Introduction

Neuroforge GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 2019 by students of the University of Bayreuth, is now a well-established company specializing in AI and software solutions. The two Managing Directors, Tobias Hertkorn and Martin Braun, both studied at the University of Bayreuth. At Neuroforge, everything revolves around AI and software solutions for businesses – from cutting-edge AI to highly practical digitalization.

In this interview, Martin Braun reflects on the company's development over the past seven years and also looks back on its beginnings.

How do you look back on the past seven years of the company's development?

"Digitalization is still a huge topic. I often say: We founded an AI company – and in the end, we became a digitalization company with AI. Of course, we develop cutting-edge AI solutions for many of our customers, but for at least as many others, the first step is simply digitalization. After all, AI only makes sense if the data is available in digital form – otherwise, it remains a nice gimmick without creating real value.

Today, we are firmly rooted in the region and well established as a company. It has always been important to us not to simply deliver a project and then disappear. We want to build partnerships – long-term and on equal footing. Innovating together is what drives us. The most exciting part is when both sides reinforce each other's innovative strength and true co-innovation emerges. We experience this with our customers – here in Upper Franconia, but also far beyond.

After seven years, we now work with both DAX-listed companies such as the Lufthansa Group and startups. We are quite proud of that because it shows that our approach works.

From the very beginning until today, one thing has been especially important to us: We never wanted to be yes-men. Speaking plainly, being honest and transparent – even when it is uncomfortable. Only in this way can solutions be created that truly add value instead of merely looking good. Having a plan, implementing it consistently, and creating genuine value together with the customer – that is our way.

And that also requires a certain amount of courage – on both sides. That is exactly why our slogan is: Both code and courage."

Why Bayreuth?

"Quite simply: Because this is where we come from – and because we enjoy being here. The Franconian mentality is a perfect fit for us as a company. We appreciate the Franconian handshake, honesty, reliability, and long-term thinking. These are values we identify with. It is a matter close to our hearts to make a difference in Upper Franconia and help move the region forward – especially because there is so much potential here, with many strong manufacturing companies right on our doorstep.

For us, one thing is clear: AI from Upper Franconia. For Upper Franconia. Of course, we now also work with major national and international customers, but our roots and our home remain important to us.

And because we also like to do our marketing in the Upper Franconian dialect from time to time, we asked ourselves: What is Upper Franconia known for? The finest traditionally brewed beer. So, for example, we had beer coasters printed with tongue-in-cheek AI slogans. They have been very well received here and show that we can combine technology with down-to-earth values and a sense of humor."

What was the decisive event – the initial spark – for your founding idea?

"We all got to know each other through the Student Council of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth. We were active there as elected members and grew together as a team. From this group, we started participating together in hackathons and game jams – mostly on weekends. At these events, participants compete by developing an idea and implementing it within a very short time to solve real, unsolved problems. It was there that we realized the potential of artificial intelligence. That was the moment when the spark for founding our company was ignited."

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to aspiring founders?

"The most important thing is to have the right people on your team – or at least to know people who have experience in founding companies and understand how to build a business.

In my case, that was Tobias. When we founded Neuroforge together, he already had more than five years of entrepreneurial experience through groupXS Solutions GmbH.

Today, the two of us pass on this knowledge together. Through our yes and people holdings GmbH, we support aspiring founders in turning their own entrepreneurial ideas into reality."