With robotics, a smoothie bike and a wide range of hands-on activities, the HSZG presented itself as a practical and future-oriented university for the region at the INSIDERTREFF 2026 at Messepark Löbau.
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented itself with a large and varied trade fair presence at this year's INSIDERTREFF in the Löbau exhibition park. The largest trade fair for training and studying in the district of Görlitz once again attracted several thousand visitors to Löbau on May 9, 2026 and brought young people, parents, companies and educational institutions together.
The HSZG was represented with a stand of around 100 square meters in the flower hall and an additional information stand on the cooperative study model KIA in the exhibition hall. Numerous prospective students took the opportunity to find out about study options, application routes and future prospects at the university.
The INSIDERTREFF at Messepark Löbau was once again an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to the wide range of study opportunities and future prospects at our Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. We were able to hold many exciting discussions in direct exchange with pupils, parents and regional companies and show how practical, international and regionally anchored studies and research at the HSZG are.
”The university's interactive hands-on activities were of particular interest. A real visitor magnet was the smoothie bike, where interested visitors could "cycle" their own smoothie. Robotics was also at the heart of the trade fair presentation. Various small robots were demonstrated and provided exciting insights into modern technologies and practical applications. With the "garden robot", the university presented its own planting assistant with green fingers. Vice President Research, Transfer and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, puts it in a nutshell:
The INSIDERTREFF shows in a special way how valuable direct encounters are for study orientation. I am very pleased that we were not only able to present study options to interested young people, but also made future technologies tangible.
”The augmented reality glasses were particularly well received. "They allow you to directly experience a production workplace of tomorrow," Vice President Keil continues. "The robot dogs also show how technology can be used in dangerous situations and in disaster control in the future: In confusing or dangerous environments - such as after explosions, collapses or fires - they can be sent ahead to provide situational awareness without endangering people. This makes future technology tangible and understandable."
The university's faculties, research areas and service facilities also presented numerous offers and exhibits. For example, visitors were able to experience a hands-on experiment in the flow channel, learn about crystal models and microscopy or find out about intelligent chatbots. There were further insights into current research projects on 3D printing, AI-supported agriculture and innovative study programs in the fields of technology, natural sciences, social affairs, education and health.
The cooperative study model KIA also provided information about the possibilities of a dual study program with an integrated vocational qualification and showed practical career paths in close cooperation with regional companies.
Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Maćkowiak, Vice President Education and Sustainability, sees the INSIDERTREFF in Löbau as a valuable platform for bringing young people into contact with regional educational and career prospects at an early stage.
The INSIDERTREFF strengthens cooperation between schools, universities and companies and helps to provide guidance for further education. I was particularly pleased that so many colleagues got involved and represented our university in such large numbers and with such dedication. This was the only way we could address the young people in a targeted manner and introduce them to the many opportunities at our university.
”Rector Alexander Kratzsch expressly thanks all those involved who contributed to the successful trade fair appearance: "My special thanks go to all employees, students, teaching staff and partners of the university who supported the INSIDERTREFF with great commitment. Thanks to their commitment, we were able to make the diversity and innovative strength of our university authentically tangible."
With over 140 exhibitors and more than 200 training and study opportunities, the INSIDERTREFF is one of the most important career and study guidance events in the region. For the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the fair once again provided a valuable platform to inspire prospective students to study in Upper Lusatia at an early stage.
Text: Cornelia Rothe
Photos: Sven Müller
