Frankfurt, Germany – November 07, 2012 – ResearchGate, the professional network for scientists, was acknowledged as the best German Startup at this year's "Deutscher Unternehmer Preis." More than 100 business leaders gathered at the Frankfurter Opern Turm yesterday evening for the contest's final round and award ceremony. The event's motto this year was "The world belongs to the brave." The jury of 36 renowned experts was convinced of the company's innovative power and awarded it with the Harvard Clubs of Germany's prize of 2012.
The jury recognizes ResearchGate as a groundbreaking force in the enabling of scientific collaboration worldwide. Dagmar Bottenbruch, Rhine Main Harvard Club, says: "The judges chose Research Gate because they see huge potential in connecting the scientific global community. We believe that ResearchGate's vision to change how scientists share and distribute information is for the greater good."
ResearchGate's CEO and co-founder Ijad Madisch feels honored to receive the award. "We've reached a great milestone. This prize confirms that we're creating a world changer with ResearchGate," says Madisch. How scientists communicate has largely remained the same for hundreds of years, and for him, "ResearchGate is courageously transforming this century-old system. I'm grateful that the jury appreciates and awards our boldness with this prize." Madisch sees it as an encouragement to further lead the way towards a modern and digital form of scientific publishing and communication.
For the fourth time the "Deutscher Unternehmer Preis" was handed to those who transform the business landscape with spirit and dedication.
ResearchGate was founded in 2008 by the physicians Dr. Ijad Madisch and Sören Hofmayer along with computer specialist Horst Fickenscher. Four years later, more than two million researchers have signed up to the network. Through ResearchGate users can publish their findings, distribute them worldwide and make a name for themselves on a relevant, widely used online platform. The company has completed two rounds of financing, led by Founders Fund partner Luke Nosek, co-founder of PayPal, and Matt Cohler of Benchmark Capital, co-founder of Linkedin and early employee of Facebook. Such a joint involvement of top-tier Silicon Alley investors is unique in Germany.
The "Deutscher Unternehmer Preis" was awarded for the fourth time in 2012 by the Harvard Clubs of Germany. Two companies were nominated in each of the following categories: "Start-up," "Growth," "Legacy," and "Social Business." The winners are invited to a management course by the Harvard Clubs of Germany and gain access to the exclusive circle of thought leaders and renowned personalities. In true Harvard fashion, the winners will be able to take advantage of a reliable and longstanding professional network to expand their own business contacts.
