Hamburger Gründerpreis 2025 for SUND Group, RITZ Instrument Transformers and TimeTeller
This year's Hamburger Gründerpreis (Hamburg Founder's Award) goes to entrepreneurs Claus A. Seif and Wolfgang Dede (SUND Group), technology company RITZ Instrument Transformers and medical startup TimeTeller. The awards, initiated by Hamburger Sparkasse and Hamburger Abendblatt, were presented at a gala event in the Fischauktionshalle.
In the startup category, the award goes to TimeTeller
TimeTeller is developing a saliva test to determine an individual's internal clock. The aim is to better tailor medical treatments such as cancer therapies to the patient's biological daily rhythm in order to minimise side effects and increase effectiveness. Through close collaboration with scientists from various research fields and pharmaceutical companies, the method is being integrated into drug development and treatment practice and also made available for private use. Market entry for the fully developed and approved medical device in the field of oncology is planned for 2028.
RITZ Instrument Transformers wins in the rising star category
The RITZ Group is a leading specialist in the field of measuring transformers and cast resin-insulated busbars. For over 75 years, the company has been synonymous with first-class, innovative solutions in the electrical industry. Today, it combines the experience of former competitors: Transformatoren- und Röntgenwerk Dresden (TuR), Duromer, Messwandlerbau Bamberg (MWB) and Wandler- und Transformatoren-Werk Wirges (WTW). It employs over 1,500 people at nine locations in Europe, China and the USA. Together with its customers, RITZ develops tailor-made solutions and durable products forthe expansion of electrical energy networks and a sustainable future.
Claus A. Seif and Wolfgang Dede honoured for their lifetime achievement
The honourees are the founders and shareholders of SUND Group. The family-owned company from Hamburg develops and markets disposable solutions for everyday use – from sustainable bin bags and household aids to reusable gloves made of natural latex. Its origins lie in a jute sack factory for Hamburg coffee traders in the 1930s. In the early 1970s, Seif and Dede started producing bin bags. The SUND group supplies large retail chains, building cleaners, clinics, hotels, restaurants and construction companies with around five billion items annually. In 2024, the 178 employees generated a turnover of around 231 million euros.
