GA & ZEISS FORESIGHT CHALLENGE
Table of contents
Developing the Big Picture of Tomorrow's Technology
A Joint Program by the Graduate Academy and the ZEISS Innovation Hub Dresden
for Members of the Graduate Academy & Postdoc Center
Why You Should Join Us
Are you passionate about your research and eager to see it make a real-world impact?
Then, this is your chance to step out of the lab and into the future, to envision the groundbreaking technologies of tomorrow and bring them to life!
The goal of this joint program with the ZEISS Innovation Hub Dresden is to encourage early career researchers like you to rise above the day-to-day grind and ask: What are the crucial steps needed to transform my research into a tangible application?
Open to All Disciplines | Think BIG
We're not just looking for ideas that fit ZEISS's current focus - we want your boldest, most innovative ideas!
However, don't worry about the nitty-gritty details of your research; focus on the big picture. Together, we will concentrate on the broader picture and how your idea could potentially transform the future world through innovative methods and foresight.
So whether you're in STEM, art, economics, social science, or any field in between, we want to hear your vision for the future.
What's in it for you
- Two Group Awards of €1000 each
Fuel your innovation journey with a financial boost that recognizes
and rewards your groundbreaking ideas. - Cutting-edge training in Innovation Management Methods
Learn state-of-the-art techniques to turn your research into real-world applications. - Certificate
Earn a certificate signed by the Graduate Academy and ZEISS Innovation Hub Dresden to add to your professional portfolio. - Exclusive Access to ZEISS Employer Branding Opportunities and HR
Get a unique inside look at one of the world's leading technology companies.
Discover career opportunities and gain insights on how to apply for positions within a corporate setting successfully. - Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded researchers, potential collaborators, and industry leaders who can help elevate your research. - Membership @ Graduate Academy
Haven't signed up for a membership at the Graduate Academy/Postdoc Center yet? Make sure to join as soon as you can!
Our Program Timeline | Save the Date
The grand finale!
This is your moment to shine and showcase the innovative solutions you’ve developed. Get ready to be recognized for your hard work and creativity!
You will present your project to a panel of judges and celebrate your achievements with your peers.
And the cherry on the top:
Get exclusive access to ZEISS Employer Branding and HR, discover career opportunities, and gain insights on how to apply for positions within a corporate setting successfully.
Eyes on the prize!
Sharpen your pitching skills with this expert training session.
- Learn how to effectively communicate your ideas,
- captivate your audience,
- and make a compelling case for your project.
This training will equip you with the tools to present your work with confidence and clarity.
This period is all about collaboration, creativity, and hard work. Utilize this time to turn your ideas into a well-rounded, impactful solution. Work closely with your team to develop and polish your project.
Dive deep into innovation with our on-site workshop. Collaborate with your team, refine your ideas, and learn from the best.
Workshop | From the Past to the Future
In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to pursue future thinking
and apply it to your topic to evaluate possible futures.
- Learn how to describe the present and the current status of your technology field,
- Envision possible futures,
- Plan concrete next steps to enable the desired future.
With the application, you made the first step in thinking about the impact of your technology. Still, to refine your idea and step into several perspectives, we give you some methods and tools for completing your ideas.
Let's take a look at the ZEISS Innovation Hub Dresden and gear up for an evening of pitching your ideas and enjoying delicious pizza!
Pitch & Pizza Party @ the Innovation Hub | October 18, 2024 | 4.30 - 7.30 pm
Network with fellow innovators, get feedback from industry experts and start building momentum for your project. It's the perfect blend of creativity, collaboration, and fun. Plus, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet other passionate participants and forge dynamic teams.
ZEISS Innovation Hub Dresden | Blasewitzer Straße 41 | 01307 Dresden
Don't miss out!
Please submit your application by September 30, 2024, to secure your spot in our program.
You can find more information in the "How to apply" section below.
Join us at our Online Info Session on July 24, 2024 | from 11.30 am -12.15 pm.
- Meet the team behind our program,
- get all your questions answered,
- and learn how this challenge can propel your research into the future.
Please register via Zoom (registration link)
Let's get down to business | How to Apply
Are you ready to unleash ideas and drive to make a difference through innovation?
Think big; your idea doesn't have to be directly linked to ZEISS!
Your application should (only) address the following:
- Introduction: Provide a concise overview of your current research field.
- Your Vision: Fast forward to 2050. How is your technology being utilized? Who benefits from it? Is it part of everyday life or specialized work?
- Impact on Technology and Markets: Has your innovation disrupted existing technologies or markets? Or both?
- Realization: What are the missing steps to come to this vision of the future?
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No solo acts here
We will review all applications and group together individuals based on their areas of interest, motivations, and diverse backgrounds.
Save the date
The final matchmaking will take place on October 18, 2024, at the Match, Pitch & Pizza Party @ ZEISS Innovation Hub (Blasewitzer Straße 41 | 01307 Dresden).
Please get in touch at , and we will send you the application form.
We invite scientists from all disciplines to contribute their diverse expertise.
So, are you ready to take your skills to the next level, embrace new challenges, and contribute to team success?
Please get in touch at , and we will send you the application form!
We will review all applications and group together individuals based on their areas of interest, motivations, and diverse backgrounds.
Save the date
The final matchmaking will take place on October 18, 2024, at the Match, Pitch & Pizza Party @ ZEISS Innovation Hub (Blasewitzer Straße 41 | 01307 Dresden).
Meet the Team @ Zeiss Innovation Hub
Beyond the masterminds at the Graduate Academy, here is an insight into the Hub and the great people you have the chance to work with.
ZEISS Logo
The ZEISS Innovation Hub leverages its unique location at the TUD Dresden University of Technology to identify promising but also unusual ideas, refine them in proof-of-concept projects, and ultimately transfer them to ZEISS business units or independent companies.
We focus on research in the life sciences and health. True to the motto "Turning today's research into tomorrow's applications—together," the Hub pursues its goal of driving forward and implementing pioneering innovations for ZEISS with its partners.
Our multidisciplinary teams draw on their expertise as well as on a continuous and open exchange of ideas with university researchers, students, entrepreneurs, ZEISS experts, and end users. The ZEISS Innovation Hub is an open platform for collaboration and offers many opportunities to network, engage, and work together.
Fanny is Head of Research and Innovation at the Hub. With a PhD in innovation management, she brings methodology knowledge and a social science perspective to strategy development.
Tilman is the Hub's Innovation Scout. As a materials scientist with a PhD in bioengineering, he evaluates new research topics and technologies and develops strategies for their application at ZEISS.
Laura is a Junior Innovation Researcher at the Hub. As an industrial engineer, she develops strategies for topics in digital health.
© Klaus Gigga
Deputy Head of Unit
NameAngela Böhm M.A.
Career Development , TUD Young Investigators, PR & Events
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