From Thesis to Business: Turning Academic Ideas into Successful Ventures
October 24, 2024Unveiling My Dream
As an architect, my job is not just about designing buildings; it’s about creating spaces that fit into our world. Today, it’s crucial to think about the environment alongside functionality and looks. But no matter how great an idea is, it needs to be profitable to become a reality. So, I used my master’s thesis as an opportunity to find a sustainable solution that would also be profitable and widely used – Let’s go!
Mastering the Thesis
My chosen theme, “Steel Construction,” posed quite a challenge. With the support of my professor, I explored using recycled materials and found old rails to be a strong and standardized option. From an architectural perspective, these reused rails were perfect for building structures, being three times stronger than regular steel. The outcome? I designed an innovative apartment block where rooms could move, thanks to the load-bearing structure out of rails, creating extra living space. Besides saving a lot of CO2 and energy, this project could offer up to 25% more rentable area in a limited space – a big win for dense cities – But what now?
Venturing into the Market
While ETH Zurich provided great support during my thesis, taking my ideas to the market required proving their economic viability. After completing my thesis, I conducted a detailed feasibility study with experts. The results were promising: we achieved massive CO2 and energy savings, up to 98%, and cut primary structure construction costs by 50%, leading to overall construction savings of up to 20% – Yes!
Exploring Business Opportunities
Integrating rails into modern construction presents exciting possibilities. From cost-effective industrial frameworks to varied shelters and buildings, the potential is vast. Armed with insights from the feasibility study, I developed and patented foundational constructions, paving the way for my startup, 8G Architektur GmbH.
Navigating Future Challenges
While ETH Zurich kick-started my journey, new challenges await. Beyond overcoming technical hurdles, I’m ready to embark on the next phase. With the ongoing support of ETH Alumni and Ambassadors, I aim to tackle upcoming challenges, from launching my first project to forming strategic partnerships, and continuing to innovate – Let’s go!
By bridging academia and entrepreneurship, I hope not only to reshape architectural norms but also to leave a lasting, sustainable impact for future generations.
