On February 27 and 28, 2026, the well-known "Jugend forscht" competition will enter its 61st round. Supported by ZEISS and organized by explorhino, 121 participants from twelve schools in the Ostalbkreis and Heidenheim regions will present a total of 65 projects.
Under this year's motto "Maximum Perspective", visitors can expect exciting ideas and far-sighted, forward-looking, future-oriented projects at the regional "Jugend forscht" competition. The young researchers will be competing in six Fields of expertise, with the world of work, Chemistry and Technicians particularly well represented.
The competition takes place over two days: on February 27, 2026, the participants will present their work to a jury of experts from industry, science and education. The day will be accompanied by hands-on activities from regional organizations and associations, including the juggling workshop, makeMINT, the Zukunftsakademie Heidenheim, Aalen University of Applied Sciences, the Ostalbkreis district media center and explorhino. There will also be a drone soccer attachment where young people can try out this fascinating sport.
On February 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., all interested parties are invited to experience the projects up close and see for themselves the creativity and innovative power of the young researchers. Last year, the participants already impressed with projects such as an automatic baby carriage brake, an FPV drone, a turtle backpack, investigations/analyses of solar flares and a drone parachute.
The degree will be marked by the award ceremony at 12.45 pm, accompanied by special guests and a musical show act. This year, visiting guests, school classes and participants will also have the opportunity to try out a flight in the Drone Soccer Arena.
A special highlight this year: at the end of March, the state competition Jugend forscht will also take place in Aalen from March 25 to 27.
February 27, 2026 - Regional competition Jugend forscht
Judging day (none open to the public)
February 28, 2026 - Regional competition Jugend forscht
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Public day (Great Hall, Aalen University of Applied Sciences)
12.45 - 14.15 Competition ceremony (Audimax, Aalen University of Applied Sciences)
March 27, 2026- State competition Jugend forscht
10 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. Public Day (WIN building, Aalen University of Applied Sciences)
2 - 4 p.m. Competition ceremony (Great Hall, Aalen University of Applied Sciences)
