You learn a lot in university: Whether it is the knowledge that is tested in the exams or it is the social skills you develop as you go your way through all the courses. But there are a few things waiting in the real world, which the traditional format of going to courses, reading books and discussing with fellow students cannot teach. One, working in interdisciplinary teams. As students go about their academic career, they are usually surrounded by student from their own fie

Not only companies need to be innovative to keep up with the pace of our times: Universities around the world are looking for new ways to do research and to teach their students the skills they need in their careers. By giving their students the chance to participate in an event like the Innovation-Marathon, the universities teach them how they can apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in their university programs. Through the hands-on experience of the Innovation-

The theory of “Open Innovation” is everywhere nowadays, but the Innovation-Marathon puts the concept of opening up company borders into practice: Our eight company partners prepared tasks about topics that occupy them in their industry or everyday work life. Now it’s somebody else’s turn to analyze the underlying problem and generate ideas. More than 250 ideas were generated this way during last years’ Innovation-Marathon and we are sure this years’ students will even exceed

A short recap: The Innovation-Marathon is powered by TU Austria, the association composed of the three Austrian Universities of Technology. During this 24-hour event, 40 students work on tasks from eight companies from the Austrian industry. In teams of five, the students analyze the problem behind the task, generate ideas for it and build a prototype which they then present to a public audience. They are supported during their journey by Innovation experts, who help the stud