University:Future Festival

The (digital) future of higher education – the University:Future Festival (U:FF) has been exploring this topic since 2020. With a comprehensive programme of lectures, workshops and discussions, it is the largest and most innovative hybrid event of its kind. The University:Future Festival is a cooperation between Hochschulforum Digitalisierung, Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre and Stifterverband.

As a leading event on digitalisation in studying and teaching, the U:FF offers orientation, networking and inspiration. And it is community-orientated and open to all! In terms of content, the festival covers a wide range of topics relating to AI, architectures, technology, strategy development, skills, didactics and much more. It is aimed at everyone involved in the present and future of academic education: University employees and students; research and politics; civil society and artists.

The motto 2026: Under Pressure

Under Pressure describes the reality facing universities today: financial pressure, technological transformation, social division and demographic change are just some of the challenges they face. We do not ignore these problems, but place them at the centre of the discussion in order to seek solutions together.

Because pressure can also be fuel: it shapes, accelerates and brings about new things. Pressure tests which ideas and structures are sustainable and which need to be rethought. Pressure situations reveal what makes universities resilient – and we want to make that visible at U:FF.

What makes the University:Future Festival special

Size and overview: As the largest event of its kind in the DACH region, U:FF offers a unique overview of futures in tertiary education, making it THE place for inspiration.

Community-based: Our community does not just meet for the annual festival – we work together in a spirit of trust throughout the year. The content and formats of U:FF are largely fed by the diverse communities of Hochschulforum and Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre. Members of the community inspire others and share information about the festival.

Innovative and colourful: U:FF always strives for innovations in content and format. This includes artistic interventions, new and diverse format ideas and a contemporary digital and analogue event experience.

Rethinking spaces: The University:Future Festival takes place simultaneously in the digital space and at several locations in the DACH region. By going digital, we achieve a high level of accessibility and an extensive programme. The presence stages enable networking and personal experience. In 2026, we will have physical stages in Berlin, Braunschweig, Hamburg, Graz, Nuremberg and NRW.