It's a wrap! The Digital Challenge 2024 is the eighth time we have brought science and business together in a very practical way.

ZÖLLNER Holding, Stadtwerke Flensburg GmbH, Haus & Grund Schleswig-Holstein e.V., Denker Wulf and Gebr. KG Schiffswerft presented the nine student teams from Kiel, Flensburg and Heide with very different challenges. Sometimes very concrete, sometimes with a greater focus on the long-term corporate strategy.

During ten intensive days (and sometimes nights), the students immersed themselves in the processes, structures and markets of the companies. With a fresh perspective and up-to-date university knowledge, they developed a wide variety of ideas that were tested for feasibility, rethought or even discarded over the course of the week.

They presented their final solutions at the IHK in Kiel, e.g.

• Shift in the value chain through the digitalization of a product
• Digitalization of repair processes to save time and money
• Digital knowledge management
• New business models in the field of renewable energies
• Service and member app

We are delighted that the joint format with five universities, the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum SH and under the patronage of Minister of Economic Affairs Claus Ruhe Madsen is working.

• the companies receive innovative suggestions for their digitalization
• the students have found several jobs with the companies
• The start-up Holo Dynamics emerged from DC 2023

Of course, the finale was followed by a proper celebration, this time with musical support from Mark Smith and artists from the Secret Stage, a spontaneous performance by a student and delicious food from jack's kitchen.

Congratulations to everyone who took on this year's challenge. And many thanks to all the companies, partners, board members and sponsors of this format.