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.
Save the Date 2027
The University:Future Festival 2027 will take place from June 8 to 10! The seventh edition of the University:Future Festival will once again feature the tried-and-true hybrid format, combining the digital space with various in-person locations across the DACH region.
A recap of the U:FF 2026
The sixth edition of the University:Future Festival took place from 22 to 24 June 2026 under the theme Under Pressure. Over the course of three days, the festival focused on the current challenges facing the higher education system – whilst also highlighting concrete solutions and innovations.
‘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 so that we can seek solutions together.
With more than 4,500 active participants, over 550 speakers, more than 290 programme items and six in-person venues, the University:Future Festival 2026 once again confirmed its role as the largest event on the future of higher education in the DACH region.
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 had physical stages in Berlin, Braunschweig, Hamburg, Graz, Nuremberg and Essen.
