Graz, July 2, 2026 – Around 70 students participated this year in the Start!Up School Life Science They participated and developed innovative business ideas in the areas of [missing information] over several months. Health & SustainabilityThey were supported by lecturers from FH JOANNEUM and the University of Graz, as well as experts from Human.technology Styria.
The festive finale was the awards ceremony on July 1st at the Steiermärkische Sparkasse, which has been a prime sponsor of the competition for 21 years. The finalist teams presented their business plans to a distinguished panel of experts, who then selected the winning projects as well as the special prize for the most innovative product or service.
Creativity, innovative strength and economic thinking were convincing
The jury – consisting of Andreas Leskosek (Styrian Savings Bank), Doris Paier (Styrian Economic Development Corporation, Startupmark)), Martin Tschandl (FH JOANNEUM), Robert Mischak (FH JOANNEUM), Leopold Strobl (Chamber of Commerce Styria), Sebastian Ouschan (University of Graz), Thomas Wiedner (Next Incubator) and Michael Pichler (Human.technology Styria) – evaluated the submitted projects according to criteria such as degree of innovation, feasibility and economic plausibility.
“With the Start!Up School Life Science, we want to inspire young people to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, while simultaneously showcasing the diverse opportunities offered by the life science industry. Every year, we are delighted to see the creativity and professionalism with which the students develop their ideas. As a cluster, we also support young companies and start-ups beyond the competition itself, guiding them on their path to the successful implementation of their innovations,” says Michael Pichler, Project Manager at Human.technology Styria.
These projects impressed the jury
- Place – Clario Health (HTL Kaindorf)
Clario Health is a digital prevention platform that combines comprehensive blood diagnostics, physician approval, and concrete action plans in an annual program. Users book a blood test online at a partner laboratory and subsequently receive a digital health report. The report clearly explains the results, categorizes them into health areas such as heart, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and micronutrients, and outlines specific next steps for nutrition, lifestyle, and relevant health goals. The winning project received EUR 2.500 Prize money. - Place – VoiceVital Health (BULME Graz)
VoiceVital Health is a smartphone app. It records 30 seconds of speech daily and detects early signs of depression, Parkinson's disease, COPD, and cognitive decline from the voice—often years before a doctor can make a diagnosis. The project was funded with EUR 1.500 . - Place – Clarity (BULME Graz)
Clarity offers a smart assistance bracelet for people with early-stage dementia. While conventional systems only react in emergencies, Clarity proactively guides the user through the day. The bracelet uses multiple sensors (light, vibration, sound) to remind users about medications or appointments. If the user doesn't respond, a three-stage escalation system informs family members via an app. Integrated GPS geofencing provides additional safety in cases of disorientation. The project received EUR 1.000 Prize money.
Innovation award for intelligent fascia roller
The innovation prize, worth EUR 1.000, donated by the Industrial Management program at FH JOANNEUM, was awarded this year to the team Bio-Twin The BULME Graz. The Bio-Twin Simulator is an AI-powered software platform that creates a digital twin of the patient based on DNA, gut flora (microbiome), and current blood values. This twin allows doctors to simulate the effects of a medication before prescribing it.
