The SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON, organized by ITQ GmbH in collaboration with Dr. Stetter ITQ, took place from March 12th to 15th, 2025, on Gran Canaria. This international innovation festival brought together a total of 986 technology enthusiasts from around the world to advance innovative ideas in the fields of digitization and sustainability. The goal of the MAKEATHON was to inspire young people to pursue technology and address the skills shortage in the technology industry.
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International Innovations Festival Strengthens Technical Competence of All Generations
Tech-Talente fördern, Innovation vorantreiben (Foto: ITQ GmbH)
The SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON brought together 546 young students and representatives from renowned sponsors to collaborate on sustainable solutions in logistics, recycling processes, smart mobility, and agriculture. Simultaneously, 440 children and teenagers from Spanish educational institutions showcased their skills at technology workshops. This event not only reinforced the technical competence of all generations but also facilitated the integration of young talents with companies.
International Collaboration: Participants from 36 nations develop innovative solutions
The MAKEATHON brought together participants from 36 nations, including representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Working in interdisciplinary teams, they spent four days tackling industry challenges in areas such as smart automation/production, smart green logistics/mobility/energy, smart farming, smart building, artificial intelligence, and circular economy. Together, they developed innovative solutions for a sustainable future, such as plastic-free packaging made from banana fibers and PET recycling in industrial applications. There were also challenges focused on modular water measurement systems and solutions for autonomous driving in waste management logistics.
Impressive Results: 28 Teams Create 22 Prototypes at Innovations Festival
Volles Engagement: Erste Prototypen bereits am 2. Tag (Foto: ITQ GmbH)
The SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON resulted in impressive outcomes, with 28 teams producing a total of 22 prototypes showcased at the closing event. These prototypes addressed challenges presented by platinum sponsors MVTec, Murrelektronik, and igus. Some notable solutions developed by the teams included an automated waste detection and disposal system, an automated process for PET bottle recycling, and a fruit ripeness detection system for sustainable vertical farming.
Inspiring Technology Workshops for 440 Students at MAKEATHON Event
The MAKEATHON organized a comprehensive program for children and teenagers, aimed at fostering their enthusiasm for technology. Over 440 students had the opportunity to participate in 23 technology workshops, which covered a range of topics including robot programming and Minecraft Education. Additionally, they had the chance to build solar boats, cleaning robots, hydroponic systems, and renewable energy demonstrators. These workshops were provided by various foundations and universities.
Gratitude expressed to sponsors and teachers for their support
Dr. Rainer Stetter, CEO of ITQ GmbH and initiator of the SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON, expressed his gratitude to the participating sponsors and teachers for their tremendous support and the dedicated teams. The event was made possible not only by ITQ GmbH but also by the financial, content-related, and material support of 24 national and international sponsors.
Gran Canaria chosen as ideal location for sustainable energy festival
Gran Canaria was chosen as the venue for the festival due to its ideal conditions for sustainable and self-sufficient energy supply from renewable sources. With the SMART & GREEN projects on the island, ITQ GmbH aims to drive digital transformation and promote international networking. This is a crucial step in addressing the skills shortage in the technology industry.
Overall, the SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON was an impressive festival that fostered young talent, advanced innovative ideas, and enhanced the technical competence of all generations. Through the collaboration of participants from different countries and the solutions to global challenges, the event made a significant contribution to a sustainable future.
