National Pre-Selection of the Danube Cup: Here are the Results
Originally the Danube Cup was founded as a collaboration of Corvinus and Budapest University of Technology and Economics in 2016 but has grown into a network of eleven universities from five different countries by 2025. The objective is to provide a platform for emerging young entrepreneurs, enabling them to present their ideas to a panel of professionals and academics, while fostering inter-university collaboration.
In the Hungarian Pre-Selection eleven Teams from the Universities of Corvinus, BME and Széchenyi István University in Győr (SZE) had the opportunity to introduce their innovative Start-Ups. Each team was allotted four minutes to present their startup idea, followed by a four-minute Q&A session from the prestigious jury.
Their ideas ranged from tax advice for smaller companies over to automatic corrasion treatment systems for buildings to several digital solutions for enhanced learning. This resulted in highly diversified pitches and offered B2B & B2C solutions for all kinds of areas. Two teams from each university made it into the international semi-finals, which will take place online in May. The Top 3 overall winners were additionally awarded with the Hungarian Danube Cup Award as well as cash prices.
The three teams that convinced judges the most and won the Hungarian Pre-Selection were:
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“ARport Hungary” (BME) was the winner of the first prize for its indoor navigation project, which utilizes augmented reality. The concept is straightforward yet ambitious: to empower users of expansive venues, such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations, to navigate more efficiently by leveraging their mobile devices. The app’s intuitive interface and 3D modeling facilitate efficient navigation, reducing stress for time-constrained travelers In second place,
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“OnlyPass” (Corvinus) offers a universal digital card that centralizes all a user’s digital access (hotels, offices, gyms, etc.) with a single app. This concept aligns with the trend of dematerialization, addressing an increasingly mobile and interconnected global landscape.
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“Gradient” (SZE), in third place, offers a platform dedicated to higher education. Its objective is to enhance student engagement and facilitate seamless access to educational resources. It aims to provide universities with a digital tool for interactively tracking student attendance and participation, while fostering engagement through regular feedback.
Beyond that another three Hungarian Teams will be able to participate in the Semi-Finals:
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“TennisMate” (Corvinus), a platform that connects tennis players with available courts at hotels, targeting the sports tourism market in especially Southern Europe.
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“LayeredSteel” (BME), which wants to enable affordable and accessible metal 3D printing, aimed at small engineering teams.
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“SerpentRace” (SZE), whose team wants to make learning fun, engaging, and social by gamifying learning.
Finally, we want to thank our sponsors: 77 Elektronika, Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the Universities of Corvinus and BME. Furthermore, we want to express our gratitude for the professional judgement of László Hradszki (CEO @ Hiventures), Tamás Balassa (Principal @ PortfoLion), and Peter Krómer (Principal @ Day One Capital).
We are looking forward to the international Semi-Finals, which will take place on May 5th and wish all participants huge success!
Danube Cup Results:
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ARport Hungary (1st place from BME)
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OnlyPass (2nd place from Corvinus)
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Gradient (3rd place from SZE)
Hungarian Respresentatives at the International Semi-Final:
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ARport Hungary (BME)
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LayeredSteel (BME)
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OnlyPass (Corvinus)
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TennisMate (Corvinus)
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Gradient (SZE)
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SerpentRace (SZE)
