News

News

Welcome to our news and blog section! Here, we keep you up to date on the latest developments, exciting projects, and innovative ideas at Innoversa Factory GmbH. Discover the latest news and inspiring blog posts that reflect our vision and progress.

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New Minecraft Coding Courses for Children and Teens Begin

Innoversa Factory GmbH, in collaboration with Innoversa gUG, TUMO Mannheim (Starkmacher e.V.), the Mannheim Evening Academy, and the Mannheim Adult Education Center, has developed a new educational program for children and teenagers ages 12 to 15. The goal of these multi-day Minecraft coding courses is to provide a hands-on and motivating introduction to the world of programming.

The Innoversa team developed the instructional concepts and was responsible for conducting the courses. TUMO Mannheim provided modern learning spaces and the technical infrastructure, while the Mannheim Evening Academy coordinated the organization, course administration, and registration.

The courses focused on programming within the Minecraft world. The participants, who had no prior experience, learned basic programming concepts and applied them directly in the game. By writing their own programs, they were able to automate processes, solve problems, and develop their own creative projects.

This collaborative project has created a hands-on STEM program that combines learning through play with future-ready digital skills, giving children and young people easy access to computer science.

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Villa Menzer Sunday: Innoversa Factory represented with an interactive AR scavenger hunt

On June 14, 2026, the Innoversa team participated in the “Villa Menzer Sunday” event in Neckargemünd. The event offered visitors a varied program featuring workshops, exhibitions, creative activities, and other hands-on activities for the whole family.

Innoversa Factory’s contribution consisted of an interactive augmented reality scavenger hunt around Villa Menzer. Using their smartphones, participants were able to explore various stations and points of interest, solve digital puzzles, and discover playful content in augmented reality. The goal was to combine physical activity, teamwork, and digital technologies and to make augmented reality accessible in an engaging way.

Managing Director Dr. Leila Mekacher and the Innoversa team supported the event on-site and provided visitors with a hands-on insight into the use of immersive technologies for education, leisure, and shared experiences.

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An intense and inspiring week at the SRH Vocational Training Center in Neckargemünd:

During the pilot week of the Erasmus+ project Green ASC VET – Metautism and the 5th Perspective on Careers, it became clear just how effective immersive, hands-on learning can be, particularly for neurodivergent people and those with special support needs.

The technologies presented and tested included VR training, 360° career environments, job application simulations, and hands-on simulators for a range of occupational fields. The participants’ remarkable openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm clearly demonstrated the importance of learning formats that provide guidance, foster motivation, and create genuine opportunities for engagement.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team, our project partners from Hungary, and to all our colleagues who helped shape and support this week’s activities. We look forward to building on the insights we’ve gained and taking the next steps together.

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TUMO Mannheim – New Start Dates in April 2026:

TUMO Mannheim will launch in late April 2026 with new start dates and offers young people aged 12 to 18 the opportunity to discover their strengths in digital and creative fields through hands-on experience—free of charge and through project-based learning.

Whether it's programming, robotics, 3D modeling, game development, graphic design, photography, music, or film production: At TUMO, young people learn independently, guided by coaches, and gain valuable experience for school, vocational training, and their future careers.

The program begins with an onboarding session that introduces the learning concept, the center, and the various learning areas. This allows participants to make an informed decision about which learning path best suits them.

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The Mannheimer Morgen reported on the Women’s Business Iftar in Mannheim

Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory GmbH, emphasizes how important such spaces are for bringing issues such as innovation, social inclusion, migration, education, and entrepreneurship to the forefront. Events like this demonstrate that diversity is not a footnote, but a genuine strength for society and the economy.

Special thanks go to Meriem Lebdiri, Selma Lebdiri, Amina Ben Bouzid, the sponsors, and the Education Foundation for organizing this inspiring event. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to journalist Ilgın Seren Evişen for the thoughtful interview and the fruitful discussion, as well as to the many impressive women who enriched the evening with their stories, perspectives, and openness.

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A look at the event hosted by the Mannheim Evening Academy:

The discussion “From Suffragette to Tradwife?” has impressively demonstrated that equality is not a static state, but rather continues to require collective social commitment. It became particularly clear how important courage, networking, visibility, and mutual solidarity are—not only to safeguard the progress we have made, but also to actively build upon it.

Also in attendance was Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory GmbH, who emphasized the importance of such spaces for dialogue in fostering exchange, raising awareness, and promoting social progress. Events like this highlight how important it remains to share perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and work together to achieve greater equality of opportunity.

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Panel discussion in Mannheim: Women's rights between progress and rollback

The article announces an evening event in Mannheim where setbacks, role models, and the future of women's rights will be discussed. The author is delighted to be a guest on the panel for "From suffragette to tradwife? – The arduous path to equality."

The event will take place on 3 March 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as an evening academy and is free to attend. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Schraut (Bundeswehr University Munich) will provide an introductory perspective on the success story of the women’s movement, and the evening will be moderated by Astrid Jacoby (Radio Regenbogen).

Representatives from the fields of law, politics, entrepreneurship, and technology/innovation will take part in the panel discussion, including Prof. Dr. Julia Gokel, Prof. Dr. Andrea Römmele, Ina Schlie, and Dr. Leila Mekacher. The focus will be on different perspectives, a lively debate, and interaction with the audience.

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International award and media coverage for inclusive technologies The German company "inclusive technologies" has received an award from the German Federal Government and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy for its innovative approach to inclusive technologies. The award was presented at the "German Innovation Award" ceremony in Berlin.

Following her recognition as “Top Strategic Innovator of the Year in Inclusive Technologies 2026” by IAOTP, an article about her work was published and received international coverage—including from major U.S. media outlets and various German-language platforms. The article marks a visible milestone and expands the reach of her mission.

The article focuses on her journey and her work at the intersection of XR/VR, gamification, and AI, with the aim of developing inclusive technologies that strengthen education, professional skills development, and access to the labor market. Particular emphasis is placed on her companies, Innoversa Factory GmbH and Innoversa gUG, as well as her research and teaching activities, as key drivers of this development.

She also emphasizes her social commitment (including Zonta, Leopoldina Circle of Friends, Autism-Europe) and clearly links innovation with responsibility and community. Finally, she thanks all teams and partners and underlines her vision: technology should not only impress, but also empower people and enable genuine participation.

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Gallery Walk 2025: Inclusion meets augmented reality

The article looks back on a teaching project in the module "Participation in Working Life II (TA II)" at the University of the Federal Employment Agency (Mannheim Campus). On July 15, 2025, the exhibition "The Future of Work for People with Disabilities" was opened – a milestone that allowed students to test innovative approaches in a real-world laboratory setting, accompanied by the technical expertise of lecturer Dr. Leila Mekacher.

A key focus was the interactive and accessible presentation of academic content: for the first time, posters were enhanced using Artivive, allowing visitors to access videos and additional information via the app. Accessible content in Easy Language and resources for visually impaired visitors were also available. The exhibition was on display at the library on the Mannheim campus until the end of September 2025.

The posters covered a broad range of topics related to work and participation—from Work 4.0 and megatrends to remote work, AI and assistive systems, as well as digital participation, accessibility, empowerment and neurodiversity. The conclusion: innovation and inclusion go hand in hand—and the students demonstrated in practical terms how this can be achieved.

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Autism inclusion

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Podcast insight: Technology, responsibility, and autism inclusion

In a podcast conversation (moderated by Klara Tuličić), she expresses her gratitude for the renewed invitation and pays special tribute to the Metautism team and the project partners: The results were only possible through cooperation, trust, and a common goal. The content focuses on Green ASC VET – Metautism and how immersive learning approaches, XR, and gamification can open up real educational and career opportunities for autistic learners.

She also describes her personal journey: from rehabilitation robotics to immersive technologies (XR) – from research and development to founding and managing a social tech company focused on autism inclusion, alongside teaching and mentoring work in vocational education. Her guiding principle: technology is meaningful when it breaks down barriers and gives people back their self-determination.

Her core messages are: Inclusion is not charity, but a systemic responsibility. Autistic people should not be “managed”; they should be seen as colleagues with strengths. Co-design and continuous feedback are essential, as is the targeted use of XR/serious games/AI-powered skills tracking to provide safe spaces for practice, clear expectations, measurable progress, and personalized learning pathways. Many barriers lie less in people’s skills than in the structures surrounding the job—applications, interviews, communication, sensory environments, and rigid processes. The underlying logic of the system must therefore change: open doors, not close them.

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Farewell to DHBW – with gratitude and a clear focus

Since 2018, she has been teaching at the DHBW and has accompanied students over several semesters – often beyond that in term papers and bachelor's theses. During this time, not only did learning progress occur, but also genuine bonding, humor, and many moments that have carried her through her everyday professional life.

At the same time, she took on additional teaching assignments (including at HdBA Mannheim and FH Upper Austria) as well as her work at SRH BBWN, her two companies, and her commitment to autism, women, and children. This abundance led to a difficult but necessary decision: to let go of one task—even though teaching is a matter close to her heart.

Her final exam at DHBW marks the end of a formative chapter. She looks back with gratitude on the appreciative farewells, small gestures, and memories that will remain—and expresses her heartfelt thanks to all her fellow students and colleagues. The shared images symbolize this journey and the farewell "with smiling and tearful eyes."

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Leila Mekacher on the Executive Council of the United Nations Inter-Pacific Association (UNIPA)

Leila Mekacher has been appointed as a member of the Executive Council of the United Nations Inter-Pacific Association (UNIPA) for the 2025–2027 term, representing Germany. UNIPA is committed to promoting international dialogue, peace, humanitarian cooperation, and sustainable development across different regions. Her appointment to this body comes with both responsibility and scope to help shape its work, reflecting the trust placed in her in this international context.

In her role on the Executive Council, Leila Mekacher aims to help foster constructive dialogue between regions and cultures, support peacebuilding and humanitarian initiatives that protect human dignity and human rights, and strengthen education, youth engagement, and global citizenship. Another key focus is collaboration on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building resilient, future-ready societies.

She looks forward to working with the other Council members and international partners to turn shared goals into tangible impact. Further information can be found on UNIPA’s thematic pages. Leadership Team Composition Human Rights Youth & Education Environment & Climate Action Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution Intercultural Dialogue

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Leila Mekacher’s IAOTP Award as “Top Strategic Innovator of the Year in Inclusive Technologies 2026”

Leila Mekacher has now physically received her award from the IAOTP (International Association of Top Professionals): The trophy honoring her as "Top Strategic Innovator of the Year in Inclusive Technologies 2026" has safely arrived from New York at her home in Germany. The honor recognizes her long-standing work at the intersection of technology and inclusion—from early projects in rehabilitation robotics to her current focus on immersive technologies such as VR/AR/XR and artificial intelligence, with the goal of creating equitable access to future skills and meaningful employment for autistic and neurodivergent people, learners, and teams. At the same time, she emphasizes the principle that innovation is only truly relevant if it is human-centered, accessible, and inclusive.

The award is closely linked to her work at Innoversa Factory GmbH and Innoversa gUG, which focus on inclusive, immersive solutions for education and employment. Leila Mekacher thanks Stephanie Cirami and the entire IAOTP team for the recognition and for helping bring international visibility to her work. She sees the trophy as an invitation to pursue the creation of inclusive learning environments with even greater determination, develop bold projects together with international partners, and continue demonstrating that immersive technologies can drive both technological progress and social value.

The outlook for 2026 is significant to her both professionally and personally. Although the award year is still ahead, her work to shape an inclusive future is already in full swing. She is particularly looking forward to the IAOTP gala evening at the Plaza Hotel in New York, where she will join other award recipients as well as international experts and executives. Looking back at previous galas has heightened her anticipation of celebrating the award in person and further deepening her exchange with colleagues from around the world.

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SRH University Health Day

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Leila Mekacher on “Digital Health Literacy through XR” at the SRH Health Day

Tomorrow marks the start of the second interdisciplinary SRH Health Day, focusing on “Digital Health Literacy.” The event is aimed at participants from various healthcare and education sectors and offers a diverse programme. Last-minute participants can still register using the registration link provided: LinkedIn

The programme covers topics ranging from artificial intelligence in emergency medicine, empowerment and media literacy, DIY medicine and student health promotion to healthy working practices amid digital transformation and digital health applications (DiGAs). SRH University provides the ideal setting: As an education and healthcare organisation, it brings together practice and research and serves as the perfect host for discussions on innovative developments in healthcare.

Leila Mekacher will take part in Health Day with a presentation entitled “Digital Health Literacy through XR – Immersive Solutions for the Workplace, Training and Mental Health.” Using practical examples from workplace presentations, training and mental health, she will demonstrate how Extended Reality (XR) can be used to strengthen digital health literacy. Immersive technologies are used in an accessible and engaging way to promote mental health while further developing key professional and social skills in healthcare.

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New qualification from Leila Mekacher in the autism spectrum

In addition to her international certification as an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS, IBCCES), Leila Mekacher has now also successfully completed the German qualification as a “Specialist Consultant in the Autism Spectrum” at IFBFB in Berlin. This continuing education programme was supported by her employer, SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd, and her supervisors; colleagues enabled her to attend the training modules in Berlin by covering for her and providing support. The two certifications complement each other and further strengthen her professional expertise in autism and neurodivergence.

Through this combined qualification, she has acquired in-depth knowledge of definitions, prevalence, and strengths profiles in autism, as well as neurobiology, autism in adolescence, overlaps with ADHD and PDA, and international developments. Further areas of focus include self-advocacy and the perspectives of autistic people, inclusion in schools, society, and the workplace, diagnostic procedures across the lifespan (including for people with intellectual disabilities), medical perspectives, psychopharmacotherapy, and co-occurring mental health conditions. She also has specialist expertise in interviewing and counselling techniques, communication with people on the autism spectrum, social skills training, peer counselling, gender-specific aspects (including women and girls on the spectrum), and approaches such as TEACCH and other forms of social-cognitive training.

Another key focus is on the professional management of challenging behaviour, positive behaviour support, prevention and de-escalation, structured crisis intervention programmes, and behavioural dialogue. This is complemented by specialist and case consultation, early intervention, parent counselling, psychoeducation, identity development, case-specific consultation, and the development of individual case and support plans. These include applied behaviour analysis (ABA), functional behaviour assessment, reinforcement strategies, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), evidence-based support planning, the development of individual education plans, combinations of methods (e.g. ABA, TEACCH, and social-cognitive approaches), ethical principles for working with autistic people, and knowledge of sensory differences, health, self-regulation, stress and crisis prevention, autonomy, participation, and quality of life.

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Leila Mekacher Named “Top Strategic Innovator of the Year in Inclusive Technologies 2026”

Managing Director Leila Mekacher has been selected by the IAOTP (International Association of Top Professionals) as the “Top Strategic Innovator of the Year in Inclusive Technologies 2026.” With this honor, the organization recognizes her strategic contribution to the development and implementation of inclusive technologies that are reshaping access to education, employment, and participation.

The award includes a crystal trophy, which Leila Mekacher will receive shortly. will receive shortly. This month, she will take part in a joint Zoom meeting with the other nominees before next year's big gala evening gala evening at the Plaza Hotel in New York City next year, where the award winners will be honored in person.

Leila Mekacher thanks IAOTP, Stephanie Cirami, Genine Chiano, and the entire team for the award and the accompanying press coverage, which will soon be published by ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, and more than 200 other media outlets. She views the honor as both validation and motivation to continue advancing inclusive technologies and to carry on this journey together with many dedicated and inspiring people.

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Bricklayer meets virtual reality: experience the trade digitally

The bricklaying profession is often seen as far removed from digitalization, and until now, anyone wanting to learn more about it had to visit a construction site—an environment that is generally neither accessible nor safe for outsiders, children, or young people. Our interactive VR training fundamentally changes this: We take the profession beyond the construction site and bring it into classrooms, career guidance centers, workshops, training centers, and skilled trades events—wherever young people can gain insights into their future careers.

Instead of passive 360° views, learners experience a fully interactive VR environment: From laying the first course of bricks to completing the wall, they work through every step of the process in a realistic way. They develop precision, spatial awareness and teamwork in a safe, accessible and inclusive environment, while discovering how bricklaying lays the foundation of our built world – brick by brick. This makes the craft a hands-on experience without requiring materials or posing any risk of accidents, while opening up new perspectives for people who would otherwise have no access to construction sites.

For businesses, schools, and training centers, VR is setting new standards in the construction trades: trainees can learn realistic work processes safely and interactively, while companies save materials and time and simultaneously improve the quality of training. It is ideal for construction companies and skilled trade businesses, inter-company training centers and chambers of skilled crafts, career guidance centers, job fairs, municipal institutions, employment agencies, as well as trade and industry events seeking to future-proof the skilled trades and combine workforce recruitment with digital innovation.

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Fiber Optics Meets Virtual Reality: Experience Technology, Precision and Training in a New Way

With the DISCOVER bundle of VR simulators, the work of a fibre-optic technician comes to life in virtual reality—from precisely blowing cables into ducts and splicing fibres with millimetre accuracy to testing the network. Those working in telecommunications or electrical installation, as well as those supporting young people during their training, can use it to demonstrate just how exciting and demanding work on digital infrastructure really is. Instead of dry theory, it offers immersive training that showcases concentration, dexterity and technical understanding—in a practical, safe and accessible way.

The VR simulation helps nurture talent, uncover strengths, and provide an immersive experience of a cutting-edge profession that often remains behind the scenes. Young people can explore the world of fiber-optic technology in a playful way, gain technical expertise in a realistic, risk-free environment, and discover just how varied and future-focused this career is. At the same time, companies demonstrate that they take innovation seriously and are rethinking vocational training.

The solution is ideal for fibre-optic and electrical contractors looking to provide their trainees with practical skills, for vocational schools and specialist training centres seeking to integrate immersive learning methods into their curricula, and for vocational training organisations and education providers actively promoting digital inclusion. Job coaches and careers advisers also benefit, as it enables them to present technical careers in a clear, tangible and motivating way.

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Winegrowing Meets Virtual Reality: Bringing Together Craftsmanship, Nature and Digital Education

With our DISCOVER suite of VR simulators, anyone interested can experience the work of a winegrower in virtual reality—from precise vine pruning to tending the vines. Those who are passionate about working in viticulture, horticulture or agriculture, or who train the skilled professionals of tomorrow, can use it to bring together wine, nature and craftsmanship in an innovative way. The simulation offers a tangible sense of just how demanding yet fascinating work in the vineyard can be.

The immersive experience reveals skills, interests, and strengths that often remain hidden in traditional career guidance formats, opening up new pathways to careers, education, and inclusion. Young people can explore the craft behind winemaking through play, learners can train safely in a realistic virtual environment, and businesses can showcase the quality of their training programs in a modern and appealing way. This creates new approaches to career guidance and vocational training that are both practical and motivating.

The solution is particularly well suited to wineries seeking to prepare young professionals for vineyard work through realistic training; viticulture schools and specialist centres looking to integrate modern learning methods into their programmes; and vocational training organisations, education providers, career advisers and job coaches aiming to present careers related to agriculture and viticulture in a realistic and engaging way. Together with MIMBUS Discover and other solutions, Innoversa Factory GmbH offers immersive experiences for the workplace, education and healthcare—practical, accessible and future-focused.

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XR in the Workplace: Mental Resilience and Skills for Tomorrow’s World of Work

According to a recent Bitkom study, one in five companies already uses virtual or augmented reality—primarily for training, instruction, and professional development. For AR, the main focus is on instruction, vocational training, and professional development (64 %), followed by design and planning (60 %), collaboration (36 %), marketing and trade fairs, remote maintenance, and step-by-step instructions. For VR, the leading applications are design and planning (74 %), training and professional development (61 %), collaboration (46 %), and marketing (37 %). Immersive technologies are therefore no longer a topic for the future, but an integral part of modern healthcare and learning concepts.

In my projects, we go one step further: XR is used strategically to strengthen mental health, develop professional and social skills, and open up new learning environments through 360° educational journeys and gamification. XR creates environments where learning and well-being come together—accessible, motivating, and human-centered. Through immersive training in communication, stress management, and workplace simulations; experiences that foster mindfulness, self-efficacy, and resilience; and hands-on approaches to awareness, sustainability, and professional development, XR becomes an effective tool for personal and professional growth.

For companies, the use of virtual and augmented reality offers numerous benefits: realistic and safe training, greater motivation to learn and improved knowledge retention, more efficient onboarding and increased productivity through AR support, collaboration across distances, cost and resource savings, better customer interaction, and the ability to safely practise hazardous tasks. At the same time, XR solutions promote inclusion and diversity while strengthening resilience and mental health—making them a crucial tool for sustainably supporting skills development, participation, and innovation. LinkedIn Innoversa Factory GmbH

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MIMBUS Discover: Experience career guidance in a new way – now in three languages

MIMBUS Discover offers young people a modern, immersive approach to career guidance in a realistic VR environment. Now available in three languages—German, English and French—it allows them to explore 18 exciting career fields through hands-on experiences, discover which skills are in demand and find out which activities best match their individual strengths. This makes career guidance interactive, motivating and future-focused.

The tool is available entirely in German and is suitable for a wide range of educational settings: from schools, vocational schools, vocational colleges, vocational training and rehabilitation centres (BBW/BFW), universities and special education schools to public institutions such as employment agencies, job centres, youth employment agencies, chambers and state institutes, as well as rehabilitation and education providers specialising in inclusion (e.g. autism, ADHD and learning disabilities). Companies, associations, HR development teams, apprenticeship marketing initiatives, and European and international partner programmes such as Erasmus+ and VET initiatives also benefit from the tool.

Occupations and fields such as bricklaying, fiber-optic installation, logistics, façade cladding, poultry preparation, electrical work, carpentry, viticulture, refrigeration technology, cleaning, plumbing, land surveying, assembly-line work, chemistry, elderly care, automotive mechanics, external insulation, and construction safety can currently be explored virtually. In this way, MIMBUS Discover promotes accessible, inclusive, and sustainable career guidance, supports efforts to attract young talent to the skilled trades, industry, and service sectors, and strengthens self-awareness and motivation. Interested parties are invited to get in touch to jointly advance career guidance or educational projects with innovative VR solutions.

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Award: "World's 20 Inspiring Women to Follow in 2025"

Managing Director Dr. Leila Mekacher is delighted to have been named to AllAroundWorlds.com’s list of the “World’s 20 Inspiring Women to Follow in 2025.” She is especially moved that her contribution to inclusive innovation in tech and to creating opportunities for neurodiverse communities has been recognized.

This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but also a symbol for everyone working to bring diversity, technology, and humanity together.

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Rethinking inclusion: Green ASC VET - Metautism

In the latest podcast episode, we talk to Dr. rer. nat. Dipl.-Ing. Leila Mekacher, a partner in the EU project Green ASC VET – Metautism, about ways to promote greater inclusion in vocational education and training. Topics include: How XR technology supports career guidance and job application training Why teachers are key to inclusive education Raising awareness of fair employment Progress after just a year and a half of the project Listen now: Spotify Or watch: YouTube

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Green ASC VET – Metautism: Career Preparation with 360° VR

In the Green ASC VET – Metautism project, we are developing innovative training guidelines and manuals for eight occupations, including welders, forklift operators and laboratory technicians. Supplemented by instructional videos and practical guides, these materials will soon be available free of charge at metautism.eu.

Particularly noteworthy are our 360° VR simulations, which already provide realistic representations of 16 occupations, with the aim of expanding immersive training environments to cover up to 22 occupations. These simulations promote not only vocational skills, but also key competencies such as communication, autonomy, and learning in inclusive settings. The result is a Europe-wide platform that equips vocational education and training professionals with practical tools and helps young people with autism transition into the world of work.

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Innoversa Factory Recognized as a “Company of the Future”

Innoversa Factory GmbH was honored with the “Company of the Future” award by the German Innovation Institute for Sustainability and Digitalization (DIND) following a two-stage evaluation process. This distinction recognizes the team’s commitment to inclusive technologies, sustainable education, and digital innovation.

Innoversa Factory is delighted to accept this recognition as an incentive to continue actively developing forward-looking solutions and helping to shape the digital transformation responsibly.

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360° VR in Healthcare – Innovation Meets Inclusion

Thanks to the collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Hashim Abdul-khaliq, Innoversa Factory GmbH was able to create an interactive 360° use case at Saarland University Hospital. The tour provides realistic insights into procedures such as preparing for catheter insertion, including pulsating markers, quiz questions, explanatory videos, and digital content. This makes not only the facilities tangible, but also key values of everyday clinical practice, such as patient safety, hygiene, and teamwork.

This concept is part of a holistic approach that combines 360° VR, skills assessment, VR training with real-time skills tracking, and AI-powered interview training. Its aim is to provide lasting support for career guidance, vocational training, and integration through immersive technologies. For hospitals and care facilities, this means innovative tools for attracting skilled professionals, streamlining onboarding, and promoting the inclusion of autistic people at the same time.

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Beyond Ideas: XR in Health – Innovation, Inclusion and Networking

At the “Beyond Ideas: XR in Health” event at University Medical Center Mainz, the Managing Director participated as a speaker, pitch presenter, and exhibitor. The event featured inspiring keynotes, exciting start-up pitches, and valuable discussions on cross-innovation in healthcare—from XR technologies and innovation ecosystems to sustainable ideas for the future.

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BEYOND IDEAS - XR in Health: Innovations for the future of healthcare

On August 27, 2025, the BEYOND IDEAS – XR in Health event will take place at Mainz University Medical Center, where Innoversa Factory GmbH will present immersive XR simulators live. Attendees can experience applications such as the Virtual Reality Nursing Assistant, Interview Master, and other training solutions for hygiene, patient transport, and operating room scenarios—technologies that sustainably enhance education, onboarding, and skilled workforce retention in healthcare.

In addition to the live demos, the Managing Director will join Sabine Buch to discuss neurodiversity and XR solutions designed to support autistic people as they enter the workforce. She will also present a solution developed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. med. Hashim Abdul-khaliq that can be used in a wide range of healthcare settings—from training and workplace presentations to supporting the next generation of professionals.

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Virtual simulations for medicine and emergency services

The VR training solutions from Innoversa Factory GmbH enable realistic and safe training scenarios in hospitals, emergency medical services, vocational schools, and professional education. With AI-powered feedback, flexible deployment options, and realistic environments, users can train effectively for critical situations—from emergencies and surgical procedures to hazardous scenarios involving chemicals.

Whether providing patient care in an aircraft, helicopter or ambulance, or precisely rehearsing surgical procedures such as knee surgery, these simulations offer repeatable, low-risk training that enhances safety, practical skills and specialist knowledge.

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The Future of Nursing: Virtual Training as a Response to the Shortage of Skilled Professionals

With VRNA, Innoversa Factory GmbH offers an immersive VR training system for nursing professionals that enables realistic scenarios without involving real patients. The VRNA 1 and VRNA 2 modules cover practical skills such as patient repositioning, measuring vital signs, hand hygiene, protective clothing, and empathetic communication. VRNA helps hospitals, care facilities, and education providers train their staff efficiently, safely, and flexibly—a modern solution to time pressures and staff shortages in nursing.

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International teamwork meets educational innovation

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International teamwork meets educational innovation

As part of her international collaboration and global commitment to inclusive educational technologies, Dr. Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory, recently co-supervised Mohammed’s final project. He was supported by his dedicated supervisor, Dr. Mohamed Karim AZIZI.

Mohammed Amine BEN YAHIA developed an immersive VR simulation for safe work on lathes. The aim was to provide realistic, hands-on training in a controlled and engaging virtual environment. His project impressively demonstrates how modern technologies are transforming vocational education—making it more efficient, adaptable, and enjoyable.

This project is more than an academic achievement—it marks the beginning of an international collaboration. Together with Prof. Noureddine BEN YAHIA, the Innoversa Factory team, and other experts, new concepts are already being developed that combine immersive technologies and artificial intelligence—for the next generation of practical, inclusive educational solutions.

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Online Conference on June 27, 2025: The Societal Impact of AI and Immersive Technologies

On June 27, 2025, ITAUN and Innoversa Factory will launch a new online conference series focusing on the societal impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies. Participation is free and open to everyone.

In her keynote, Dr. Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory GmbH and founder of the social organization Innoversa gUG, provides insights into current developments in virtual and mixed reality, AI-generated learning environments, skill tracking, and the inclusive use of these technologies in education, vocational training, and workforce integration.

The event explores how immersive tools can empower people on the autism spectrum, how digital simulations can open up new avenues for participation, and how technology can offer meaningful solutions to skills shortages. Practical examples such as VR escape rooms, 360° training and AI-supported learning media clearly demonstrate that digital innovation can be inclusive, scalable and socially impactful—when designed with diversity and accessibility in mind.

The conference invites international professionals from research, education, social services, and technology to develop new perspectives on inclusive innovation and discuss the social value of digital solutions together.

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Invitation to the conference "The other self - the immersive human being" on June 24 2025 in Mannheim

Innoversa and its partners warmly invite you to the interactive conference “The Other Self – The Immersive Human”. On June 24, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Alte Volksbad Mannheim will become a space for dialogue on identity, empathy, and self-efficacy in the digital age.

The central question is: How do immersive technologies such as VR, AR and digital simulations influence our self-image—and how can they foster social participation, connection and healing? Education, integration, therapy and shared experiences are brought into dialogue with innovative technology.

Highlights include the Silent Lab with Jan Kalt, Dr. Marc Reisner and Tom Woschitz, panels on social innovation and participation featuring guests from politics, culture and the social sector, as well as a Cyber-Kränzchen exploring digital spaces for relationships. Participants include Rüdiger Albert, Prof. Dr. Michael Schmidt, Dr. Leila Mekacher, Sabrina Wagenheim and many other experts from research, technology and professional practice.

Attendees can look forward to a varied programme featuring immersive applications in education, therapy and social work, as well as an audio collage by the “Metaverse & Social Work” research workshop. Further information about the presentation is available at

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Vhs University Heidelberg Robotics with Arduino

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New Robotics Course for Children – Innoversa and VHS Heidelberg Get Started

Together with the Heidelberg Adult Education Center, Innoversa is launching the “Building Robots with Arduino” course for children aged 11 to 14. The aim is to provide a fun, hands-on introduction to technology and inspire young people to explore STEM subjects.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Enis Yazıcı from the Innoversa team, participants build their own mini robot step by step—complete with motors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor. Along the way, they learn not only how to program with Arduino, but also how to work with electrical circuits, sensors, and logical structures such as if/else.

The focus is on fun, creativity, and the courage not just to use technology, but to understand it and shape it yourself.

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Two Stages—One Mission: Shaping the Future of Learning with VR

At LEARNTEC 2025 in Karlsruhe, Dr. Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory GmbH, will have a presence in two capacities: as a speaker at the exclusive LEARNTEC Congress and as an exhibitor at partner MIMBUS’s stand (Hall 2, Stand I33). The trade fair will take place from 6 to 8 May 2025 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center. Further information about the presentation is available at

Together with international partners, Innoversa will showcase innovative VR solutions for vocational education and training—from realistic spray-painting training with SimSpray to interactive career guidance and skill assessment with Mimbus Discover.

Visitors can look forward to immersive live demos, measurable learning success and exciting discussions with experts. Innoversa shows how modern learning is becoming more flexible, sustainable and inclusive through VR.

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Great news about the EU project Green ASC VET - Metautism!

Together with partner organisations, Innoversa has developed the XR application “Interview Master”, which is now available free of charge in five languages on the Meta Store—with French and Hungarian coming soon!

“Interview Master” is an innovative XR application specifically designed to help autistic people prepare for job interviews in a realistic and structured way. Through immersive training scenarios with individually customizable elements, it provides a safe environment for practice—featuring authentic interview situations, a variety of interviewing styles, and flexible control over the dynamics of the conversation.

Repeated practice in a safe XR environment helps develop key skills and sustainably improves access to the labour market for neurodiverse applicants.

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World Autism Awareness Day: Inclusion is a human right—not an extra. Innoversa and its partners in the EU project Green ASC VET – Metautism are taking a stand for participation in education and voca

On World Autism Awareness Day, Innoversa and its European project partners, as part of the Green ASC VET – Metautism programme, highlight the equality, fundamental rights and freedoms of autistic people. For more than a year and a half, the partner organisations have been working to create inclusive, age-independent and flexible access to vocational education and employment for people on the autism spectrum.

With the “Include Me, I Can Do It” campaign, Innoversa is specifically addressing employers, educational institutions, and society as a whole: Inclusion is not a benevolent extra—it is a human right.

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Focus on skills tracking: Interview with Innoversa Managing Director Dr. Leila Mekacher

LEARNTEC has published an interview with Innoversa’s Managing Director, Dr. Leila Mekacher, on CHECK.POINT eLearning. In the interview, she discussed how innovative technologies—particularly skills tracking in immersive learning environments—can make learners’ flexibility and adaptability visible. At the same time, this approach makes it possible to identify individual strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted support.

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Robo-Kids: Discover technology through play and build robots with LEGO® Mindstorms!

Two robotics courses were once again offered during the 2025 Easter holidays for children and young people aged 9 to 13—and, just like last time, they filled up in no time! The long waiting list shows just how much interest there is in digital skills for the future.

Participants build small robots and learn the basics of programming through play.

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The 4th Transnational Project Meeting of Green ASC VET-Metautism

Following the previous meetings in Croatia, Portugal and Germany, the 4th transnational project meeting of Innoversa and Green ASC VET – Metautism took place in Hungary from 17 to 21 March 2025.

A special highlight: Our inclusive XR interview trainer, “Interview Master”, will soon be available free of charge in the Meta Quest Store. The project brings together seven partners from six countries to collaborate on five key areas: an inclusive handbook; XR interview training and 360° insights into different professions; practical XR simulators for skills development; a Europe-wide awareness campaign; and efficient project management.

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Cutting-Edge Technologies for Inclusion and Lifelong Learning: Innoversa’s Contribution to the “BrownBag Lunch” Event Series

How can immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and modern learning environments help promote inclusion and lifelong learning in a sustainable way? And why is it essential for people with disabilities not only to benefit from digitalization, but also to play an active role in shaping it?

These questions were explored in the presentation “Cutting-Edge Technologies as an Opportunity for Participation and Lifelong Learning”: Dr. Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of the Innoversa Factory, integrates innovative technologies into vocational education to develop accessible, practice-oriented learning methods.

The approach to supporting neurodivergent people begins by training them in cutting-edge technologies at the Technological Education Center of Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd, continues with their employment in Innoversa’s inclusive enterprises, and extends to their involvement in international research projects with experts in autism, vocational education and training, immersive learning, and skills assessment.

The initiators of this format were Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller and Prof. Franziska Cecon.

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Game Development for School Students: Innoversa gUG & Mannheim Youth Academy

In collaboration with the Jugendakademie Mannheim, Innoversa Factory offered a five-hour programming and game development workshop for more than 100 middle school students!

This took place in the state-of-the-art facilities of the innovative TUMO Center at the MAFINEX Technology Center and was made possible with the support of Starkmacher e.V. and TUMO Mannheim.

Innoversa’s interactive workshop, “Multiplayer Game Development with Unity & C#”: In just five hours, participants developed an exciting Bomberman-style multiplayer game—from designing the game maps to implementing the multiplayer feature.

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Innoversa at ✨Forum TN2056: Panel Discussion "Empowering Tunisia 2056 – The Role of New Technologies"

I had the honor and pleasure of participating as a panelist and expert in immersive technologies (VR/AR/MR), alongside outstanding experts from THW—Razi Miliani, Firas Ben Hassan, and Ahmed Ouesleti—who shared their insights on the sustainable use of AI across various sectors.

Together, we explored how new technologies can shape Tunisia’s future and discussed the opportunities and challenges involved in fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth. Our discussion actively engaged the audience and sparked inspiring conversations that continued well beyond the panel.

Special thanks go to our brilliant moderator, Jasser Riahi, whose insightful, approachable, and expert facilitation impressively highlighted the connections between AI, immersive technologies, and sustainability.

Many thanks to the organizers of the panel discussion for their outstanding work and for our group photo—a wonderful memento of this great event! This was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to a shared vision of a thriving Tunisia by 2056! 🚀

Participants: Ilhem Kallel, Habib M. Kammoun, Ghada Hentati, Tasnim Chiboub.

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Innoversa Managing Director Meets Journalist Andy Vermouth at the TSYP Conference

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Innoversa Managing Director Meets Journalist Andy Vermouth at the TSYP Conference in Tunis

Dr. Leila Mekacher had the pleasure of meeting journalist Andy Vermouth at the TSYP Congress in Tunisia, who wrote an article about her work. Entitled “Technology in the Service of People with Autism: European Success Expands into the Arab World,” the article highlights how innovative technologies, particularly immersive technologies, can support people with autism.

It highlights the success of our Green ASC VET - Metautism project in Europe and outlines my role in expanding these approaches to the Arab world, with the aim of bringing about positive change there as well. It is inspiring to see how technology is helping to break down barriers and improve access to education and support services for people with autism.

The article was published in three different languages and on several platforms, increasing its reach and impact:

  • Actuparisias
  • IndeGazette
  • The News Agency
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IEEE Tunisian Student and Young Professional Congress

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Innoversa at the IEEE Tunisian Student and Young Professional (TSYP) Congress

Innoversa Factory is delighted to share its experience at the 12th IEEE TSYP Congress! From December 22 to 24, 2024, the Managing Director had the incredible opportunity to attend the 12th edition of the IEEE TSYP Congress in Tunisia—an inspiring and highly successful event that brought together brilliant minds from academia and industry.

✨ The event began with an energetic opening ceremony that set the tone for a journey filled with knowledge sharing and innovation. The lively evening celebration was a highlight, fostering meaningful connections between students and professionals alike.

💡 As part of the congress, she led a workshop entitled "Exploring Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR)," where she delved into the future of technology. In addition to the workshop, she hosted a booth for two days, which attracted an amazing level of participation! It became a hub for informative exchanges, innovative ideas, and exciting collaborations, many of which will lead to follow-up meetings and projects in the future.

Being part of such a dynamic community of innovators and visionaries was truly inspiring for Dr. Leila Mekacher.

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Innoversa Managing Director Honored as the Eminent Person

Dr. Leila Mekacher feels incredibly honored to have been invited to appear as a keynote speaker at “Eurasia Research” twice this year and to have received “The Eminent Person” award on both occasions. At EnSci Sydney 2024 – International Conference on Engineering & Sciences, held in Sydney on April 24–25, her topic was: “Digital Escape Rooms in Educational Contexts, with a Focus on Digital Technologies and their Pedagogical Applications”. And around a week ago, at EdTec London 2024 – International Conference on Education & Learning Technology, held in London on November 24–25, her topic was: “Innovative Digital Tools for Special and Inclusive Education”. This recognition means a great deal to her and motivates her to continue working in her field with wholehearted passion and to explore new paths. Since making her first contribution to this conference in Dubai in 2018, she has appeared as a keynote speaker every year. Her presentations and specialist articles published through this research network have addressed XR technologies, learning in smart environments, the future, vocational education and training for people with disabilities, as well as the changing world of work and the skills required.

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Innoversa Managing Director Robotics workshops: Moments of happiness for children and us

Despite her many demanding commitments and often limited time, Dr. Leila Mekacher manages to offer robotics workshops for children several times a year. These workshops are especially close to the Managing Director’s heart—not only because she sees inspiring children to take an interest in technology and science as part of her mission as a STEM ambassador, but also because they bring her great joy personally. Activities like these create special moments of happiness for her—when children’s eyes light up as they give free rein to their enthusiasm, unleash their creativity, and learn together through play. Dr. Leila Mekacher would like to extend her sincere thanks to SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd and Volkshochschule Heidelberg for their support, which made it possible to hold this workshop under the best possible conditions. Special thanks also go to her trainee, Rasiel Moser, who accompanied and supported her while gaining valuable experience himself. Whether in companies, schools, training centers, vocational education institutions, laboratories, universities, research institutions, or public-sector organizations—anyone who does not yet have a clear idea of how immersive technologies can be integrated into an institution is welcome to contact Dr. Leila Mekacher for tailored advice. These moments of happiness and joy are irreplaceable—both for the children and for Dr. Mekacher. And she is delighted to share them with her network.

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Mimbus France

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Innoversa Managing Director Partnership with MIMBUS France

Innoversa_Factory officially announces the company’s partnership with MIMBUS France. MIMBUS offers a wide range of immersive VR training solutions for various sectors, including industry, safety, construction, automotive, aviation, food production, science and career exploration. Whether you represent a company, school, training centre, vocational education institution, laboratory, university, research institute or public institution, if you do not yet have a clear idea of how to integrate immersive technologies into your organisation, Dr Leila Mekacher, Managing Director of Innoversa Factory, will be happy to provide tailored advice. Today’s children are tomorrow’s skilled professionals. That is why Innoversa Factory offers special VR solutions that make it possible to explore new careers and nurture talent through virtual reality. Contact the Managing Director at any time, and together we will find the perfect solution for you!

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Green ASC VET

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Innoversa and SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd Host the “ASC Green VET” Project

Following the meetings in Croatia and Portugal, Innoversa Factory and SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd are hosting the project meeting this time. A comprehensive programme was organised, including meetings, presentations, tours of the laboratories and departments, and a detailed introduction to the participants at the BBW, life at the BBW, its vocational training, and the wide range of programmes and support services available to trainees. Thanks to the support of colleagues, teachers, vocational trainers, marketing coordinators, and department heads, an impressive programme was delivered across various departments, including ELO/IT, Technical Product Design, Metalworking Professions, Automotive Mechanics, pre-vocational education and training measures, the Technological Education Center, and much more. Particularly impressive was the commitment of the participants, who presented the various processes and projects confidently and competently despite the size of the visiting group. The Green ASC VET - Metautism project supports autistic people aged 14 and over in vocational education and training through modern XR technologies. Its aim is to strengthen independent career choices, skills development, and equal opportunities. Through XR-supported training, individual curricula, and a campaign to raise awareness among employers, an international team of experts from six countries (Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, and Denmark) is laying the foundations for inclusive education and fair working conditions. The focus is on sustainable, environmentally friendly education and the promotion of the fundamental rights to education and work.

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SRH University Heidelberg

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Innoversa Future Skills and Innovative Technologies: Visit to the Innoversa Factory at SRH University Heidelberg

Together with the partners of the EU project Green ASC VET - Metautism, Innoversa Factory had the exciting opportunity to visit SRH University Heidelberg. Under the guidance of Nicole Chaudhuri, the team explored the concept of CORE Future Skills in depth and also toured Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh’s impressive laboratories for environmental and process engineering and water technology. In an interactive workshop, the team examined how these essential skills can be defined, taught, and successfully integrated into curricula. The CORE Future Skills include:

  • Communication & Collaboration: Empathy, persuasiveness, and multi-collective competence.
  • Navigating change: adaptability, tolerance of ambiguity, and perseverance.
  • Digital skills: data, media and digital literacy, as well as digital ethics.
  • Creativity and critical thinking: solution orientation, reflection and design competence.

In addition to exploring future skills, the team had the opportunity to visit the innovative laboratories of Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh. Here, the interplay between environmental and process engineering and cutting-edge approaches such as water technology and sustainability solutions is brought to life in an impressive way. What the EU partners found particularly inspiring about teaching based on the CORE principle at SRH University and at the SRH Vocational Training Centre Neckargemünd:

  • Integrating CORE Future Skills into all learning processes—not as separate modules, but as a cross-cutting theme.
  • A practical, outcome-oriented approach that motivates students to take responsibility and master complex challenges.
  • The combination of theory and practice in interdisciplinary projects, realistic examination formats and reflection tasks.

Our sincere thanks to everyone involved for making this visit an enriching experience, offering valuable insights and a highly informative exchange.

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Innoversa Managing Director – Inspiring STEM Through Enthusiasm and Leadership: Robotics Courses for Children and Young People Aged 9 to 13

As a STEM ambassador, Dr. Leila Mekacher is delighted to inspire children and young people to enjoy learning and to introduce them to the world of technology in a fun, hands-on way. Together with the Heidelberg Adult Education Centre and the SRH Vocational Training Centre Neckargemünd, Dr. Leila Mekacher is offering two robotics courses for children and young people. All places for 16 November were quickly booked, but places are still available for the course on 23 November—an excellent opportunity for young technology enthusiasts! Participants will build small robots using Lego Mindstorms while learning programming and the fundamentals of robotics through play. 🦾 Course content:

  • Programming LEGO Robots
  • Introduction to robot kinematics, sensors and motors
  • Mathematical Foundations for Calculating Motion
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Green-ASC-VET project

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Innoversa Transnational Partnership Meeting Project Green_ASC_VET

Beautiful autumn scenery, modern facilities and stimulating conversations. The latest TPM was both a visual delight and an enriching learning experience. Last week, all partners met in Neckargemünd for the transnational partnership meeting. Surrounded by the vibrant colours of autumn, the team toured the impressive facilities of partner SRH BBW and learned about its innovative approach to inclusive learning for people with disabilities, including autistic people. The team also had the opportunity to meet talented teachers, trainers and students, who shared their experiences and insights. These interactions were invaluable in shaping the future of our project. Following this enriching experience, the partners discussed the project's development and future plans and outlined the objectives for the next phase. Several important decisions were made regarding the direction of the project, the simulators and the VR tools that will be used to support autistic people in their job search.

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Innoversa Managing Director at Three-Day “Water in Transition” Symposium

It was a great pleasure for Dr. Leila Mekacher to participate in the three-day “Water in Transition” symposium last week, organized by Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh as part of the Volkswagen Foundation’s themed week “Water Between Extremes.” The symposium focused on topics such as AI in water management, water literacy, and critical water issues. She would like to extend her sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh for the outstanding organization and to Benjamin Zierock for the creative and inspiring hackathon. In her dual role as Head of Digital Research & Innovation at SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd and Managing Director of Innoversa Factory, she gave a presentation entitled “Innovative Education with VR Escape Rooms, AI-Generated Media, and Interactive 360° VR Experiences.” Her team enabled participants—from researchers to industry representatives—to experience developments in VR, MR, 360° VR, gamification, and AI firsthand and explore their use in water and industry projects. She also had the opportunity to present collaborative projects with Prof. Gayh.

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Edu-Con

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Innoversa and Tec presented two exciting challenges today at EduCon 2024 at the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies.

Challenge 1: Escape Room: A Virtual Journey into Your Career – In this innovative virtual escape room, which consists of several doors, you can use a VR headset to explore a different profession behind each door. During this exciting journey, you will answer questions, solve puzzles and learn more about each profession—all in an interactive 360-degree environment. Challenge 2: Job Bingo – The Career Guidance App – A concept for an app that creates profiles, evaluates industry presentations and compares personal skills with the requirements of a profession. This helps determine how well suited someone is to a particular profession. The Managing Director would like to extend her sincere thanks to Carla Runge for the excellent organization of #EduCon2024; to Christian Röser and his team at Starkmacher e.V. for the outstanding working environment at the TUMO premises; and to the wonderful Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh and Sonja Kádár for their professional support in coaching the two teams. She would also like to thank her teams for their strong commitment and excellent teamwork with the other participants who joined us to support us with our challenges: Kai Merkel, Ann-Kathrin Witt, Sven Walter, Alexander Hochenedel, Alina Fuchs, Lea Berenneis and Thomas Marder.

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Innoversa and SRH Vocational Training Centre Neckargemünd at the Perspektive Beruf event

The “Perspektive Berufe” event offers young adults with special support needs guidance on vocational rehabilitation. Participants gained insights into the educational programs and training occupations available, as well as information about vocational school, vocational preparation, and residential services, and had the opportunity to clarify individual questions. The education sector is undergoing a profound transformation as a result of digitalization and the integration of technology. At SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd, this is reflected in virtual learning, the use of digital teaching resources, interactive learning platforms, innovative therapy services, and modern residential concepts. Digitalization projects receive full support at BBWN. This enabled the Managing Director to establish the “tec - Technological Education Center,” a center of expertise for digital research and development, in 2018, with extensive support from managers, colleagues, and trainees. Every day, the team works with key technologies such as extended reality (VR/AR/MR), 360° VR, artificial intelligence, apps, and gaming/gamification, sharing its knowledge with other stakeholders through collaborations and VAmB. Dr. Leila Mekacher would like to thank the marketing team at SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd, which consistently gives the “tec team” prominent exposure through posters, flyers, presentations, and guided tours. At the Innoversa Factory booth, visitors tried out the team’s immersive technology and gaming applications, quickly leading to informative conversations about IT careers, career prospects, and training content.

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Innoversa at the opening of the TUMO Center in Mannheim on March 21, 2024

The official opening of the TUMO Center in Mannheim was a significant event that brought together representatives from politics, business, education and wider society, as well as many interested students. Held at the Mafinex Technology Center, the event offered fascinating insights into topics such as digital education and inclusion. Speakers including Christian Specht, Sandra Boser, Pegor Papazian, Heike Bauer and Michael Strauß shared their perspectives on the TUMO Center’s role in promoting equal educational opportunities. TUMO is an innovative educational project for young people aged 12 to 18, covering eight diverse digital learning areas ranging from technology to creativity. Managing Director Dr. Leila Mekacher is delighted about her company Innoversa Factory’s collaboration with Starkmacher e.V. and the team led by Christian Röser, who oversee this exceptional educational program. This cooperation enabled two experts from the Innoversa team and the SRH Vocational Training Center in Neckargemünd to lead workshops in programming and game development. The workshop leaders received their training in Armenia to ensure compliance with the TUMO program’s global standards and content. The Managing Director is proud to build bridges through her roles at the SRH Vocational Training Center in Neckargemünd and in her company, enabling her team and trainees to advance their careers and participate in inspiring networks. Congratulations to Niklas Schmitt and Kai Merkel on their outstanding achievements! She would also like to thank Christian Röser and his team at Starkmacher e.V., who consider Innoversa Factory part of their family, as well as her SRH colleagues Klaus Imhof, Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh and Markus Rösch, whose support enriched this special day.

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ESF Conference

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Innoversa at the ESF Conference of the Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education and Training

The ESF conference offered a diverse programme featuring engaging contributions on inclusion, artificial intelligence and the BANI model, which addresses the challenges facing modern organisations. The central role of digitalisation in vocational education and training was a key focus. During the conference, Dr. Leila Mekacher and her trainee Ann-Kathrin had the opportunity to introduce the workshop participants—including teachers and school leaders—to the fascinating world of virtual reality. Together, they created an unforgettable VR experience. Thanks to the excellent organisation and the provision of numerous VR headsets, participants were able to experiment under optimal conditions. Dr. Mekacher is particularly proud of her trainee, Ann-Kathrin Witt, who handled her first experience as a presenter in front of an adult audience with flying colours. Her performance once again demonstrates that the Innoversa Factory and TEC (BBWN) make a strong team. The breaks and the time following our two-part workshop were used for stimulating discussions about modern educational concepts, new skills, and moral and ethical issues relating to artificial intelligence.

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Kick-off meeting

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Innoversa Kick-Off Meeting in Croatia with EU Partners 2023

At the end of 2023, the time had finally come: seven project partners from six EU countries gathered in Croatia for the kick-off meeting. Two days filled with hospitality, engaging presentations, and interviews with the Croatian radio station Brod provided the perfect foundation for presenting the Innoversa Factory work packages, defining interfaces, and developing a joint plan for 2024. Further important events are planned for 2024: a seminar in Portugal, a meeting and training session in Denmark, and a visit to SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd in Germany. In this project, Dr. Leila Mekacher represents both her company, Innoversa Factory, and SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd, which is responsible for quality and evaluation. Together with Dr. Enis Yazıcı, she presented the quality assurance concept, which covers the following key points:

  • Continuous quality control of all activities and deliverables.
  • Internal and external evaluations, with the establishment of feedback loops, including the involvement of apprentices and trainers.
  • Conducting pilot tests at the SRH Vocational Training Centre Neckargemünd to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of the XR solutions in the learning modules with a small group of trainees.
  • Technical tests to check the functionality and performance of the implementations.
  • Ensuring the accessibility of digital content for people with diverse profiles and needs.
  • Quality assurance of the XR content development process, as well as evaluation of the integration and relevance of XR content in vocational education and training.

The team’s dedication lays the foundation for innovative, practical solutions in vocational education and training—a promising step toward the future!

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BUGA 2023 Highlight: Innoversa, SRH University & Uhland School

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Innoversa, SRH University & Uhland School: The STEM Cluster Highlight at BUGA 2023!

Together, the Innoversa Factory sent a strong message about promoting STEM education among young talent—bringing businesses, higher education and schools together in a unique partnership. On 3 July 2023, the team demonstrated just how multifaceted the topic of water can be:

  • Didactically through the Uhland School.
  • Experimental work conducted by the Water Technology degree program at SRH University.
  • Technological innovation through Innoversa.

The “Education Bears Fruit” area was brought to life by contributions from students in Mannheim and the team’s creative input. Visitors enjoyed a day packed with information and excitement:

  • They immersed themselves in the world of yellow and gray water.
  • Explored AR/VR technologies firsthand.
  • And actively contributed to the development of a game.
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Erasmus+ project Green ASC VET

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The Erasmus+ project "Green ASC VET" starts

The strong Innoversa Factory consortium comprises Innoversa Factory GmbH and partners from five EU countries (Belgium, Portugal, Hungary, Denmark and Croatia). The team is supported by two associated partners: SRH Berufsbildungswerk Neckargemünd in Germany and MIMBUS in Toulouse, France.

What is behind "Green ASC VET"?

The "Green ASC VET" project aims to give people on the autism spectrum the freedom to determine their own career paths. By using cutting-edge technologies such as AR, VR, MR and XR, the team is creating a comprehensive training programme tailored to individual abilities.

Our mission:

  • Development of XR products for career guidance and education for people with autism.
  • Development of XR teaching materials as part of a ToT curriculum for various occupations.
  • Active integration of these talents into the labor market.

Our focus:

The focus is on people on the autism spectrum (ASD) and their specific needs in needs in vocational training and integration. A particular highlight is the awareness-raising campaign "Involve me, I can do it", which will can do it", which will run for 36 months. It emphasizes the enormous, often overlooked potential of people on the autism spectrum.

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Virtual Mixed Reality

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The Innoversa Team and the Technological Education Center BBWN present developments in virtual reality, mixed reality, and gamification:

The “Educational Escape Room in Virtual Reality” offers a playful way to teach content from the Water Technology degree program. Using mixed-reality headsets (HoloLens2), guests were able to interact with holograms of technical systems and view work processes (automated step-by-step instructions) directly in their field of vision.

In addition, Innoversa Factory’s 2D-platformer game "Blupp the Waterdrop" was presented. Prof. Gayh uses the game to inspire students to engage with water treatment and resource management as part of workshops and STEM events.

A big thank-you to Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh for an exciting day filled with inspiring ideas, stimulating discussions, and feedback on developments for your projects: YIPII and Democratia Aqua Technica.

Visitors enjoyed a day full of information and excitement, immersed themselves in the world of yellow water and greywater, explored AR/VR technologies firsthand, and actively contributed to the development of a game.

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