Young Minds, Big Ideas
How does a creative idea become your own project? And what does it take to turn it into something real? Children found answers to these questions during the second edition of Innovator Kids in Siegen. Following last year’s successful premiere, demand was once again high. In collaboration with the regional startup network Startpunkt57, the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Siegen invited the young participants to unleash their creativity and gain their first insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
Just how much inventive spirit children possess was already evident in the development of their business ideas. Once again, the proposals were as original as they were diverse: a lie detector for parents, a recycling station that turns plastic into stuffed animals, or a power station powered by an electric eel. Other ideas from the young entrepreneurs included a cup that detects toxins in beverages, an animal translator, and books specifically for animals. Over the course of the day, the children further developed their ideas, created initial prototypes, and explored the basics of entrepreneurship in a playful way—from the target audience and the added value of an idea to pricing. At the concluding roadshow, they proudly presented their results. To wrap up the day, they were given a guided tour of the Fab Lab Siegen.
Karin Horchler, Julia Förster, and Konrad Meisner from the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Siegen, along with Sarah Stöcker from Startpunkt57, guided the children through the day. Even after the second edition of Innovator Kids, they agree: the format has great potential. “Supporting the children as they develop their ideas and seeing what can come of them is not only exciting but also encouraging for the children themselves,” says Dr. Jens Jacobs, director of the Entrepreneurship Center and a board member of Startpunkt57.
The second round of Innovator Kids has once again shown that entrepreneurial spirit knows no age limits. Those who learn early on to think creatively, view challenges as opportunities, and bring their own ideas to life develop important skills for the future.
