MUL:idea
The ideas competition of the Montanuniversität Leoben
The Montanuni and ZAT invites you to MUL:idea!
Montanuniversität Leoben and the ZAT are specifically committed to promoting start-ups and spin-offs in Upper Styria - with the aim of bringing innovative ideas from the university into practice. For this reason, the MUL:idea competition was launched a month ago.
A total of 25 teams submitted their forward-looking concepts in two categories:
🔬 MUL researchers and employees
🎓 Students of the MUL
All submitted ideas were presented to and evaluated by an independent jury of experts. Below you will find a brief presentation of the final three from each track - the best teams in the competition.
Now it's your turn - cast your vote for the best idea per track!
🔬 Track 1 – MUL researchers & employees
There are 3 teams to choose from. Read through the ideas and cast your vote!
Team 1: Acoustic-(Ultra)sound-Vibration-Separator
The idea is an innovative acoustic (ultra) sound vibration separator for separating the finest particles (<20 µm) using acoustic waves. This physical process utilises the acoustic contrast factor to efficiently sort previously unprocessable residues - without chemicals and with n-product separation. The business model includes plant sales, contract processing in the technical centre and the recycling of historical stockpiles. The USP lies in the purely physical, gentle separation, the AI-supported process control and the suitability for polymetallic, industrial and environmentally critical residues. The global market is huge: an estimated 300 billion tonnes of deposited sludge as well as rapidly growing quantities of battery waste, microplastics and finely dispersed special materials make the process a trendsetter for the circular economy, resource conservation and environmental relief.
Team 2: Next-Gen Fuel Cell Tech
The ACR team is developing novel gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for PEM fuel cells based on a carbonised nanofibrillar matrix and in-situ integrated high-entropy nanoparticles. This technology reduces platinum consumption by 60 %, lowers the production costs of GDEs by over 50 % and increases fuel cell efficiency by ≥15 %. The business model combines product sales, technology licensing and R&D collaborations with industry and OEMs. The USP lies in the high performance, scalability (roll-to-roll production), mechanical stability and sustainability (fluorine- and binder-free). The market for GDEs is growing strongly: from USD 1.69 billion (2022) to an expected USD 6.34 billion by 2030 (CAGR 20.8%), with demand in the millions in the mobility sector alone.
Team 3: Niovirtixa
Niovirtixa is developing a new technology for fast, cost-efficient and scalable glass 3D printing production using Direct Laser Glass Sintering (DLGS). In contrast to existing processes, energy and time-intensive post-treatments such as sintering or debinding are completely eliminated. The USP lies in the 10-fold speed, 50-60% cost reduction and the ability to produce transparent, high-precision glass components for applications in semiconductor technology, LiDAR, medical technology and electronics. The business model includes the sale of modular 3D printers, material subscriptions and contract printing. The addressed market for precision glass is expected to grow to over USD 33 billion by 2030, with strong demand from the chip industry, e-mobility, microfluidics and AR/VR. Niovirtixa aims to play a key role in next-generation industrial glass manufacturing.
🎓 Track 2 – For students of the MUL
There are 3 teams to choose from. Read through the ideas and cast your vote!
Team 1: 5-axis CNC
The idea is to develop a compact, cost-effective 5-axis hybrid machine for CNC machining and fused deposition modelling (FDM) that combines additive and subtractive manufacturing in one desktop device. The aim is to make precise rapid prototyping and small series production accessible to educational institutions, SMEs, designers and artists. The business model combines machine sales, customised systems, training and a ‘manufacturing-as-a-service’ model via an online platform. The USP lies in the modular conversion between milling and 3D printing, the variety of materials (metals, plastics, foams) and the space-saving design. The market addressed includes education, creative industries and industrial product development with a growing need for flexible, digital production at low cost.
Team 2: Automation Dosing Pump
The idea is to automate chemical dosing pumps using a SCADA-based timer system to avoid manual errors, overdosing and safety risks in the process industry. Developed in a gold processing plant, the solution reduces chemical consumption through precise, time-controlled dosing, reduces operating costs by over USD 300,000 annually and increases occupational safety. The business model provides a scalable, cost-effective retrofit kit for existing pump systems - including training, installation assistance and optional remote monitoring. The USP lies in the simple integration without system conversions, high return on investment, scalability for a wide range of industries (mining, water treatment, chemicals, etc.) and minimal training requirements. Especially in emerging markets with limited access to automation, the system offers a highly efficient and immediately realisable solution with great market potential.
Team 3: Mycolation
The idea is to develop an ecological insulation material from mycelium and non-recyclable textile waste streams that is biodegradable, produced regionally and conserves resources. The business model is based on processing local textile waste into insulation boards and selling them to ecologically orientated construction companies, cooperatives and private builders in the B2B and B2C sectors. The USP lies in the combination of waste utilisation, regional value creation, low production costs and a positive ecological balance - a clear contrast to energy-intensive, fossil-based insulation materials. The Austrian insulation market is worth around EUR 370 million per year, with strong growth in sustainable alternatives expected as a result of subsidies and CO₂ pricing. With a pilot production of 1000 m³ per year, an entry with a turnover of EUR 100,000 is possible; in the medium term, a market share of 0.1 % and a turnover of EUR 500,000/year are targeted.
Thanks for voting! Now it's your turn - be there live!
Experience the MUL:idea finalists up close at the big showdown on 21 May 2025.
Look forward to exciting final pitches, inspiring speakers and lots of networking.
👉 Register for the event now and keep your fingers crossed for your favourites!
