In January, ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH presented awards to the winners of the INNOVACE 2024 student competition at its headquarters in Langenfeld. Philipp Leipholz and Jan Ruben Wittkowski from the Technical University Georg Agricola (THGA), Bochum, received the winning trophies from ACE Managing Director Dr. Peter Kremer. Their design for the construction of a device for the improved diagnosis of climbing injuries came out on top in a field of 11 candidates. The jury awarded their presentation and implementation with prize money of 5,000 euros as well as an additional 2,000 euros for Prof. Dr.-Ing. Prof. h.c. (KusSTU) Stefan Vöth, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the THGA, who supervised the work.

Niklas Backhausen from the Development and Innovation department at ACE, speaking on behalf of the jury, emphasized the commitment and quality of the work submitted by young engineers as part of INNOVACE 2024. All of the design drafts were characterized by their very good structure and those shortlisted were also distinguished by their pronounced practical relevance. The winning duo from the THGA managed to take the top spot thanks to their practical, easy-to-transport solution. Both intend to continue working on it and maintain contact with ACE Stoßdämpfer GmbH. In Langenfeld, in addition to pursuing this project, they also plan to continue to inspire aspiring technicians for the services and activities of ACE.