ARC62 Wins Baden-Württemberg’s Elevator Pitch Regional Cup in Ulm with Autonomous Shopping Solution
A new era of convenience and local commerce is on the horizon, thanks to ARC62, the winner of the recent Elevator Pitch Regional Cup Ulm. The competition, held in conjunction with the Network Day of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), showcased innovative business ideas and ultimately awarded ARC62 for its groundbreaking “Grab & Go” system designed to revitalize small retail spaces.
Twenty-two applications were submitted for the regional cup, with three teams ultimately claiming a spot on the winners’ podium. The event, which took place in Ulm (89073), highlighted the burgeoning start-up ecosystem within Baden-Württemberg.
Addressing the Decline of Local Retail
ARC62’s winning concept directly confronts a growing challenge: the closure of small shops due to staffing shortages and economic pressures. “Local supplies are disappearing!” a company release stated, emphasizing the urgency of the problem. Their solution is an autonomous shopping system allowing customers to simply walk in, select their items, and walk out – 24/7 and without the need for staff.
The system is designed to be more affordable, modular, and flexible than traditional retail setups, offering a potential lifeline to struggling businesses. According to the company, this approach will “return good care to the places that they miss.”
A Look at the Competition
While ARC62 took first place, the competition featured a diverse range of innovative concepts.
EVA-aha secured second place with its interactive, tablet-controlled technical experiments for classrooms. The company aims to make STEM education more engaging and accessible for both students and teachers, promising “more understanding, higher motivation and significantly less effort for teachers.”
Rounding out the top three was Fitness Beyond Reality, which presented a virtual reality platform focused on employee health and performance. The platform utilizes AI-driven personalized exercises and stress reduction techniques to improve well-being and reduce workplace downtime. “Personalized, scientifically analyzed whole-body exercises and stress reduction via AI ensure better health, concentration and less stress at work,” the company explained.
The “Start-up BW Elevator Pitch” Competition
The “Start-up BW Elevator Pitch” competition, now in its 12th year since its launch in 2013, is organized by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism. Preliminary rounds for the 2025/2026 competition will be conducted by Start-up BW partners, with winners advancing to the state finals. This regional event in Ulm served as a crucial stepping stone for these promising start-ups, offering them valuable exposure and a platform to refine their pitches.
