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KisiBox - a recently launched startup from Munich, Germany coached by EIT ICT Labs Business Developers - last week won the fourth annual NYC Next Idea, an idea competition for tech entrepreneurs presented by New York City Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with Columbia University.

Three engineers Max Schütz (26), Bernard Mehl (27) and Carl Pfeiffer (25) from KisiBox have been developing a smartphone-managed entry security system for buildings, apartments, and other spaces since September 2012 on a full time basis. Their business idea was selected from a highly competitive and diverse pool of more than 220 applications for NYC Next Idea submitted from 40 different countries. 

The Number One goes home with $35,000 in cash and lots of business opportunities in the pocket.

One of the three founders of KisiBox, explains how he experienced the contest and what his team did better than the others. Four questions for Max Schütz (responsible for Marketing and Finances):

 

How did you come up with the idea? 

“We were annoyed by the unhandy situation of not being able to let friends go into our homes when we were away. That’s why we developed a system in which you just need a digital lock, a smartphone, and a server connection to verify the entry.”

What did you do better than 220 other applicants? 

“We had an excellent idea. But honestly, all ideas that I have seen were high level. I think that we as a team did a fine performance. Our presentation was really a team effort, where all three of us had a role. I see this aspect as our major highlight.”

What did you personally gain from this challenge? 

“In short, I think we won two things: credibility and contacts. Even those whom we unsuccessfully talked with before are now coming back to us. This contest really helps to differentiate, to show that we are more successful than other ideas.”

When are you launching in NY? 

“We hope to present this product to the local market by the end of 2013.” 

 

** NY Daily News published an article on KisiBox and their victory **

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