At the 32nd International Electrical Engineering Olympiad, young technology enthusiasts from several countries meet at the HSZG to demonstrate their skills in theory and practice.
The traditional "Neisse-Elektro" took place again in 2026, this year for the 32nd time. The (International Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) Olympiad once again brings together 54 talented students from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic to compete against each other in the STEM field.
The event is organized by the "Neisse Elektro" working group consisting of teachers and university staff and is aimed at particularly high-performing young people with an interest in electrical engineering and physics. Every year, around 20 pupils from each of the three countries take part and put their skills to the test in a challenging competition.
This year, the Olympiad took place on a Friday for the first time. As every year, the Olympiad focused on the 90-minute invigilated (written) examination, which comprises tasks at the level of a technical course. Participants have to apply their knowledge in areas such as electrical circuits, resistance networks and electric and magnetic fields.
This is followed by a joint social program. After lunch together in the canteen, this year's program included exciting excursions to the Lander³ hall, the power plant laboratory and the AquaHeat test stand. In the afternoon, there was the obligatory photo session in front of Zittau town hall, a small afternoon snack and the award ceremony in the Bürgersaal. This was translated simultaneously for the Polish and Czech guests and was accompanied by saxophone and piano music. In addition to the Mayor of Zittau, Thomas Zenker, and the Rector of the university, Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratsch, representatives of the Polish and Czech schools also gave welcoming speeches.
The Zittau Power Plant Laboratory (ZKWL) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was set up between 2011 and 2015 under the leadership of the Institute of Process Engineering, Process Automation and Measurement Technology (IPM) and is used for the experimentally supported development of measures to increase the energy efficiency of energy plants, the development of energy storage systems and the development of solutions for the improved use of renewable energy sources. A central component of the laboratory are impressive large-scale test facilities that were designed and built as part of several research projects.
In the test facility of the AQVA HEAT III project visited by the participants, an innovative overall concept for the year-round provision of heat based on surface waters (Mandau) is being realized and a seasonal test including aquatic ecological monitoring is being carried out. This concept can be a building block for a future heat supply based on renewable energies and serves to transform innovative heat generation systems from research into application, for regional heat suppliers and beyond. The project is funded as part of the Energy and Climate funding guideline of the Free State of Saxony (FRL EuK 2023, SAB).
The LaNDER³-Technikum, the natural fiber center of the HSZG, is dedicated to the development of everyday and consumer goods based on renewable raw materials, in particular local natural fibers. The entire process, from the extraction of the natural fibers to the recycling of the goods at the end of their life cycle, is taken into account. Here, the Neisse-Elektro participants also had the opportunity to experience a modern sorting plant for plastic waste in action.
The "Neisse-Elektro" has been an important cross-border educational project since it was founded in 1995. It is a prime example of the close cooperation between schools and educational institutions in the Neisse Euroregion.
The aim of the Olympiad is not only to promote technical skills, but also to strengthen international exchange between young people and arouse enthusiasm for technical courses of study.
The participants receive intensive preparation in advance - both at their schools and through special workshops and courses at the university. These include, for example, experimental lectures or practical exercises to analyze electrical circuits.
Thanks to the support of numerous partners and sponsors, participation is free of charge for school students.
Supporters 2026:
1st place went to Mathias Mildner in 2026, 2nd place to Jakub Jan Prousek, both from SPSSE a VOS Liberec. The 3rd place went to Maciej Szabala from LZN Wroclaw.
The best national team came from the Czech Republic, ahead of Poland and Germany. Congratulations to all!
Text: Prof. Patricia Stange, Dr. André Seeliger
