laughter, a creative energy emerged that truly bonded us. This positive dynamic was felt throughout the entire event – so many strong teams, so much creativity – which makes us even prouder to have come out on top,” says Stefan Baier, GSM Master’s student and member of the winning TGW team.

Second place went to the Fronius project group, which focused on innovative communication and sales strategies aligned with sustainability in international business.

Third place was claimed by the Silhouette team for developing innovative lead-generation concepts for specific sales channels.

Benjamin Völk, CEO of nimbuscloud, shared his enthusiasm: “Nimbuscloud was once again excited to participate in FH Steyr’s InnoCamp36. GSM creates a unique format that, thanks to its diverse participants – from high school students to Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and even external contributors – delivers high-quality, broad input. The final presentations are a highlight; even without winning, the value remains high, and follow-up projects are worth every investment. Creative solutions at this level of professionalism are rare, especially when combined with such a fun and engaging process.”

Program director Margarethe Überwimmer expressed her pride: “Everyone showed exceptional commitment and delivered outstanding results. The atmosphere was fantastic, and participants demonstrated team spirit, expertise, and countless forward-thinking, innovative ideas. InnoCamp36 stands for innovation, creativity, and excellent strategies for the future through networking between universities, companies, students, and pupils.”

About InnoCamp36
InnoCamp36 was initiated in 2012 by Margarethe Überwimmer, program director for Global Sales and Marketing at FH Upper Austria, Campus Steyr, and has been held almost annually since then. This year, eight companies and one project team of ten members each – including students, exchange students, and high school pupils – participated. Each group had 36 hours to develop ideas for company-provided challenges related to marketing, sales, and international business, and present them in a 360-second pitch to the jury. Prize money was sponsored by the participating companies.

More information: http://www.fh-ooe.at/InnoCamp36

Participating Companies & Sponsors:

• Engel Austria GmbH
• Fronius International GmbH
• Merlin Technology GmbH
• Nimbuscloud GmbH
• Silhouette International Schmied AG
• TGW Logistics Group GmbH
• voestalpine Stahl GmbH
• voidsy GmbH