Representing Rement and the next generation of deep-tech founders, our Co-CEO Robert discussed the status quo and future ambitions of KIT’s founding ecosystem with Stefan Quandt and Prof. Jan S Hesthaven in front of 700 alumni.

Rement exists because we saw a demand for better concrete recycling—and started building. Every obstacle became proof of our conviction. While awareness of an entrepreneurial career is high among researchers, too few choose this path. Risk aversion is a cultural phenomenon, and culture takes time to change. However, we can all contribute to de-risking the founder path in the meantime: by creating financial safe spaces in early phases, by supporting founders with our networks, by reducing bureaucratic friction, by offering two meters of lab bench to those who have none.

Founders start companies to be self-effective. Let’s do our best to make this self-effectiveness possible — and more deep-tech companies will emerge and make our lives better.

Thanks to everyone who made our journey possible—to our customers, research partners, investors, advisors, team members, students, enablers.