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Jury

Who rates you and
your idea

The jury for the inspired ideas competition is made up of experts from academia, business, and the startup ecosystem. Here, we’d like to introduce you to the members and share their ideas about what makes a good idea.

Here is the 2026 jury:

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To me, a good idea solves a significant problem in a novel, useful, and feasible way, thereby setting itself apart from mere whims or repetitions of what is already known. What matters most to me here are the innovative nature of the idea and its feasibility.

Florian Beuß
Managing Director of WITENO GmbH

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For me, an idea is good if it’s not only based on interesting scientific findings but, ideally, has already been developed in response to an existing need, and if the person or people behind the idea are passionate about it and able to inspire others to get excited about it.

Dr. Stefan Seiberling
Director of the Center for Research Funding & Transfer at the University of Greifswald

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A good pitch clearly demonstrates, within reasonable limits, the added value the idea offers and when it will become profitable. The key points should be presented clearly and concisely.
It’s particularly important to me that the founders are well-prepared to answer critical questions. This shows how thoroughly they’ve thought through their own business model.

Oliver Thees
Head of Specialized Financing, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy at Sparkasse Vorpommern

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I look for genuine innovation with a clear problem-solution fit and demonstrable benefits. I also expect solid evidence of market potential and market density, as well as a well-balanced team with complementary strengths. Regional ties are particularly important to me: tangible added value for the existing economy and strong local partnerships.

Annemarie Mielke
Managing Director of ESB Invest

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A good idea is characterized by a clear solution to a problem for which there is also a market. The founder’s passion for the cause must be evident in the idea.

Fabian Feldt
Director of Economic Affairs and Tourism for the Hanseatic and University City of Greifswald

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To me, a good idea is more than just a compelling concept: it not only piques investors’ interest but also immediately sparks a desire to use or purchase the product themselves. Furthermore, it can be visualized clearly and vividly, and its basic principle is immediately understandable to observers.

Jens Körtge
Investment Analyst at Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft MV

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A good idea is contagious, addresses what really matters, and turns a “cool idea” into reality.

Maximilian Kubalczak
Attorney at Hardke Svensson & Partner

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For me, a good idea is something that grabs me right away—either because it’s completely new or because it’s a well-thought-out take on something that already exists. When I hear or read about the idea, I need to immediately visualize the problem and, at the same time, see a clear vision of the solution.
The team behind it has to be passionate about the idea and communicate it clearly and understandably—ideally in a way that even a child can understand.
At the same time, an idea must also convince me from a business perspective: Ideally, I don’t just think, “That’s a cool concept,” but also, “That’s a really good business idea” that can scale and has real potential. This isn’t a must—some ideas simply solve an important problem—but it’s definitely a strong factor.
Since I’m awarding a special media prize, another factor that matters to me is whether I can bring the idea to life visually. I want to immediately visualize it—whether through a team that’s compelling on camera or a product that can be presented in a creative and high-quality way.
In short: Problem → Vision → Execution → Scaling.

Marten Kählert
Managing Director at FilmVision

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A good business idea clearly and understandably demonstrates the benefit or practical value the consumer or user derives from the idea. It’s also always nice when the idea is new and fresh and hasn’t been available on the market in this form before. Many of the business ideas submitted to idea competitions in recent years—in which I served as a jury member—have met these criteria.

Steffen Piechullek
Advisor for Trade and Services at the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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A truly good idea solves a real problem for the people affected and provides real benefits in the process.

Claudia Kerber
Project Manager for DDH MV at the University Medical Center Greifswald

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A good idea is bold enough to bring about change and clear enough that others immediately understand why it’s important. For me, what matters most is whether it inspires people and has the potential to turn an initial thought into a real impact.

Maximilian Bauer
Project Leadership and Management at GründerMV

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