Big Win for Big Ideas: TraceAmigo App by Gisma Students Scores Top Spot!
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from the GUS Student Pitch Competition 2025, a dynamic event that celebrated bold ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative thinking across the Global University Systems (GUS) network. Held on 10th April by the Arden Enterprise Incubator, the competition brought together bright student entrepreneurs from around the world, all pitching creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Introducing TraceAmigo: Travel Inspiration Meets Action
Amongst a wave of exciting presentations—ranging from AI-powered beauty platforms to blockchain crowdfunding tools and sustainable agri-tech ventures—TraceAmigo, a travel app developed by a talented team from Gisma University of Applied Sciences, was awarded joint first prize. The app stood out not only for its originality and clear market relevance but also for the passion and precision with which it was presented.
Making Travel More Personal and Seamless
TraceAmigo is not just another travel app; it’s a transformative platform that reimagines how we plan and experience our journeys. The idea was born from a desire to make travel more personal, easier to plan, and rooted in real experiences. TraceAmigo allows users to follow authentic travel itineraries created by influencers and content creators—think road trips, hidden gems, and city adventures—while offering full customisation options. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing countryside escape, a foodie tour, or an urban exploration, users can adapt these itineraries to their personal preferences, travel style, and budget. With integrated booking features for flights, accommodation, and activities, the platform turns inspiration into action in just a few taps.
Meet the Minds Behind the App
The students behind this innovative concept—Subhanshu Arora, Pritika Timsina, Karam Issmail, and Pranjal Adhikari—represent the entrepreneurial spirit that Gisma is proud to cultivate. Each team member brought unique strengths to the project, from market research and technical development to UX design and business strategy. What unites them is a shared vision to reshape the way people discover and plan their travels. Their collaborative effort has taken TraceAmigo from a concept to a functioning Minimum Viable Product (MVP), currently being piloted in Germany. The team now plans to expand across Europe and eventually, worldwide.
From MVP to Global Rollout
Winning this award is a significant milestone for the TraceAmigo team and for Gisma as a whole. It demonstrates not only the power of student-led innovation but also the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. The GUS Student Pitch Competition offered an inspiring platform for students to showcase ideas with real commercial potential. For TraceAmigo to be recognised among the best reaffirms the importance of designing solutions that are not only creative but also grounded in user needs and practical execution.
Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurial Excellence at Gisma
At Gisma, we are deeply committed to supporting our students as they explore the intersection of innovation, business, and impact. The success of TraceAmigo is a clear example of how our hands-on learning environment, international perspective, and entrepreneurial focus empower students to create ventures with real-world relevance. This achievement also highlights the strength of the wider GUS network in fostering a global community of forward-thinking leaders and changemakers.
A Milestone That Marks the Beginning
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Subhanshu, Pritika, Karam, and Pranjal for their outstanding work. Your dedication, creativity, and teamwork have not only earned you a top prize but have also laid the foundation for what could become a leading player in the travel tech space. We look forward to seeing TraceAmigo continue to grow and evolve, inspiring travellers and reshaping the way we explore the world.
The Future is Bright for TraceAmigo—and Gisma
This is just the beginning—for TraceAmigo, for its creators, and for the future of innovation at Gisma University of Applied Sciences. Let’s keep building, creating, and dreaming big.