Innovative minds secure a company’s future – yet skilled professionals with expertise in IoT, robotics, artificial intelligence, smart automation or smart green energy are scarce and highly sought-after. At the same time, good ideas often go untapped in day-to-day business because there is a lack of scope for rapid, interdisciplinary experimentation.
Since 2016, the ITQ has been organising its own MAKEATHONS – innovation festivals in which students, trainees and apprentices from various disciplines work in an agile and interdisciplinary manner to develop prototypes and technological concepts in a very short space of time. With 42 MAKEATHONS in 6 countries, over 1,400 ideas developed, more than 4,500 participants, 350 higher education institutions and 1,200 prototypes realised, ITQ is one of the most experienced organisers of this format.
Jonas Fischer, MSc
Software & Systems Engineer
„As a company, we have a responsibility to prepare the younger generation for the future. Through our MAKEATHONS, we are making an important contribution to safeguarding innovation and digitalisation in Germany.“
In many companies, creative ideas emerge but go to waste because there is a lack of time, interdisciplinary dialogue and a suitable format. At the same time, competition for talented young professionals is becoming fiercer – those who fail to engage them at an early stage will lose them to the competition.
This is exactly where ITQ comes in: through our flagship project „MAKEATHON“ – a portmanteau of „MAKE“ and „MARATHON“ – we bring together companies, universities and students in interdisciplinary teams. This results in tangible prototypes being created in no time at all, rather than mere concept papers.
Typical challenges within a company:
We provide a space to turn ideas into prototypes and to bring young talent together with businesses.
ITQ provides support with the planning and organisation of your MAKEATHON – from the initial industry challenge right through to the finished prototype.
A successful MAKEATHON thrives on a clear structure, thorough preparation and on-site technical support.
Forming interdisciplinary teams comprising students, trainees and apprentices from different disciplines.
In order to develop soft skills as well as hard skills, all teams present their prototypes in a very short space of time. Afterwards, the results are evaluated and further collaboration is initiated.
The services described form part of ITQ’s comprehensive service portfolio. ITQ combines technological expertise, a methodical approach and a deep understanding of processes to deliver sustainable solutions throughout the entire life cycle.
You will receive physical prototypes for your Industry Challenge, gain access to qualified young talent and become part of an internationally networked innovation community.