Intelligent systems in industrial working life
How will intelligent systems change the industrial working life of tomorrow? And which research approaches have the potential to shape this change in a practical, sustainable and economical way?
These questions are at the centre of the Forum Junge Spitzenforschung 2026 - the science competition organised by TU concept (TU Dortmund & CET) in co-operation with the Industrial Research Foundation.
Once a year, young scientists with practical, innovative project ideas that provide new answers to key future questions based on basic research are sought. This year's call for proposals is organised under the motto „Intelligent systems in industrial working life“.
Who can take part?
Scientists and project teams from universities and colleges in the Ruhr and South Westphalia region as well as innovators with research projects relating to intelligent systems are invited to apply.
We are looking for ideas and approaches in the following areas, among others:
- Low cost automation (LCA) and smart production
- Ubiquitous Computing & Embedded Systems
- Assistance systems: from voice applications to AR glasses
- Wearables: tools for logistics, health, occupational safety and much more.
- Smart Company: networked information and energy systems
- Data protection & security of intelligent systems
Prize money & final
Six selected teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to a high-calibre jury in the final. A total of €42,000 in prize money will be awarded:
🥇 1st place: 12,000
🥈 2nd place: €10,000
🥉 3rd place: €8,000
🏅 €4,000 each for the other finalists
The 2026 jury
The winners are selected by an independent jury of renowned representatives from business and science:
- Dr Dagmar Dirzus, KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
- Dr Heinrich Dornbusch, PROvendis GmbH
- Wulf-Christian Ehrich, Dortmund Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Philippa Köhnk, BRYCK GmbH & Co. KG
- Dr Rainer Schick, Lachmann & Rink GmbH
- Dr Johannes Velling, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of NRW
Schedule overview
📅 Application deadline: 11 March 2026
📍 Final: 29 April 2026
🕒 Start: 15:00 (admission from 14:30)
📌 Location: TechnologieZentrumDortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 80, 44227 Dortmund
Find out more & apply now: tu-innovation.de
