Tech-Savvy Brains with a Propensity for Tinkering
Tech-savvy brains with a propensity for tinkering are in demand. On November 9th and 10th, 2021, there will be a highlight for mechatronics fans. The “2nd Packaging Valley Makeathon” will take place and bring together students, start-ups, and companies.
Over two days, small groups will work on innovative ideas on the topics of sustainability and digitalization in the packaging industry. Different companies and universities, several locations and exciting topics: digitization and sustainability are more in demand than ever. Digitization cannot be stopped. And the topic of sustainability has not lost momentum due to the Covid pandemic, as the packaging cluster Packaging Valley Germany emphasizes.
Decentralized, networked, in a team and over two days: that’s how the “Packaging Valley Makeathon” works. The first event of this kind has already shown that remarkable results can be achieved. In summer 2020, 80 participants networked with innovative companies and universities from Packaging Valley. Wearing T-shirts and masks, they tinkered, developed, implemented and, above all, laughed a lot. One of the many ideas: a reusable system for packaging. 3D printers were used to create alternative prototypes. Some ideas were further developed after the Makeathon, all the way to the finished product. Even one or two patents were applied for with participants. For some students, the path then led seamlessly to an internship at one of the participating companies. For the organizers around Packaging Valley, it was clear that this was not only a win-win situation, but also the beginning of a successful series of events. Companies have the chance to attract young talent – startups and students the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and give their careers a turbo boost. The media interest does not fail to materialize either. “A lot is possible, and that’s what we’re focusing on at this event,” says Martin Buchwitz, managing director of the packaging cluster.
The Makeathon is organized by Packaging Valley Germany e.V. and member and Makeathon expert ITQ in cooperation with the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation, the Digital Hub Heilbronn-Franken (hfcon) and the Virtual Dimension Center Fellbach. Cooperation partners and universities are involved and provide technical and scientific know-how. More information is available at www.packaging-valley.com/makeathon. You can already register there to receive more information.
