From Toolmaker to Founder of I4zero

Martin Fischer, BSc, MSc–independent entrepreneur and founder of I4zero

As an industrial engineer, you’re exceptionally well-positioned to work across disciplines. The industrial engineering program at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences embodies entrepreneurship, equipping students with the tools they need to potentially strike out on their own.

From apprentice to independent entrepreneur with a college degree. That’s the short version of Martin Fischer’s story from Marburg, Germany. After completing his apprenticeship as a toolmaker, he earned his university entrance qualification while still in Germany and enrolled in the bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering.

He chose Carinthia because of its beautiful landscape; at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, he appreciated the manageable class sizes in the lecture halls, the individualized support for students, and the close-knit atmosphere among peers. During his studies, he focused on the development and implementation of mechanical and electromechanical systems and machines.

What he still lacked to complement his training was a business context, so he subsequently decided to pursue a master’s degree in “Industrial Engineering & Management,” a field that combines engineering and business.

His business idea stems from a project that was brought to CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences by an industry partner. With his first client and the support of the university’s startup initiative, the next logical step was to found a company. His company, I4zero, implements and advises on digitalization concepts in industry and industry-related fields.

“As a trained toolmaker, I understand the challenges users face and the effort it takes them to gather information on a wide variety of tools. During my studies in mechanical engineering, I learned about smart tools that can significantly reduce this effort. My fundamental philosophy is to simplify complex systems–in this specific case, by providing tailored information that can be accessed directly at the product using a smartphone.”