What an evening with us at the TechnologieZentrumDortmundTo the innoclub Selection Night 2026 has the innoclub-Clubhouse in the TZDO opened its doors and delivered exactly the energy that this network stands for: start-ups, SMEs and corporates in one place, with a clear focus on collaboration.
For all those who innoclub do not yet know: It is an open-industry innovation network that brings curated start-ups together with established companies. Not as a one-off event, but as a platform for exchange, inspiration and concrete collaborations (e.g. via club evenings, workshops and matchmaking).
The fact that the Clubhouse in our TZDO is a perfect fit: short distances to the technology park, proximity to research and companies and a place where innovation is part of everyday life.
The evening was opened by Stefan Schreiber (Dortmund Chamber of Industry and Commerce), moderated by Andrea Schubert and Dominik Stute. In terms of content, the evening had everything that makes a Selection Night special: a review of a strong first club year, an exciting corporate talk and then, of course, the pitches and the decision.
The Corporate Talk focussed on topics such as innovation management and start-up cooperation - with Christina Schlüter (SIGNAL IDUNA), Philip Tembaak (VAHLE) and Linh Phan (MURTFELDT).
This was followed by the announcement of the new innoclub members exciting. Congratulations to the new innoclub Fellows 2026!
Luminous algorithms
are developing a cloud-based platform that massively accelerates the development of optics by automatically calculating free-form optical surfaces. This allows LED light fields to be quickly moulded into the desired beam profiles and used directly in CAD.
Borderless Technologies digitalises and automates supplier and partner processes that otherwise often get stuck in email and Excel loops. The platform can be used, for example, to process enquiries, offers and agreements in a structured, transparent and significantly faster way.
Simplyfined develops bio-based platform chemicals by catalytically converting vegetable oils into sustainable alternatives for fossil raw materials. The aim is to supply the chemical industry with high-quality, economically competitive feedstocks from renewable resources.
Wailand is building an AI-supported platform that seamlessly connects engineering systems and processes in the manufacturing industry. This automates the path from customer enquiry to production order and makes the creation of variants significantly more efficient.
PotMushroom develops sustainable materials for buildings and offices from mushroom mycelium and agricultural residues. These are used, for example, to create acoustic panels and insulating materials that are compostable and can replace traditional, less sustainable materials.
ArInLaS is developing „AiLA“ - a solution that brings AI directly into workflows to facilitate documentation and processes in the healthcare sector. The aim is to make AI low-threshold and „wearable“ in existing workflows.
cargovibe is building an AI-supported platform that connects lorry drivers, haulage companies and infrastructure services in order to create more predictability and efficiency in day-to-day transport operations. Essentially, the aim is to digitally support and simplify processes such as searching for a parking space/availability and scheduling.
We are delighted that we as TZDO We look forward to giving innoclub a home and are excited to see what projects and partnerships will be created this year!
Photos: IHK Dortmund / Stephan Schütze
