XPedition RED

The idea.

Fostering young talent through play and sparking their interest in technical careers. With the journey to Mars and the fusion of the virtual and real worlds, young people are hooked on technology.

The goal is to inspire young people to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers and to attract skilled workers to the region on a long-term basis. The aim is to get more young people excited about technical careers and, as a result, generate a higher number of applicants.

In addition to the structural changes taking place in the region, companies want to raise awareness of STEM topics among the next generation.

The goal is to develop and market a prototype or an exploratory construction kit that incorporates gamification. A microcomputer included in the kit accompanies players on their expedition to Mars. This constant companion continually gains new abilities and can be expanded, for example, with various sensors.

In addition to playing the game, gamers can come together on an interactive platform to exchange ideas and help each other beat the next level. The game fosters not only technical knowledge but also social skills and manual dexterity.

Challenge.

The demand for skilled workers in STEM fields is growing steadily, while the number of available apprenticeships is declining. In fact, the willingness of 15-year-old students in Germany to pursue a STEM career is rather low. It is becoming increasingly difficult to reach young people and inspire them to take an interest in technology.

With XPeditionRED, we aim to address this issue early on and, in a playful way, tap into and foster young people’s natural curiosity about the world of technology and future-oriented topics. The next challenge is to sustain this enthusiasm and a growing, deeper interest beyond the early years.

Project partners.