The Game Changer Award was presented for the ninth time to “revolutionaries of the German economy”. Bain & Company and Manager Magazin present this award in three categories to companies based in Germany that have made disruptive change a central part of their business model. Additionally, the “Rising Star” special award was presented to a young and promising company.
“Innovation, disruption, sustainability, and success – these criteria not only form the basis of the Game Changer Award, but also characterize our award winners,”
explains Walter Sinn, Bain’s Germany managing director and jury member. However, their success is no foregone conclusion:
“Especially in times of stagnating economic prospects, Germany needs the ability and courage to innovate, but also the strength and a committed workforce to implement them.”
Konux wins “Operations of the Future” category
Munich startup Konux combines machine learning and IIoT into software-as-a-service solutions for the operation, monitoring, and automation of maintenance processes. The company focuses on rail transport. By increasing capacity, reliability, and cost efficiency, Konux aims to strengthen the railway as a mobility option. The combination of software and hardware makes a significant contribution to the transformation of rail operations and supports a sustainable future, according to the jury’s reasoning.
Konux works with Deutsche Bahn, among others. In late 2020, the two companies concluded a long-term framework agreement. The goal of the cooperation was initially the digitalization of 650 switches and their predictive maintenance. Two years later, Deutsche Bahn confirmed the Konux Switch solution with the so-called “proof” and thus an accuracy of almost 90 percent.
Johanna Leisch, Managing Director and CHRO of Konux, says:
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation in the rail industry.”
Air Up awarded “Rising Star”
The special award “Rising Star” was presented to Air Up. The company produces a reusable drinking system that gives water flavor through scent. By transporting aromatic substances and utilizing so-called retronasal olfaction, a taste impression is created that is actually only scent. Air Up combines the desire for carefree enjoyment with the health benefits of pure water, according to the jury.
Air Up developed its first prototype back in 2016, and the company was founded in 2019. In just three years, the Munich scaleup has grown into an internationally operating company that employs over 300 employees and has convinced millions of customers in eleven countries. Air Up has been profitable since 2020, and in 2022 revenue reached 159 million euros, as co-founder Lena Jüngst revealed in an interview with Munich Startup.
Lena Jüngst says of the award:
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team. To celebrate an award like this, we did not choose the easy path, but rather the unpaved path with many bumps. Taking that on requires courage, perseverance, and a certain sense of adventure.”
Konux and Air Up are not the first Munich startups to be honored with the Game Changer Award. In the past, Munich unicorns Celonis, Flixbus, and Personio have claimed the trophy.
