In my view, start-ups are an important driver of the changes needed to solve our global challenges. Whether in collaboration with established companies or as an independent entity with disruptive potential for positive change. 

In 2016, I supported my wife in setting up the information platform marketSTEEL, which publishes economic and industry information for steel and mechanical engineering online. Thanks to its independence from associations and daily updates, marketSTEEL has become the leading (online) provider of specialised information, partially replacing traditional (print) specialist offerings.

In 2019, I joined Foodhub NRW on a voluntary basis as the 3rd co-founder alongside Peter Wiedeking and Lee Greene. Foodhub NRW is an innovation platform and lively network for everyone in NRW who is rethinking agriculture, food and nutrition with their ideas, from the field to the plate, so to speak. 

Rethinking is a must, because we as the agriculture and food industry are called upon to make our contribution to the major challenges of our time. The use of new (digital) technologies is essential. This is the only way to ensure the future viability of our sector here in Germany. Typical topics are healthy living, sustainability, securing food for 10 billion people worldwide, for example through innovation concepts such as residual power utilisation, alternative proteins, climate tech or the use of AI.

In order to achieve these goals, the Foodhub NRW monitors trends and technologies along the entire value chain and brings innovation players together to jointly develop and pilot new ideas in close dialogue: Start-ups, science, farmers, SMEs, corporations, retailers, technology companies and political players.

Our online platform and event formats provide ideas on innovation topics and trends, create transparency and offer networking opportunities.