The Digital Future Challenge — the student competition for responsibly shaping digital futures — has begun. In the 2025/26 winter semester, the focus is on AI agents and robotics. Federal Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger, patron of the competition, calls on all students to participate!

From the question of how we want to work with robots as team members or how AI agents can enable seniors to participate more digitally, to the question of how the use of humanoid robots in schools or AI agents in government agencies can be a meaningful and desirable way to address the shortage of skilled workers: Eleven use cases from various companies and industries are in the running at this year's DFC and are waiting for creative and clever ideas from students.

Why is it worthwhile for students to participate?

• Questions about the digital future from leading companies such as Deutsche Bahn, Pfeifer & Langen, and ING Germany.
• Workshops from Deloitte and Experience One on topics such as design thinking or pitch training to strengthen your own skills.
• Two events in Berlin (at SAP and Google) with Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Dr. Karsten Wildberger. (travel expenses will be reimbursed and accommodation will be provided)
• Mentors are on hand to offer their expertise
• A great opportunity to expand your professional network
• Active engagement in the digital future of our society
• Prize money totaling €15,000

There are many other reasons besides these — for example, our high-caliber jury. You can find all the information about the competition organized by Initiative D21 and the Deloitte Foundation at www.digital-future-challenge.de.