Since May 2026, the “Platypus Interactive” startup team has been receiving funding through the EXIST startup grant. The founders, mostly graduates of Ruhr University Bochum in the fields of Applied Computer Science and IT Security, have been supported by the Worldfactory Start-Up Center since 2024 and are working on interactive video games for livestreams.
The project receives expert support from Prof. Dr. Thorsten Berger of the Chair of Software Engineering. The founding team met while taking his course, “Software Engineering Lab.” He oversees the project’s further development and provides the team with technical advice.
At the heart of the startup is the development of an innovative interface for livestreams on platforms such as Twitch. Through this interface, viewers can intervene in the streamers’ gameplay in real time and actively influence the course of the video game. The goal is to transform livestreams into interactive community experiences and enable new forms of digital entertainment.
EXIST Startup Grant as a milestone
With funding set to begin in May 2026, the EXIST Startup Grant marks an important milestone for the team. The program, run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is specifically designed for startup projects originating from universities and research institutions. It supports founders in the early stages for up to twelve months by providing financial security, as well as funding for equipment and coaching.
For the team, this funding means, above all, the opportunity to focus entirely on further developing their technology and creating a market-ready product.
Strong support from the RUB
Through the Worldfactory Start-Up Center, Ruhr University Bochum offers a comprehensive range of support services for startup projects. The team benefits in particular from in-depth consulting, access to networks, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other startups within the university community.
General note: In case of using gender-assigning attributes we include all those who consider themselves in this gender regardless of their own biological sex.