tesa: Modular rail system for drill-free fastening
With "ModRail", the student team in the Cross Innovation Class developed an intelligent, drill-free solution for the company tesa for the flexible and wall-friendly attachment of shelves and hooks.
The challenge
Drilled holes cause effort, noise and dirt - and leave permanent marks on walls. With this in mind, the Cross Innovation Class team teamed up with tesa to develop a solution that would allow shelves or hooks to be attached without drilling and without leaving any residue.
Output
The result is "ModRail" - a modular, easy-to-install rail system for the versatile attachment and storage of objects. The system is complemented by an assembly tool that supports precise and uncomplicated installation.
"ModRail" offers a drill-free alternative to conventional fixings and protects walls from damage. The system is characterised by a wide range of possible applications in everyday life. The modular design allows users to add, remove or reconfigure hooks, shelves or drawers flexibly and without tools. This makes the system ideal for rented flats, offices or other spaces where an adaptable and demountable solution is required.
The concept combines stability, versatility and wall-friendliness in one system and helps to make everyday organisational solutions more efficient and tenant-friendly.
Format & method
In the Cross Innovation Class, students from three to six different universities work in interdisciplinary teams on the challenges of the project partners.
- The process follows the logic of design thinking: in iterative feedback loops with the partners, the teams approach a solution step by step.
- The entire process is managed by the Cross Innovation Hub team and supported by trained facilitators.
- Prototypes can be created and tested in the workshops of the partner universities.
The Cross Innovation Class 2025 took place in the summer semester 2025 on the topic of Sustainable Innovations.
Our partner: tesa
With over 5000 employees worldwide, Tesa is one of the largest producers of innovative adhesive solutions for end consumers and industry. Up to 100 new adhesive tape solutions are created every year, which constantly expand the large product range of over 7000 products.
