Beat a robot at a game of ninepins, power a heat pump using sheer muscle power, have a chat with the voice-controlled robot “Nao”, design a fruit bowl or a chair made from fungal mycelium, or delve into the world of coastal protection yourself – Ostfalia is offering all this and much more at this year’s IdeenExpo in Hanover.
From 20 to 28 June 2026, the University of Applied Sciences will be showcasing exciting hands-on exhibits (external link, opens in a new window) across an area of around 500 m².
Hands-on exhibits focusing on energy, sustainability and digitalisation
- DIY at the Powerhouse – experience energy from plants, algae and muscle power for yourself
- Activated carbon filters – water purification and removal of pollutants (e.g. PFAS)
- Hydrogen technology – production and use of green hydrogen
- Autonomous Speed Racing – test and beat autonomous model racing cars
- The Hot Wire – A game of skill with a light signal when mistakes are made
- Floating Ball – Experience levitation through technical effects
- Energy bike – Making the energy consumption of different lamps tangible by pedalling
- FuturDesignLab – Mobile creative and design lab for development and teamwork
- Immersive Building Worlds (VR) – Explore and analyse buildings virtually
- Interactive Film Production – Green screen: become part of digital worlds yourself
- Heat pump – Understanding how modern heating technology works
- My[Co]Future – Designing sustainable materials from fungal mycelium yourself
- Robots vs. Humans (Mill) – Challenge AI robots in a strategy game
- Robbi & Nao – experience robotics and voice control live
- Wave flume – experimentally testing coastal protection and the effects of waves
- WOB-Racing – experience a student team’s autonomous racing car
The following faculties will be represented: Civil Engineering, Water and Soil Engineering; Electrical and Information Technology; Automotive Engineering; Supply Engineering; and Transport, Sport, Tourism and Media. In addition, central departments such as Knowledge and Technology Transfer and the Central Student Advisory Service will be present at the Ostfalia stand.
You can find Ostfalia in Ideas Hall 7, Digital Worlds section.
About the IdeenExpo
The IdeenExpo was founded in 2007 to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers. Under the motto “Just give it a go!”, the focus is on interactive exhibits to try out, in-depth workshops, and a varied live programme featuring shows and concerts. In the “ClubZukunft”, young people, parents and teachers receive support with career and study guidance from companies and institutions, supplemented by an online platform. The target audience is primarily pupils in Years 7 to 13, as well as other interested parties such as teachers and parents.
