Sep 14, 2026
m3 Masterclass for Startup Teams: First Cohort Completes Program
Die Gründer:innen der m3 Masterclass zum 4. Demo Day in Leipzig.
Startup teams from all over Saxony gathered on September 3 for the m3 Masterclass Demo Day at HTWK Leipzig. For the teams in the first cohort, this marked the conclusion of the Masterclass. Startup teams from TU Dresden were also in attendance.
The m3 Masterclass is aimed at startup teams that have already secured startup funding - such as an exist startup grant - for their business idea. Through the program, they further develop their business models, participate in seminars and workshops, and have numerous opportunities for feedback and exchange. The goal is to prepare the teams for meetings with investors.
The m3 Masterclass is jointly organized by the Saxon startup networks dresden|exists, Saxeed, Smile, and Startbahn13. On behalf of dresden|exists, the TUD|excite team guides the founders through the program.
From the First Pitch to Closing the Deal
Das erste TUD-Gründungsteam hat die m3 Masterclass erfolgreich abgeschlossen: Jonathan Schröder von Simfacture (li.) bei der Übergabe der Abschluuszertifikate
For the first participants in the m3 Masterclass, the 4th Demo Day also marked the conclusion of their program. Just how much the teams had developed over the course of about a year was particularly evident in their final pitches: Initial assumptions have evolved into market-ready products backed by robust data through customer interviews, prototyping, and target audience testing. The teams were able to establish new customer contacts, knew their next steps, and presented themselves with significantly greater confidence and focus.
Three teams pivoted - fundamentally changing their original idea based on new insights. In doing so, they demonstrated that starting a business also means questioning your own idea and adjusting course when the market suggests a different direction.
The TUD team Simfracture from the Chair of Joining Technology and Assembly reached a special milestone: it launched its startup almost simultaneously with the conclusion of the Masterclass. After a year in the Masterclass, the timing for the next step could hardly be more fitting.
New Batch Kicks Off with a Team from Dresden
Teams from Batches 2 and 3 were also present at Demo Day. At their booths, they presented their projects and used the opportunity to exchange ideas, gather feedback, and gain new insights. At the same time, the next round of the m3 Masterclass—Batch 4—has already begun.
New to the program is the Dresden-based team Macula Patch. It is working on a personalized photoreceptor cell therapy to treat vision loss, particularly in cases of macular degeneration.
At Demo Day, teams from different phases of the program— —came together and were able to learn from one another: some shared their experiences, while others offered new perspectives and questions.
More information about the m3 Masterclass:
Dr. Katja Ziesche
TUD|excite, IT Startup Manager