Creative solutions for real-world challenges: KANU Masterclass brings students and industry partners together at HNU

28.05.2026, Transfer:

From May 18 to 22, students from several universities worked closely together at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) to develop innovative solutions to current challenges facing the region: As part of this year’s KANU Masterclass, they collaborated with regional industry partners to address issues related to society, innovation, and sustainability. The focus was on creative idea generation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and direct exchange with local companies and institutions.

This inter-university initiative is part of the NEXUS KANU collaborative project and brings together students from various disciplines as well as regional industry partners. In addition to HNU, the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Augsburg, and Kempten University of Applied Sciences are participating in NEXUS KANU. The goal of the program is to promote innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as to jointly develop solutions to social and economic challenges.

Key Method: Design Thinking

This year’s project week once again centered on the Design Thinking method. Throughout the week, students received an in-depth introduction to the innovation process and worked in a user-centered manner on real-world challenges posed by various industry partners. HNU Professor Daniel Schallmo provided methodological guidance.

Pitch presentations to regional industry partners

Practice partners included the Founders and Innovation Space at HNU, the City of Ulm, the City of Neu-Ulm, and the House of Sustainability. At the start of the week, the teams learned about the respective challenges and engaged in intensive discussions with the practice partners through interviews and workshops. To gain an even better understanding of the challenges, the students also visited the facilities of individual partners on site.

The teams then developed various perspectives and ideas, created initial prototypes, and continued to refine their concepts throughout the week. The event concluded with final pitch presentations before a jury composed of representatives from the industry partners and Prof. Dr. Daniel Schallmo.

KANU students also received insights on the topic of business succession: On May 19, they attended the event “Take Over the Business. Your Opportunity Awaits!” at Founders Space, where they learned how academic training can be aligned with the specific succession needs of the Swabian business community.

More than just professional content: a diverse side program fosters team spirit

In addition to the professional sessions, participants enjoyed a varied side program that included, among other things, a guided tour of the city of Ulm. They also gained fascinating insights during a visit to the company Pfersich. In addition to information about the company, the program also included a brief crash course in barista skills. The students not only learned how to create hearts in cappuccinos, but also why coffee should be stirred before drinking so that the aroma can fully develop.

There was also plenty of opportunity for team building and socializing: During a visit to Face Off Neu-Ulm, participants had the chance to get to know each other in a completely different setting, outside the workshop environment.

Closing Ceremony on June 24

The closing ceremony for the KANU Masterclass will take place on June 24, when participants will receive certificates for successfully completing the Masterclass.