Cosmotaics x WU Wien: A Bright Collaboration with the Next Generation of Innovators

We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with WU Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business) as part of the GATE program — a hands-on initiative that connects high-potential startups with top master’s students from the SIMC program.

Since March 2025, Cosmotaics has been working closely with a brilliant team of SIMC students — Lucy Munster, Alisia Blagermann, and Steven — who are helping us shape our future through a structured, semester-long project. Their mission: to explore and evaluate new business opportunities, strengthen our commercialization strategy, and bring a fresh, analytical lens to our market assumptions.

SIMC, short for Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control, is one of WU’s flagship programs. It brings together students who are passionate about bridging innovation with strategic execution — exactly the kind of thinking needed to push climate tech forward. These students bring not only business acumen but also creativity and a strong international outlook, making them ideal partners in our mission to make solar energy more sustainable.

Already, their work is helping us refine how we position Cosmotaics in different markets, how we talk to potential partners, and how we validate the unique value of our technology — turning solar farms into water-positive ecosystems through dew harvesting and soiling prevention.

This collaboration is more than just a university project. It’s a reminder of how diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary teamwork fuel real innovation. Having fresh minds challenge assumptions, test new ideas, and contribute from a completely different angle is a true asset — and we’re incredibly grateful for the partnership.

And yes, we kicked things off with a fun start: during our initial team-building session, we proudly took first place in the Marshmallow Challenge! A simple exercise, but one that reminded us all of the power of trust, iteration, and shared purpose.

As we continue this journey together through July, we’re excited to learn, grow, and build something meaningful alongside our WU partners.

Here’s to collaboration, curiosity, and creating a brighter (and cleaner) future — together.