11 November 2025

University President Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner, District Administrator Matthias Jendricke, entrepreneur Axel Heck and Thomas Herwig (Lab Operations Manager of the hike) met at the press event on 7 November 2025 in the hike Lab at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences to present this year's HIKEathon format „HIKEathon X Citizens“. What is special about this year is that the university, city and district are joining forces for the first time to develop ideas for the future of northern Thuringia together with citizens.

„As a region, we don't want to isolate ourselves, but rather network in a targeted manner. The university is a gateway to the outside world - with many people whose input is important to us. This format is ideal for precisely this purpose,“ emphasised District Administrator Matthias Jendricke at the press conference.

Future solutions with AI and design thinking

The HIKEathon, organised by the University Incubator for Entrepreneurship (hike), is now in its sixth round. The aim is to develop innovative and needs-based solutions for real challenges in the region in a two-day workshop using the design thinking method.

The participants work in interdisciplinary teams on a total of twelve challenges from the fields of urban development, administration, business and society. They are supported by experienced coaches and AI experts. Generative artificial intelligence is being used specifically in the innovation process for the third time. It was first trialled in 2024 and used again in the internal HIKEathon X University.

A data protection-compliant AI system developed by IONOS supports the teams in finding and evaluating ideas. „We want to combine the strengths of modern technology with creative, human approaches to solutions,“ explains Thomas Herwig.

Diverse perspectives and practical results

The HIKEathon X Citizens is designed as an open social innovation format - in other words, as an open space for new perspectives and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. The added value for participants lies not only in joint development, but also in networking, experiencing the power of innovation and expanding professional opportunities.

The jury consists of District Administrator Matthias Jendricke, Carolin Gerbothe, Dr Sebastian Händschke, Lukas Stratmann and Ingo Eichhorst (IONOS). They provide feedback on the ideas without making a classic winner's decision - the focus is on the potential for further development.

Participation welcome - registration now possible

The HIKEathon is aimed at students, company representatives, administrative staff and interested citizens from the entire North Thuringia region. We are still looking for committed participants who are keen to shape the future together.

„Citizens are experts in their everyday lives - their ideas are crucial when it comes to the sustainable development of Northern Thuringia,“ emphasises President Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner.

Participation is free of charge.

Date: 28-29 November 2025

Location: HIKE Lab, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

Registration: https://www.hike-startups.de/hikeathon-x-citizens