The productronica Fast Forward Award 2021 start-up competition took place online this week. Even though it was mostly a virtual event, like the previous edition, the quality of the candidates was as high as ever.

productronica Fast Forward Award Winners

As it was long unclear if productronica 2021 was going to take place as a real tradeshow or not, the only way forward was online. Therefore, instead of pitching in front of a live jury and audience, the candidates from countries such as Hungary, Germany, Israel, and France had to record their presentation.

After reviewing the various start-ups and their technologies, the Fast Forward Award jury — which included Benjamin Klingenberg (NCAB Group, Platinum Sponsor of the event) and Elektor engineering and editorial representatives — selected the top three winners: ioTech Group (First Prize), Reedu GmbH & Co. KG (Second Prize), and Pozi Development Ltd (Third Prize). The traditional elevator pitch in front of an audience and a jury as is customary during such events was replaced by a pre-recorded video. Supplementary information could be provided in the shape of business plans and pitch decks. After watching the videos and studying the documents, the jury selected three winners:
 
First Prize, €50,000 Elektor marketing budget
ioTech Group — Based in Jerusalem, Israel, ioTech develops new technologies for additive mass manufacturing and multi-material printing.

Second Prize, €25,000 Elektor marketing budget
Reedu GmbH & Co. KG — Reengineering education aka Reedu aka re:edu from Münster, Germany is known for senseBox and openSenseMap.

Third Prize, €15,000 Elektor marketing budget
Pozi Development Ltd — Pozi from Budapest, Hungary provides full visibility in manufacturing and logistics, and identifies and eliminates lean waste throughout the entire supply chain.

The winning three start-ups were chosen by the jury because of their high commercial potential and the quality of the team, two important criteria for a start-up to grow into a successful business.

Congratulations to the winners!
 
ioTech laser assisted deposition
ioTech develops new technologies for additive mass manufacturing and multi-material printing.
 

Going to productronica 2021?

If you visit productronica in Munich this year, than don't miss the Fast Forward Award ceremony which will take place on Thursday, November 18 at 13.00 - 14.00 CET at the productronica forum (A1.405).

Also head over to booth A1.420, where you can meet Elektor engineers (such as Mathias Claußen) and you will have an opportunity to learn more about the winning start-up companies. Take advantage of the event to learn from their experiences and to share your ideas about new technologies!

Hopefully, things will be back to normal soon and we'll see you at the next event!