From now on, the state final of the youth science competition “Jugend forscht” will take place every two years at WIKA in Klingenberg. During the final round in April, 57 teams presented their projects to a jury of experts from schools, universities and companies. Eleven of the teams received a ticket to the final at national level in Hamburg. WIKA had the opportunity to shine as an innovative employer and with spacious premises.
“Jugend forscht” state final at WIKA: A participant explains their project to CEO Alexander Wiegand.
Three full working days with many guests is a challenge. But WIKA passed with flying colours. The head of the “Jugend forscht” competition, Ulrich Herwanger, described the WIKA marketplace as the “perfect location”. One of the supervising teachers, Mona Knecht, praised not only the “atmosphere of pure appreciation” towards the young people; she also described the premises at WIKA as a “light-flooded ideas workshop”.
Benefiting from the appeal of “Jugend forscht”
CEO Alexander Wiegand is convinced that the appeal of “Jugend forscht” helps to attract young talent to the company. Especially as the event was open to the public on the first day and 100 schoolchildren from the region also paid a visit to WIKA. They toured the plant, were able to ask questions and received inspiration for their future careers. They got talking to the participants in “Jugend forscht” and learnt about their projects and their motivation for the competition.
First prizes for Spiderman suit and edible battery
Vincent Weigl from the Aschaffenburg district claimed the coolest outfit and a prize for himself. The 15-year-old fan of Spiderman invented a suit with cables, batteries and suction cups that he wants to use to climb walls and ceilings. He was able to demonstrate his first successes and promptly received one of two first prizes in technology. Elisabeth Fischermann and Tom Kreßbach (Julius-Echter-Gymnasium in Elsenfeld) took first prize in chemistry. With their invention of an edible battery that would simplify gastroscopies, for example, they also won at the national competition in May.
“Jugend forscht” state final returns to WIKA in 2027
In addition to a team-building event, insights into start-up and company formation as well as patent law, the opportunity to exchange ideas and network was particularly attractive for the students. On the last day of the award ceremony, known politicians from the region were also guests and everyone joined “the big stage”. In 2026, the “Jugend forscht” state final will be held at the electronics company Rohde & Schwarz. WIKA will host again in 2027.
Note
You will find out more about WIKA as a company on the WIKA website. There you can also learn about career opportunities with us.
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This video also provides information about the “Jugend forscht” competition at WIKA