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.
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
