i2B Business Award goes to student at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences

Eisenstadt/Vienna, 27 January 2026 When innovation meets entrepreneurial spirit, important prerequisites for success are in place. Business students at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences receive specialist coaching on how to realise their ideas as part of their degree programme. The "Business Models and Innovation Management" course on the Master's degree programme in International Business Relations offers students the opportunity to try things out. They submit the business plans they develop to the i2B Challenge. In 2025, this was the third win in the last five years in the student category.

Personalised travel memories made in Austria

734 business plans took part in the 2025 competition, 85 of which were in the student category. Philipp Szczech's excellent idea: The student recognised from his own experience and interest in travel that the classic fridge souvenirs should be replaced by a more modern version. He therefore developed Journey Puzzle, a magnet that depicts the outline of the respective country, but can only be purchased if you have actually been to the country. "Journey Puzzle transforms travelling into an interactive work of art. Each magnetic souvenir represents a country that you have visited. This is how your personal world map full of memories grows. Sustainably produced for all those who consciously and mindfully discover the world," explains the award winner.

He is currently working intensively on the app development. The magnets are produced 100% in Austria.

Lecturer Michael Sedlak is delighted that after 2020 and 2021, victory in the student category has once again gone to a plan from Burgenland University of Applied Sciences. "I was excited about this idea from the very first moment. The business plan was great and Philipp Szczech was able to get the decisive edge in the pitch in front of the jury to bring the victory to Burgenland." Programme Director Nina Trinkl also joins in the congratulations and emphasises: "I am delighted with Philipp Szczech's success. This result confirms the practical orientation of our degree programme."

Facts about the degree programme

Master's programme - 4 semesters - Academic degree "Master of Arts in Business, MA" - Study location Campus Eisenstadt - Part-time, with classes on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, a total of 14 times per semester as well as eLearning - Admission requirements: A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) that provides sound basic competences in economics and social sciences for further management training - Languages of instruction: German and English. Specialisations are possible in the areas of Applied Business Law, Financial Management and International Marketing.

It is already possible to register for all degree programmes at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences. More at www.hochschule-burgenland.at

Enquiry notes:

Mag.a Christiane Staab │ Marketing and Communication │ University of Applied Sciences Burgenland GmbH │ Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537 │ E-Mail: christiane.staab(at)hochschule-burgenland.at