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 Antonia Spicher.
Antonia Spicher
Antonia Spicher has long been an active force in the Aachen startup ecosystem. Holding degrees in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy Supply from RWTH Aachen University, her passion for innovation emerged early on in her studies. Eager to put this curiosity into action, Antonia joined Ecogenium e. V. – a multidisciplinary team of students designing and building a high-efficiency hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to race in international competitions. Starting in the Business and Administration Team, she quickly rose to leadership and later joined the advisory board, taking on responsibility for the initiative as a whole.
The idea of women driving impact through innovation has been central to Antonia's journey. In 2023, she sat down with Aachen-based politician and then-member of the German Parliament, Ye-One Rhie, to discuss challenges for female founders and contribute ideas on how encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurial careers.
Just one year later, as she approache the final phase of her studies, Antonia then decided to take that leap herself. She successfully applied for the first round of the EXIST-Women Grant at RWTH Aachen University, using the opportunity to take the time to dive deeper into her innovative ideas and explore entrepreneurial pathways. Now, in 2025, Antonia has co-founded H2ALL. The startup is developing a comprehensive software tool for the planning and safety inspection of hydrogen systems – combining her passion for sustainability with cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial drive, while being a role model for future female founders.
1) Why our idea is going to change the world?
In the fight against global warming, speed is key. Our tool will accelerate the transition of our energy systems.
2) Did you choose it or did it choose you?
I chose it. I had known for a long time that the path of founding a company would be the right one for me. From the beginning of my studies, I was fascinated by the startup scene in Aachen and attended all kinds of events.
3) Biggest challenge on our entrepreneurial journey so far:
Stand up for myself and work towards my goals, which lie outside the usual paths. Defending these goals within a family background where entrepreneurship plays no role is also not always easy.
4) Lessons I have learned as a founder/during EXIST-Women:
So many! Trusting your gut feeling is key, especially because, at least in the beginning, in the startup world, spoken words are not always the most reliable.
5) Without the support by EXIST-Women, I would ...
not have had the backing to spend so much time on founding a business alongside my studies. I also wouldn’t have met all these amazing and enriching people.
6) Five years from now I/we will …
have built a company that accelerates the energy transition through uncomplicated planning of system installations. We will have created a team where people feel a sense of belonging and appreciation.
7) If I weren't aspiring to be a founder, I would be …
an energy engineer or I would like to work for Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim.
8) What do I need to be a successful entrepreneur?
Perseverance.
9) RWTH Innovation/EXIST-Women helped me with/through …
my personal development and a huge deficit in self-confidence. In addition, spaces were created where very honest experiences were shared. This, alongside the professional advice, was also very helpful.
10) Is there anything more that could be done for entrepreneurs in Aachen?
Keep up the great work! The support programs available for women in Aachen are making a difference that is slowly leaving its mark. The challenge in the coming years will be to maintain this support in order to close the founder gap.
11) Three reasons to apply for EXIST-Women:
You get the chance to fully focus on developing a business idea. I was at the very beginning and only had a rough idea.
You meet very inspiring people who will accompany you on your journey ahead.
Afterwards, opportunities arise that you probably couldn’t have anticipated before applying.
12) To me becoming an entrepreneur means …
living self-determination while shouldering the burden of responsibility and being able to shape the future.
13) My favourite digital tool:
Office365.
14) I am are inspired by ... / My role model is …
Maja Göpel.
15) My advice to women who aspire to be entrepreneurs:
Start now, don’t let anyone belittle you, keep pushing forward, and stick to people who support you!
