15 Questions to ...

15 Questions to … is an interview series dedicated to spotlighting women in entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs question the status quo and lead change. They push boundaries and leave their marks on all aspects of (entrepreneurial) life. As such, they are strong role models who inspire and empower future generations of women and deserve to be seen and heard. We see women entrepreneurs in all areas of our community and want to make sure they are recognised far beyond the RWTH Aachen University ecosystem.

Therefore, we are leaving the stage to hear what they have to say. The format is simple: 15 questions, 15 answers – and lots of (un)learning throughout. Our guests: women entrepreneurs with that special can-do and will-do attitude. The stage is yours!

Presenting role models who have successfully founded their own startup is but one part of supporting more diversity in the startup scene. In order to overcome the underrepresentation of women, it is necessary to actively support them early on in the process. In 2024, RWTH Aachen University became an EXIST-Women university by implementing the new funding line in the EXIST initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in order to actively support women en route to starting their own business. This is why, in this special edition of 15 Questions to …, we want to shed light on the path, rather than the destination. One of the extraordinary women in our community who has just embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with EXIST-Women is Dr. Nicole Deutrich.

Dr. Nicole Deutrich is founder and CEO of Pancha, an innovative startup with a revolutionary approach to holistic health care. To this end, Pancha  develops the first AI-based platform to support people with longterm health problems struggling to find a solution, by providing information and access to the complementary and alternative health care market. 

An active member of the RWTH startup ecosystem, Nicole has participated in early-stage events like the Founders' Roundtable, the RWTH Founders' Bootcamp and the RWTH Ideation Program to advance her groundbreaking idea and get in touch with experts and fellow entrepreneurs. Aiming to accomplish the first market research study, define a finance strategy, and develop her team, she decided to apply for the first round of EXIST-Women in 2024. With her innovative idea, the RWTH alumna convinced the jury and was selected as one of ten women to get access to a comprehensive financial and workshop grant.