The ongoing digitalization and automation of industry pose major challenges for companies while creating new opportunities for young talent in STEM fields. To foster this enthusiasm, a project team from ITQ GmbH, New Automation e.V., and Mesago is once again bringing the successful concept of the SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON to the international automation stage — with the SPS Makeathon 2025.
From November 25 to 27, 2025, the SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Nuremberg will transform into a vibrant stage for young technology enthusiasts. As part of the Young Talent Days, ITQ GmbH, together with Mesago Messe and New Automation e.V., will host the SPS Makeathon. Students and apprentices will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative ideas and turn them into first prototypes. The workshops will take place in the Makeathon Area, Hall 5, Booth 208.
Each day, several hands-on workshops lasting two and a half hours will run in parallel — both in the morning and afternoon — with up to ten participants per session. In total, around 180 young talents will have the opportunity to participate. Registration is available via the Mesago online portal on a first come, first served basis, with group registrations also possible.
The SPS Makeathon 2025 is supported by five leading companies from the automation industry, which will provide real-world challenges and materials. Together with experts from Baumüller Nürnberg GmbH, B&R Industrial Automation, Murrelektronik GmbH, SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co KG, and Turck GmbH & Co. KG, participants will explore topics such as robotics, sensor technology, control engineering, and software development.
During the workshops, participants will face exciting technical challenges ranging from classical automation to advanced control systems. They might, for example, build conveyor systems with sensors and motors, program and assemble their own robots, or develop sorting systems using delta robots. Other teams will commission small production units or design software solutions to control pneumatic and electronic components.
These practical projects demonstrate how diverse and creative automation can be — and how essential interdisciplinary collaboration is. The focus lies on hands-on experience, technical understanding, and teamwork, enabling participants to create functional solutions in a short time.
“With the SPS Makeathon, we are creating a platform where young talents can work creatively at a high technical level — while companies experience an innovative form of recruiting,”explains Dr. Rainer Stetter, Managing Director of ITQ GmbH. “It’s a lively exchange between education and industry that strengthens both sides in the long term.”
In addition, ITQ GmbH will once again be present at the Bayern Innovativ joint booth in Hall 6, Booth 240. Visitors can learn about effective educational approaches that integrate the latest technologies. A highlight will be the CirQMind initiative, which combines circular economy, education, and digitalization into a holistic concept – turning the idea of a circular economy into an empowering circular society.
Among the exhibits are 3D-printed teaching and learning materials made from recycled plastics, demonstrating how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. Using the EduDemoS project as an example, students will showcase demonstrators developed for use in schools and universities to inspire young people for sustainability and future technologies. Another highlight is pib, the humanoid robot from isento GmbH, which vividly illustrates how creativity and technology can merge.
With these initiatives, ITQ GmbH continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting young talent, promoting practical education, and actively shaping the transformation toward a sustainable, digital industry.
From November 25 to 27, 2025, the SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Nuremberg will transform into a vibrant stage for young technology enthusiasts. As part of the Young Talent Days, ITQ GmbH, together with Mesago Messe and New Automation e.V., will host the SPS Makeathon. Students and apprentices will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative ideas and turn them into first prototypes. The workshops will take place in the Makeathon Area, Hall 5, Booth 208.
Each day, several hands-on workshops lasting two and a half hours will run in parallel — both in the morning and afternoon — with up to ten participants per session. In total, around 180 young talents will have the opportunity to participate. Registration is available via the Mesago online portal on a first come, first served basis, with group registrations also possible.
The SPS Makeathon 2025 is supported by five leading companies from the automation industry, which will provide real-world challenges and materials. Together with experts from Baumüller Nürnberg GmbH, B&R Industrial Automation, Murrelektronik GmbH, SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co KG, and Turck GmbH & Co. KG, participants will explore topics such as robotics, sensor technology, control engineering, and software development.
During the workshops, participants will face exciting technical challenges ranging from classical automation to advanced control systems. They might, for example, build conveyor systems with sensors and motors, program and assemble their own robots, or develop sorting systems using delta robots. Other teams will commission small production units or design software solutions to control pneumatic and electronic components.
These practical projects demonstrate how diverse and creative automation can be — and how essential interdisciplinary collaboration is. The focus lies on hands-on experience, technical understanding, and teamwork, enabling participants to create functional solutions in a short time.
“With the SPS Makeathon, we are creating a platform where young talents can work creatively at a high technical level — while companies experience an innovative form of recruiting,”explains Dr. Rainer Stetter, Managing Director of ITQ GmbH. “It’s a lively exchange between education and industry that strengthens both sides in the long term.”
In addition, ITQ GmbH will once again be present at the Bayern Innovativ joint booth in Hall 6, Booth 240. Visitors can learn about effective educational approaches that integrate the latest technologies. A highlight will be the CirQMind initiative, which combines circular economy, education, and digitalization into a holistic concept – turning the idea of a circular economy into an empowering circular society.
Among the exhibits are 3D-printed teaching and learning materials made from recycled plastics, demonstrating how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. Using the EduDemoS project as an example, students will showcase demonstrators developed for use in schools and universities to inspire young people for sustainability and future technologies. Another highlight is pib, the humanoid robot from isento GmbH, which vividly illustrates how creativity and technology can merge.
With these initiatives, ITQ GmbH continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting young talent, promoting practical education, and actively shaping the transformation toward a sustainable, digital industry.
