The Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford (OII) is delighted to announce that Departmental Research Lecturer Dr Fabian Braesemann has been honoured with the European AI Innovation Award. 

The award, organised by the Association of Self-Employed (AGS) of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), recognises the innovative and socially responsible use of AI in business.  

Dr Braesemann received the accolade for the “Founder Personality Quiz”, a data-driven tool based on his research on the impact of founder personalities on startup success, which is currently being developed through his research-based spinout, the DWG Data Science Company. 

The award ceremony started with opening remarks by Dr Helena Melnikov, Chief Executive of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), emphasised the critical importance of innovation for the German and European economies. She highlighted that the renewal of the economy relies on the “courageous entrepreneurial spirit” of those willing to take risks in times of economic recession. 

The praise for Dr Braesemann and the DWG Data Science Company was delivered by Carsten Träger, Member of the German Bundestag (MdB) and Parliamentary State Secretary. 

Träger commended the spinout for its clear vision of translating AI and data science research into tangible digital products and innovations. He praised the company’s ability to balance technological advancement with social responsibility.  

“Entrepreneurs challenge us to take responsibility, but not at the cost of humanity, justice, or sustainability,” he said. “We need companies that combine innovation with the common good and show that technological progress is possible in a human-centric way. It is a great joy and honour to award the DWG Data Science Company today for doing just that.” 

From research to impact 

In his acceptance speech, Dr Braesemann acknowledged the vital support of the academic community, specifically thanking the Oxford Internet Institute and the Dieter Schwarz Foundation for enabling the foundational research behind his innovation. 

“The ‘Founder Personality Quiz’ is an innovation that comes directly from scientific research, and promises to generate even more innovation itself, by enabling more people to learn about their own founder personality,” said Dr Braesemann. 

He explained that the tool is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs recognise their hidden talents. The goal is “to encourage more start-ups that focus on solving the pressing problems of our time, rather than prioritising short-term profits and growth at any cost.” 

The product is currently in the final phases of internal development, with the beta version scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.  Aspiring founders and people interested in the Founder Personality Quiz can register as beta testers here.