On 1–2 July 2026, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) hosted the 9th ACEploration Mission, bringing together academic staff from across the ACE²-EU Alliance for two days of intensive collaboration and co-creation.
Held under the overarching theme “Towards Circular Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Quality of Life”, the event aimed to transform innovative research ideas into joint international learning opportunities. Through collaborative workshops and interdisciplinary discussions, participants worked on developing transnational educational formats that connect teaching, research, innovation, and societal challenges.
The ACEploration Mission provided a platform for professors from the partner universities to present their project ideas before refining them together with international colleagues. The collaborative sessions focused on identifying synergies, strengthening partnerships, and designing innovative educational formats such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), MOOCs, Impactathons, and other joint learning opportunities.
The proposed projects addressed some of today’s most pressing challenges across three thematic areas:
Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Participants explored innovative teaching concepts on applied reinforcement learning in artificial intelligence as well as digital imaging technologies in medical laboratory science, reflecting the growing importance of AI-driven solutions in higher education and industry.
Sustainability & Management
Several project ideas focused on sustainable product lifecycles and new management approaches in the emerging era of “Metaprofit”, addressing how organisations can balance economic success with environmental and societal responsibility.
Society & Innovation
Further discussions centred on the role of artificial intelligence in society and the social dimension of sustainable construction, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to future societal challenges.
Throughout the two-day event, participants exchanged expertise, refined their concepts, and established new international partnerships. By combining diverse academic perspectives, the ACEploration Mission demonstrated how collaborative programme design can generate innovative learning experiences that respond directly to Europe’s digital, green, and societal transitions.
The work does not end with the on-site meeting in Ingolstadt. Participants will continue developing their project ideas over the coming weeks, with a follow-up review meeting scheduled for 24 July 2026. The resulting concepts will form the basis for future ACE²-EU educational initiatives, further strengthening cooperation and creating new international learning opportunities for students and staff across the Alliance.
