Source: Deutsche Nachrichten
ITQ GmbH and Messe München are turning electronica 2026 into a hands-on experience for the next generation of technology talent. Instead of traditional product presentations, ITQ puts young talent centre stage. With a two-day MAKEATHON, interactive technology workshops and a networking event marking the MAKEATHON’s tenth anniversary, the company brings together young talent and representatives from universities and industry to shape the future together.
ITQ GmbH, together with Messe München, is supporting young talent at the international electronics trade fair electronica, which takes place in Munich from 10 to 13 November 2026. While many companies use the trade fair to present their latest products and technologies, ITQ GmbH takes a different approach: the software engineering company specifically uses this international industry platform to inspire young people to engage with technology and encourage direct exchange between young talent and industry. On Thursday, 12 November, and Friday, 13 November 2026, around 30 university students will put their theoretical knowledge directly into practice during a two-day MAKEATHON in Hall A5, Stand 160. In addition, ITQ GmbH will offer interactive technology and programming workshops on Friday for secondary school students aged 13 and over. The aim is to give young people early access to future technologies, encourage companies to support young talent and thereby take social responsibility for tomorrow’s skilled workforce.
In the interactive technology and programming workshops held in cooperation with the Gerda Stetter Foundation “Technology is Fun!”, school students have the opportunity to try out the latest technologies for themselves. They gain their first practical experience in electronics, mechanics, programming and the Internet of Things (IoT). Technologies used include LEGO SPIKE, KARL, the little robot from Medion, and the virtual Minecraft world. The young participants explore the important topics of sustainable resource use and renewable energy generation through specially developed demonstrators from the EU-funded EduDemoS project. Microcontrollers are among the components used. Programming is mainly block-based, introducing young people to technical concepts through play and sparking their enthusiasm for STEM careers.
While younger technology enthusiasts gain their first programming experience, university students take things a step further at the two-day electronica MAKEATHON. Following the example of the successful international SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON, they work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges in artificial intelligence, robotics, electronics and sustainability. Over two days, the students jointly develop innovative approaches and initial prototypes. Short talks by exhibitors provide additional insights into current technological developments and industrial challenges. To conclude, the teams demonstrate their soft skills and present the results of their challenges during a joint pitch session on stage.
The international electronics trade fair provides a unique setting for this form of young talent development. As a meeting place for the industry, electronica acts as a catalyst, bringing young talent together with companies, experts and innovative technologies. The focus is on sharing knowledge, inspiring enthusiasm for technology and strengthening exchange between education and industry over the long term. At the same time, participating companies have the opportunity to connect with potential future employees and actively contribute to their technical education.
The organiser, Dr Rainer Stetter, CEO of ITQ GmbH, welcomes the cooperation with the trade fair: “For more than two decades, we have been committed to extracurricular STEM education for children and young people. We connect young talent with technology and potential employers at an early stage. Holding our events as part of a leading trade fair has a special appeal for exhibitors and visitors.”
Over the past ten years, the MAKEATHON format has become internationally established, bringing together young talent, companies and educational institutions to
jointly develop innovative solutions to technical challenges. To mark this anniversary, ITQ GmbH and Messe München are hosting “MAKEATHON & Friends – 10 Years. One Future.” on Thursday, 12 November 2026. From 15:00 to 19:00, supporters, alumni, partners and friends of the MAKEATHON will have the opportunity to look back on ten years of innovative young talent development and inspire future collaborations in Hall A5, Stand 160. Guests will also be able to experience the electronica MAKEATHON live and engage in conversations with representatives from industry and education.
Through its involvement at electronica, ITQ GmbH demonstrates how companies can take responsibility beyond their core business. By combining practical technology education, direct contact with industry and long-term partnerships, the company aims to inspire young people to pursue technical careers and, together with its partners, make a lasting contribution to addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields.
About ITQ GmbH:
Founded in 1998, ITQ GmbH is an independent engineering and consulting company with a focus on automation, mechanical and plant engineering. The experienced team of experts specializes in interdisciplinary problem solving related to software and systems engineering. Its core competencies include software engineering (analysis, design, implementation, testing) and process improvement as well as project and crisis management as well as consulting and coaching. A special concern of ITQ is both requirements-oriented and forward-looking training as well as continuing education concepts, which already start with the younger generations. Therefore, the company promotes young academics in practical study projects as well as technical workshops for children, pupils, and students through their Gerda Stetter Foundation – Technik macht Spass!