Cross Innovation Class 2026: Final Pitch
Five university teams work together with companies to develop sustainable prototypes for real challenges - and present their ideas at the final pitch at the Design Zentrum Hamburg.
How can companies' products and processes become more sustainable?
Five university teams worked on this question together with companies as part of the Cross Innovation Class 2026. Students from the fields of computer science, industrial design, interior design & architecture, AI & brand communication design and environmental sciences worked on sustainable solutions over the course of a semester. The results are four exciting prototypes for a more sustainable future, which will be presented at the final pitch at the Design Zentrum Hamburg.
Be there, get to know the protagonists and find out more about this year's Cross Innovation Class, which enables intensive and innovative project work between students and companies.
Vote for the best prototype
The interdisciplinary teams have been working on their ideas for three months. At the final pitch, they will present their prototypes live in front of an audience. You can vote for your favourite at the audience award on site. A jury will also select the best prototype.
Participating universities:
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences (Computer Science)
- AMD Academy of Fashion & Design (Industrial Design, Interior Design & Architecture)
- Brand University of Applied Sciences (AI & Brand Communication Design)
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg (Environmental Sciences)
Participating companies:
- TUI Cruises
- IKEA
- OTTO
- tesa
About the Cross Innovation Class
The Cross Innovation Class is a format of the Cross Innovation Hub of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft. Here, students from various disciplines meet companies from different sectors and company sizes. In interdisciplinary teams, they develop innovative prototypes on real issues within one semester. The added value: companies receive unbiased perspectives from outside and work together with potential young talent at an early stage. Students familiarise themselves with different phases of an innovation process, gain practical experience and establish contacts with potential employers. The methods used include design thinking and foresight.
All information about the Cross Innovation Class can be found here.
Please note: The event will be held in English.
Wann?
9.7.2026
18:00 – 21:00 Uhr
Wo?
Design Zentrum Hamburg, Hongkong Str. 8, 20457 Hamburg
As part of our 45-minute online format Cross Innovation Insights, we look at four topics that can make a significant contribution to the resilience of companies. From New Work & Cultural Change, Agile Working & Innovation Culture to Sustainable Innovation and User Centricity - you will receive low-threshold input and best practices from the creative industries. We will also introduce you to one method from our creative methods toolbox that you can later apply in your company or team.