500 guests celebrate innovative start-ups from South Hesse
Darmstadt. Six startups, nearly 500 guests, and a stage full of ideas: That was Cherrypicks vol. 4 on Thursday evening in the Heinerwiesen festival tent. Founders from South Hesse presented their innovations to an audience, investors, and entrepreneurs. The format, initiated by the Marketing Club South Hesse and the HUB31 startup center , is now considered an integral part of the regional startup scene.
Stage for new ideas and courageous founders
Heiko Depner , Program Director of the Marketing Club Südhessen, and Laura Melina Abascal y Ballester moderated the evening . Depner emphasized: "We need more courage and risk-taking in Germany. Cherrypicks demonstrates how much innovative power lies in our region – and that it's worth encouraging founders to try new things."
The event serves as a dress rehearsal for the big pitch : The startups have the opportunity to present their business model, gather feedback, and refine their strategy. The audience ultimately decides on the winner.
Winner of the evening: w3Learn
This year's competitors were:
Chrood UG (smart security solutions),
MediEm (digital support for caregivers),
PreserviTec (building protection with AI),
MimoSense (sensor technology for medicine),
w3Learn (digital education platform),
and TRACK (digital organization of outdoor experiences).
After a thrilling vote, w3Learn prevailed and received the Cherrypicks Award 2025, including access to a mentoring and networking package.
New special prize for female founders
The special "Female Founders" award presented for the first time. Donated by Carmen Horst and Janina Foerster , it went to Hannah of CLNDR . She received a corporate design and social media package valued at €5,000 .
Focus on exchange and networking
In addition to the pitches, networking and matchmaking a focus. Sponsors, jury members, and guests took the opportunity to engage with the founding teams. "We want to create an environment where innovation is a given – with room to grow, learn, and experiment," explained Abascal .
The event was supported by numerous partners from business and science. The fifth edition of Cherrypicks is already planned for fall 2026 .
/RED/PM)
