DTF Startups
Here we present our success stories – startup teams from all former DTF batches that have already made it.
We are super proud of each and every one of them!
Evolonic (DTA B#8)
Evolonic develops innovative electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (“eVTOLs”), offering a service for automatic early detection of forest fires.
The startup is a research initiative located at FAU Erlangen–Nürnberg and the Fraunhofer IISB. Using a sophisticated sensor system and AI for forest fire detection,
they have built deep know-how in the design and construction of high-end long-range drones.
Good to know: Evolonic won the international New Flying Competition in 2020 and 2022 and the FAU Start-up Demo Day.
They are planning a pilot project to test their service concept with government agencies for regular monitoring of wildfire-risk areas and to secure funding for the upcoming spin-off.
Oculai (DTA B#6)
Oculai is a ConTech startup that uses cameras and artificial intelligence to automatically record construction processes and progress.
Their AI-powered software recognizes and documents outdoor construction processes from camera data.
Via a web app, users access an automated target/actual schedule, self-writing daily construction reports, productivity KPIs, and route visualizations.
Based on this automated documentation and data, projects can realize ~7% savings in shell construction costs and ~15% time savings for site teams.
Good to know: After starting the idea in the DTA, Oculai received the EXIST start-up grant and joined ZOLLHOF TechIncubator. Founded in July 2021,
Oculai completed a €2.5M seed round in 2022.
Arfinity (DTA B#3)
Arfinity provides Augmented Reality solutions for trade fairs, enabling new ways of product presentation and interaction for organizers, exhibitors, and visitors.
With an easy configuration tool, exhibitors create their own AR content and showcase a larger portfolio as true-to-original 3D models during events —
reducing costs and increasing engagement and product understanding. Visitors can browse all exhibitors, interact with showpieces,
and collect information via the arfinity app. During the COVID-19 pandemic, arfinity supported hybrid and fully digital events with remote one-on-one explanations,
especially for complex products.
Good to know: Successful foundation as a GmbH in January 2021.
INVRTUAL (DTA B#4)
INVRTUAL offers an Extended Reality (XR) communication platform for immersive presentations, collaboration, and training in virtual spaces.
Businesses can leverage metaverse potential to create value: design a 3D avatar, meet face-to-face in digital rooms, and interact with objects and whiteboards —
all in the browser, no installation required, and device-agnostic. From whiteboard-based workshops and 3D prototypes to customer meetings — everything in one virtual space.
Good to know: FAU President Prof. Dr. Hornegger was their first demo avatar.
Libati (DTA B#4)
Libati is an app that helps people with chronic conditions discover new places more freely and independently.
Like a “TripAdvisor” for accessibility, it recommends hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés, and more based on community ratings and personal trigger factors
(e.g., stairs, animal hair). Users see at a glance which nearby locations are suitable — and which aren’t.
Good to know: Successful crowdfunding campaign and app launch.
The right choice (DTA B#5)
The right choice is a sustainable shopping app that makes healthy, eco-aware decisions effortless.
It clarifies nutritional values, allergens, and sustainability labels, bringing transparency to daily purchases.
With a product-specific sustainability score, you can easily plan and shop in any local supermarket.
