IU International University of Applied Sciences awards special prize for AI at Jugend forscht

Prof. Dr Kamal Bhattacharya

“Young talents who are exploring the positive and responsible use of artificial intelligence should be given special support. They represent the future for Germany as a centre of research and innovation,” says Dr Kamal Bhattacharya, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer and Professor of Computer Science at IU, and its patron for the AI Special Prize at Jugend forscht. “We at IU are delighted to be making a contribution to this by launching a special AI prize in collaboration with Germany’s best-known competition for young researchers.”

IU sees itself as a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence into its courses and teaching. Since 2023, IU has been using the AI-powered learning companion Syntea, which supports over 90,000 distance learners and trains them in the professional use of AI. With the Job Readiness Framework , IU has also recently created a framework for teaching that specifically prepares students for an AI-driven job market.

Award-winning AI projects that add value to research and society

By establishing the special AI prizes at Jugend forscht, the IU is specifically supporting young talents who view AI as a key interdisciplinary skill in their projects and who make a contribution to society. Sixteen projects from the fields of technology, mathematics/computer science, earth and spatial sciences, the world of work, biology and chemistry have already met these criteria in the regional competitions.

One example is the “Jacob” project by Magnus Schlinsog (18) from Humboldt-Gymnasium Potsdam. He developed an AI language model that masters the rules of “easy language”, thereby making it easier for people with learning difficulties to access AI applications. The project is a powerful example of digital inclusion and education for all, key priorities for the IU. Magnus was awarded first prize in the mathematics/computer science category in Brandenburg, as well as a special prize for artificial intelligence.

Elena Reinhold (18) and Fiona Feike (17) from Eichsfeld Gymnasium in Duderstadt carried out research as part of the project: “Real, AI or Fake? Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Fake News,” looking at how well people can distinguish between genuine news, AI-generated texts and fake news. This is a topic that has also recently been researched at the IU: according to a representative IU study from 2025, 90 per cent of respondents now regard fake news as a serious threat to democracy and freedom. Developing media literacy and dealing effectively with disinformation are therefore key priorities for the IU. Elena and Fiona were awarded second prize in the ‘Working World’ category in Lower Saxony, the special prize for Artificial Intelligence and the special prize from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. These awards underscore the project’s high social relevance.  

“On behalf of the IU, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all the regional winners of Jugend forscht! It is impressive to see the depth of specialist knowledge with which young people are already exploring AI today, and how their projects have demonstrated that their research can solve scientific, social and economic problems,” says Dr Bhattacharya. “I am eager to see which of the numerous AI-related projects will take home the national title – the range is vast. I wish all participants every success!”

In total, over 11,000 young researchers have registered for Jugend forscht 2026 with more than 6,000 projects. The IU is awarding a special AI prize of 1,000 euros at the national final, for which all state winners have qualified in their respective fields.