In the winter semester of 2024/25, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt introduced an innovative course: the bridging programme "Future Ideas and Project Implementation". The module programme is unique in Germany and offers an opportunity for anyone who wants to turn their own idea into reality.
Published on 26 June 2025
Behind the building of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) at Münzstraße 12 is the "Innovation and Start-up Garage" – a place that lives up to its name: this is where the bridging studies programme events take place, which are all about innovative projects. The focus of the programme is on working on an individual project close to the students' hearts, which they plan and implement independently. Dr Felix Liedel, lecturer in the bridging programme, explains what this involves: "We want to offer students a space where they can develop their projects in a structured way in order to grow both professionally and personally."
The programme lasts one to two semesters, during which students can earn up to 30 ECTS credits. Nine modules and practical workshops teach skills in personal development, project management, creativity, new work, communication, and business modelling. A special feature of the programme is the work in so-called peer groups, i.e. small groups in which students exchange ideas about the status of their respective projects and support each other. In addition, students can sign up on two posters labelled "I offer" and "I need". This allows them to exchange skills and resources with each other. The team at the Campus for Applied Research also supports students during the development process and is available to offer advice.
Individual perspectives
When you enter the Innovation and Start-up Garage, you encounter a small group of students working enthusiastically on a wide variety of ideas. Whether it's a business idea, a creative project, or a social cause, the projects cover a broad spectrum. They can be ideas from the fields of science, economics, social issues, or creativity. Depending on their progress, the projects may still be in the orientation phase or already in the implementation phase. However, it is important that a rough idea for the project is already in place before the start of the programme. Further requirements include a higher education entrance qualification (HZB) and German language level B2.
The backgrounds and personalities of the students are as diverse as the projects themselves. Among them are graduates, high school graduates, and doctoral candidates. "I personally find this diversity very exciting because it gives us the opportunity to establish a dialogue between people who might otherwise never have come into contact with each other," says Dr. Liedel. However, what unites all the students is their enthusiasm for their respective projects, which becomes clear when talking to them.
Jana's van idea
Jana graduated from high school in 2023 and started at THWS in the winter semester of 2024/25. She is using the bridging programme as a transition between school and university and plans to complete a bachelor's degree in Architecture afterwards. After graduating from high school, she travelled extensively and worked to afford a van that she could convert. This gave her the idea for her project: customised sets or modules that can be installed in a van. The sets are designed for storage, sleeping, or cooking. The kitchen module, for example, will consist of a USB water pump, a sink, cupboards for storing crockery, and a tank for the water supply. Through working on her own van, Jana knows exactly what challenges can arise when converting a van. With her idea, she wants to make the conversion process easier for other van enthusiasts. The project is still in its early stages, but the foundation has been laid. What Jana particularly likes about the bridging programme is the work in peer groups: "Through close collaboration, I can further develop and improve my project in a targeted manner."
Sophia's app against loneliness
Sophia is also working on her project as part of her bridging programme. She studied the bachelor’s programme Media Management and became aware of a problem during a workshop – many people suffer from loneliness. She herself and people in Sophia's circle had also been affected by this. This gave her the idea for her start-up: to develop an app that addresses this problem. The app, called "peeps the social map", allows users to arrange spontaneous meetings with others and provides support in the form of challenges and icebreaker questions. Sophia wants her app to help break the taboo surrounding this topic and create concrete opportunities for people to meet. After completing her studies, she plans to found a start-up to bring the app to life. She talks enthusiastically about the bridging programme: "Sometimes you have tunnel vision, but the different perspectives and mutual support in the bridging programme give you completely new inspiration." Sophia has pinned a note on one of the posters saying "I need help and tips on making decisions and prioritising tasks." She hopes this will help her get help from a fellow student.
Tom's digital creative project
Another student in the bridging programme is Tom, who is working on a digital creative platform. He wants to create a website for sharing creative projects. He came up with the idea long before he started his studies, as he enjoys being creative in his free time, for example by pottery and restoring or building furniture. In the module programme, he was able to flesh out the idea and develop it further. The platform is designed so that users can upload their own creative projects with instructions and specify which tools and materials are needed. Tom explains his idea: "My goal is to give people a platform where they can share their creative projects but also learn from the projects of others." He wants to promote a more efficient use of tools and materials. After completing his studies, he plans to start a master's degree and continue working on his idea. The bridging programme helps him with his approach and provides him with structure without overwhelming him.
A degree programme for anyone wanting to turn ideas into reality
The bridging programme "Future Ideas and Project Development" brings together a wide variety of personalities. This promotes team spirit, creativity, and mutual support. Students are not only given the opportunity to implement their own passion projects but also grow personally by developing new skills. With additional help from lecturers, students are guided along their individual paths and can develop their projects in a targeted manner – from the initial idea to its realisation. Dr Felix Liedel sums it up: "I can recommend the bridging programme to anyone who wants to tackle their own project in a structured way and bring it to fruition."
