Schaeffler is the national sponsor of Jugend forscht 2026
Jugend forscht is the most significant youth competition in the fields of research, technology, and innovation in Germany. As the federal sponsor of Jugend forscht 2026, Schaeffler hosted the 61st national final.
From May 28 to May 31, 2026, the Motion Technology Company, together with the Jugend forscht foundation, hosted the national final with Germany’s best young researchers at the company’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach.
Motto: “Maximum Perspective”
Under the motto “Maximum Perspective,” young people with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) were able to register for Germany’s most popular youth competition until the end of November 2025. Pupils, trainees, and students were invited to present innovative and exciting research projects in the 61st competition round.
61st National Final of Jugend forscht
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The 61st national final of Jugend forscht began on 28 May 2026 in Herzogenaurach. On the first day, the young researchers used the time to set up their booths and prepare for the days ahead. During the evening event, they took the opportunity to talk to each other and exchange about their projects.
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The second day began for the young researchers with the jury interviews. During these interviews, they presented their projects to the expert jury and answered questions. Afterwards, the young researchers rounded off the evening with a bike tour across the adidas campus, mini games, and a joint BBQ.
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While the third day began for the young researchers with further jury interviews, a project supervisors’ café and an alumni café provided opportunities for exchange for project supervisors and Jugend forscht alumni. From 2:00 p.m. onwards, the doors were also open to the public.
In a panel discussion, colleagues from Schaeffler, Deloitte, Neura Robots, NVIDIA, and Spire offered exciting insights into the topic “How AI is shaping our world and new markets.”
The highlight of the day was the special awards ceremony in the evening. Among others, Georg F. W. Schaeffler presented the Schaeffler Special Award to the project “eC-Pulse” by Ali Suleman.
The 17-year-old young researcher impressed the jury with a prototype for an alternative cooling method for microcars, i.e. compact electric vehicles.
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![On the final day of the 61st national final of Jugend forscht, the national winners of the competition were honored.]()
On the final day of the 61st national final of Jugend forscht, the national winners of the competition were honored. Congratulations to all the winners.
Our appreciation goes to all finalists who opened up new perspectives and demonstrated a pioneering spirit with their innovative projects. We are proud to have accompanied the young researchers on their Jugend forscht journey.
Experiences from Jugend forscht – Schaeffler colleagues share their stories
In this series, we introduce Schaeffler colleagues who took part in Jugend forscht during their youth. They talk about their innovative projects, their experiences at Jugend forscht, and give tips for the next generation of young researchers.
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We begin with Hannes Zimmermann, who still looks back fondly on his time at Jugend forscht.
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In the second interview, Fabian Schech gives us insights into his time at Jugend forscht in a conversation with Alena Englberger and shares how things continued for him afterward.
Hello Fabian, thank you for taking the time today to talk with us about your experiences at Jugend forscht. Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you are currently doing at Schaeffler?
My pleasure! I’m 29 years old and have been working at Schaeffler in Schweinfurt since 2014. I’m a Supplier Quality Engineer in supplier management. I’m responsible for the series quality of supplier parts and support our suppliers, for example in change management. Quality and zero defects are my passion.
![Fabian Schech, Supplier Quality Engineer at Schaeffler]()
Fabian Schech, Supplier Quality Engineer at Schaeffler
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How did you come to participate in Jugend forscht back then?
It all started in 10th grade with school friends. We wanted to experiment beyond our chemistry lessons and formed a Jugend forscht working group. Later, this even became an elective course at our school.
What research project did you work on?
Over several years, we developed the project “ORENTEC – Organic Energy Technology,” a nano-biogas plant for decentralized energy supply. The plant, about the size of two refrigerators, can be operated using household bio-waste.
What was special about that time for you?
What was especially exciting for me was that we found cooperation partners and sponsors early on. This allowed us to get involved in the planning, design, and production of nano-biogas plants. I was fascinated by the hands-on building and optimization. In the end, we even came close to founding a start-up.
Are there any special moments you like to look back on?
Yes, definitely! For me, the competitions were always great events with perfect supporting programs. Highlights included:
- Researching in the labs of FAU at the Erlangen Student Research Center
- Receiving the Innovation Award for School Support from the Schaeffler FAG Foundation in 2013 – promoting innovation, not just demanding it
- The Jugend forscht competition exhibition at the Deutsches Museum in Munich
- Exhibiting the project at the Jugend forscht booth at RENEXPO 2014, an international renewable energy trade fair
- The keynote speech at the STEP Award Gala 2014, an entrepreneurial prize for future industries
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How did your time at Jugend forscht shape you personally?
The annual mottos “Your idea won’t let you go?” and “Realize your idea.” really spoke to me and fit our project perfectly. The experiences motivated me strongly and showed me that no path is too far. Looking back, the project was a door opener to further business and innovation competitions.
What did you take away for your future career?
I didn’t just make many valuable contacts and friendships but also defined my career goal more clearly: engineer = technical problem solver. All of this has had a lasting impact on my career path.
How did your path continue after Jugend forscht?
I completed the “Two in One” program at Schaeffler – a combination of training as an industrial mechanic and mechanical engineering studies, including an internship abroad in China. In my private life, I stay engaged in renewable energies, for example I operate photovoltaic systems with storage batteries and manage a local heating network.
Do you still have contact with Jugend forscht today?
Yes, I still follow the competitions with great interest and regularly visit the competition exhibitions.
Thank you for these insights. Do you have a final tip for the young researchers preparing for the competition?
Absolutely! As the motto says, you have the “maximum perspective.” Present your project with exhibits and visual materials, as these always make a great impression on the jury.
Fabian and his project team documented all events on a Facebook page (only available in German). Feel free to take a look!
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In the third part of the series, Andreas Rosenwald explains how Jugend forscht made him realize that he was already on the path to becoming an inventor.
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In the fourth interview, Fabian Otto and Matthias Muß talk about their experiences at Jugend forscht.
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In the final part of the series, we interview Jugend forscht alumnus Philipp Johannes, for whom Jugend forscht marked the beginning of his dual study program at Schaeffler. He shares his memories and personal tips for all young researchers.
Jugend forscht
Jugend forscht is Germany’s most important youth competition. The joint initiative of the federal government, the federal states, stern, industry, science, and schools aims to inspire young people for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to identify and nurture talent. Young people up to the age of 21 can register. Participants choose an interesting question of their own and work on it using scientific methods. Winners can look forward to prizes, internships, study trips, and participation in international competitions.
Schaeffler hosted the national final with kind support from
July 2026
