On October 30, 2025, the online event “2 Years After xplore” took place – a digital reunion of people connected through the international technology and education competition xplore. The event was organized by the TechEducation initiative. Around 40 participants from various countries and institutions came together to share experiences, present projects, and develop new ideas.
But the event was more than just a reunion: it was also an opportunity to reflect together and look ahead.
What has evolved since then?
Which projects are still active?
And how can we build an alumni community that offers real value?
In addition to presentations and project showcases, the event provided space for informal exchange and active networking. In themed breakout rooms, participants connected over projects, collaborations, or simply a virtual coffee.
Values, Purpose, and Impact – Keynote by Selina Kerscher
Selina Kerscher, former jury member and now a researcher at the University of Geneva, spoke about the values xplore promotes: sustainability, commitment, and technological innovation.
“Meaning arises when we do something that goes beyond ourselves – something that benefits other people or living beings.”
She highlighted how such projects create purpose – for participants and for society. She emphasized the importance of young people actively addressing societal challenges through technology. Her words were both motivating and thought-provoking.
Rethinking Digital Education – Matias Kippke
Matias Kippke, winner of the Tech Education category in 2023 and project manager at Plexigrid, presented the further development of his project: a digital learning environment for e-mobility based on digital twins.
“If we need skilled workers for electrification in the future, we must give them access to technology today – regardless of location.”
He illustrated how virtual learning spaces open up new perspectives – especially for regions with limited access to technical infrastructure. His project combines Industry 4.0, sustainability, and education, and clearly demonstrates how xplore can generate lasting impact beyond the competition.
Practice Meets Education – Stefan Manemann
Stefan Manemann, department head and teacher at BBS II Wolfsburg, and multiple xplore team leader, presented impressive school projects: smart heating systems, e-bike charging stations, and even bee monitoring.
“I think we face many challenges – AI, climate change, smart devices, cloud systems – and we can only solve them together.”
His message: students can actively contribute to the energy transition – if they are given the right tools and spaces to participate. Particularly noteworthy was the implementation of an intelligent heating system that measures CO₂, detects open windows, and heats only occupied rooms – developed and installed by students.
Aquaponics for Space – Glenn Williams and Team
The team from Harrisburg University demonstrated how a xplore project evolved into a NASA-supported research initiative.
“What we’re developing for a Mars mission can also help in Harrisburg – because food security is a global issue.” – Glenn Williams
Their goal: an automated aquaponics system for long-term space missions – and a solution for food deserts on Earth. The combination of education, research, and social responsibility makes their project a strong example of xplore’s impact beyond the competition.
Auch ehemalige und aktuelle Studierende kamen zu Wort:
Jeffrey Gleiter, now an engineer at Phoenix Contact USA, spoke about his journey:
“Now I’m on the other side – I build the products we used back then in the competition.”
He is now involved in educational projects and competitions to give other students similar opportunities.
Logan Trimmer, current student, continues to develop the aquaponics system with a focus on space applications:
“Our goal is a fully closed system that supports marine life and plants together – for longer missions in space.”
He is working on a flexible control system and uses 3D printing to design components for the system.
Shaping Community – Launching an Alumni Platform
In the final part of the event, participants discussed what a xplore alumni community could look like.
“We need a playground for technology and education – an open space for new ideas.” – Klaus Hengsbach
Ideas such as regular online meetups, joint projects, hackathons, and thematic deep-dives were collected. The desire for exchange and collaboration was clearly felt. Participants emphasized the importance of staying connected between competitions.
Adriano Mones Bayo, director Spain & LATAM at Phoenix Contact e-mobility, added a practical perspective:
“Our control technology – whether virtual or physical – plays a central role in energy management. Education must start here, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with EduNet.”
He stressed the importance of familiarizing students early on with real-world technology – both in industrial and virtual contexts. The connection between digitalization, energy efficiency, and education is key to the future.
Conclusion
The “2 Years After xplore” event highlighted how projects and personal development have progressed since the competition. Some initiatives have been expanded and are now applied in education, industry, or research – such as digital learning environments, sustainable school systems, or international research collaborations.
The contributions showed that xplore not only sparks technological innovation but also supports long-term educational processes. Former participants are now active in industry or research and bring their experiences into new projects.
The discussion around the alumni community provided initial ideas for structured networking: regular exchange, joint activities, and practical formats were identified as key elements. The desire to stay connected and learn from each other beyond the competition was clearly expressed.
Overall, it became evident: xplore continues to have an impact – through projects, people, and a shared commitment to using technology meaningfully.