2025 IHK University Prize for Business Goes to WHU Student

WHU bachelor graduate Niklas Vieregge (BSc 2024) knows how to reconcile interdisciplinary and hands-on research, and he gives an excellent example with his bachelor’s thesis, the results of which being of direct benefit to the Research Institute for Glass and Ceramics (FGK) in Höhr-Grenzhausen. His findings provide the institute with a better basis for deciding whether the commercialization of an alternative welding process is worthwhile. Or, by contrast, if things are better left as is. For his work, Vieregge was honored with the 2025 University Prize for Business at afestive ceremony held by the Koblenz Chamber of Industry and Commerce this past Tuesday evening.

“For someone who grew up in the Koblenz area, it is a great honor to receive this award,” said Niklas Vieregge. “I am also very pleased to have helped the FGK with my thesis in its decision-making process regarding the commercialization of ceramic alternatives in the field of friction stir welding.”   

In his thesis, the WHU alumnus conducted a market analysis for that specific sector. His task was to find out whether innovation—in this case, a ceramic alternative in the welding process—offered economically viable prospects and whether it would be well received on the market. Vieregge then drafted a blueprint to facilitate FGK’s next steps, taking into account several core aspects such as market positioning, distribution, location, patents, corporate form, financing, and more. The thesis was supervised by Professor Christina Günther (†) and Dana Horvath, research assistant at the IHK Chair of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. “I am particularly happy about this award because it shows how much can be achieved when students engage in practical research with commitment and curiosity,” said Horvath. “The award highlights that academic work can have a real impact far beyond the university context.”

Every year, the Koblenz Chamber of Industry and Commerce awards the University Prize for Business for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral theses that have been written in cooperation with universities and companies based in the local region. The aim is to strengthen cooperation and exchange between business and science in northern Rhineland-Palatinate.

Further information on the award ceremony for the 2025 IHK University Prize for Business can be found here.

An image film about Niklas Vieregge’s project can be found here.