The initiative focuses on real-world innovation challenges submitted by companies and aligned with TECH.LAND's technology clusters. TECH.LAND is a cross-border network of businesses, research institutions and public organisations working to strengthen the region's innovation capacity and competitiveness in five key areas: Energy: Batteries & Hydrogen, Health & MedTech, Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics, Circular Economy, and Cyber Security & Defense.
During multi-day TECHathons, students and apprentices collaborate on practical challenges set by participating companies. They analyse these challenges from different perspectives and develop new approaches to solving them.
Bring your challenge to the table
Is your company facing an innovation challenge in its day-to-day operations? Submit it to Talent x TECH Region and gain fresh perspectives. International, interdisciplinary teams of students will explore your challenge from different angles and develop innovative solutions.
Complete the form to submit your innovation challenge.
Meet the talent of tomorrow
Would you like to connect with qualified young professionals at an early stage? Talent x TECH Region brings companies and students directly together. Collaborating on real projects gives you the opportunity to meet motivated and talented participants from different academic, professional and cultural backgrounds – without going through a traditional recruitment process.
These initial contacts can lead to long-term connections, for example through theses, internships or future employment opportunities.
Attract and retain young talent in the region
Attracting and retaining qualified professionals is a major challenge for many companies. At the same time, many young people are not yet familiar with the companies and career opportunities available in the German-Dutch border region.
Talent x TECH Region provides opportunities for personal interaction and raises the profile of regional employers. Students gain authentic insights into companies, projects and career opportunities – and discover career paths they may not have considered before.
Experience international collaboration first-hand
International cooperation is becoming increasingly important for companies. Talent x TECH Region gives your company the opportunity to experience international collaboration in practice, rather than merlely discussing it in theory.
Working in international teams provides valuable experience of different cultures, communication styles, and ways of working. You will also have the opportunity to meet international talent and gain a fresh perspective on how your company works with others, as well as its corporate culture.
Increase your visibility and expand your network
Taking part positions your company as an innovative and forward-looking employer.
You can also forge connections with students, universities, educational institutions and other companies and stakeholders in the German-Dutch border region.
Talent x TECH Region at a glance
What is the project about?
Through TECHathons, the project connects regional companies with international students and helps attract and retain skilled workers in the region.
Who is it for?
The project is aimed at companies and international students from the Münsterland region and the German-Dutch border region.
How can companies take part?
Companies can submit an innovation challenge for a TECHathon using the IHK application form. If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Bögemann, the project coordinator.
Good to know:
The working language during the TECHathons is English.
The Talent x TECH Region project is implemented as part of the Interreg VI Germany-Nederland programme and co-financed by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE NRW), and the Province of Overijssel.
Complete the form to submit your innovation challenge.