Prototypes in the spotlight: TU Graz students present industrial innovations

Big names from industry handed over real-life concrete challenges to innovative students to solve in the “Product Innovation Project 2017”. From Logicdata, ANDRITZ and Palfinger, the tasks required skills from the home office of the future, a laser technology to determine the exact position of crane boom tips, and solutions for intuitively monitoring a factory. The eight teams, each comprising eight persons, present their results at the final gala in the assembly hall of the University at 5pm on 29th May in a carefully staged and entertaining show which include demonstrations of the prototypes developed by the teams themselves.

The unusual “product innovation project” course format of TU Graz is enjoying increasing popularity among students and companies alike. Christian Ramsauer, head of the Institute of Industrial Management and Innovation Research, explains: “Word got around among the companies that we are offering a unique opportunity in the form of this course from which everyone could benefit. Students from different disciplines immerse themselves in real-world assignments from companies for several months and of course establish valuable contacts while doing so. The corporate partners really appreciate how the students grapple with innovation and technology so creatively, and at the same time they are able to look around for the most promising minds. And of course guests at the final gala can enjoy a sensational show!”

Flanked by the presentations, a panel discussion is taking place this year in which personnel recruiters from big companies talk about their “battle for talents”.

Panel discussion on “battle for talents“ at the final gala
The following will take part in the panel discussion
Johannes Gradwohl – CEO Logicdata
Markus Tomaschitz – Vice President Human Resources AVL
Wolfgang Zitz – Vice President Contract Manufacturing Magna Steyr
Stephan Zöchling – CEO Remus-Sebring Group

The projects 2017 ANDRITZ
Totally intuitive plant monitoring and control

ENERGIE GRAZ
Innovative Business Models for the Urban Energy Customer 2020

LOGICDATA
Human centered living and working

MAGNA
NextGEN Connect

PALFINGER
Boom tip detection

PORSCHE AUSTRIA
Mobility related services 2030-

SEBRING TECHNOLOGY
Exhaust Systems / The Future

VENTREX
The Next Generation: Smart Valve Technology