• Students engage with a Rubik's Cube display at a science exhibition, showcasing problem-solving skills and creativity.

Jugend forscht junior: Innovation starts with curiosity

Since 2022, KWS has been supporting Jugend forscht junior as a sponsoring company. The competition is aimed at young researchers aged 9 to 14. As a research-oriented plant breeding company, KWS wants to inspire children and teenagers for science and nurture their talents in STEM.

A competition that helps young talents grow

In Jugend forscht junior, kids and teenagers explore their own research questions and experience science hands-on. Their projects span seven fields: Work environment, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Math/Computer Science, Physics, and Technology. Participants come up with ideas, experiment, and learn to tackle challenges on their own. This way, the competition boosts scientific thinking, creativity, and confidence in their own abilities.

Dr. Thomas Ehrhardt, Head of Global Research & Services, about our commitment to Jugend forscht junior.

From idea to research project: How Jugend forscht junior works

Participants develop a research project from their own question. They plan and carry out experiments, document methods and results, and draw conclusions from them. Teachers, specialists, or trainers can support them along the way.

At the competition, the young researchers present their project at a self-designed exhibition stand and explain their findings to an expert jury.

Commitment to the state competition and the region

KWS supports the Lower Saxony state competition Jugend forscht junior in Einbeck with expertise and financial resources. Together with local companies and institutions, KWS makes southern Lower Saxony visible as a life-science region and connects youth development with regional involvement.

More than 80 young researchers at the 2026 state competition Einbeck

  • Molecular models in focus with participants engaged in a science exhibition. Background features research posters and laboratory materials.
  • Three children engage in a science project, smiling and interacting at a table with various materials and equipment.
  • Visitors engage with various project displays at a youth science exhibition, exploring innovative ideas and research.
  • A group of children observes an exhibit, with one girl reading a colorful book titled 'Programm.
  • A student presents information about biological plastics at a science exhibition, with posters and samples displayed in the background.
  • A poster for 'Jugend forscht 2026' features a colorful design. Attendees engage with exhibits in a modern exhibition space.
  • Two children present a project at a science fair, with a poster asking, 'Wie spart man richtig Strom am Computer?' and various materials on the table.
  • A display of robotic models and project materials at a science exhibition, with a participant engaged in the background.
  • A young participant interacts with an adult at a science exhibition, surrounded by displays and attendees.
  • Students examine samples under microscopes at a science exhibition, with plants and petri dishes on the table.
  • A crowded exhibition space with attendees engaging at various booths and tables, showcasing projects and displays.
  • Sartorius booth at a youth science exhibition, featuring representatives discussing dual study programs and career opportunities.
  • A group of students observes a presenter demonstrating a science project involving a plant at an exhibition.
  • Two young women interact at a science exhibition, one looking at a laptop while the other observes.
  • Welcome banner for the Jugend forscht competition in Einbeck, with a child conducting an experiment and vintage cars displayed in the background.
  • A group of young participants examines a display board with various images at an exhibition event.
  • A vintage car is displayed in front of a large screen featuring the Jugend forscht 2026 event logo and theme 'Maximale Perspektive.
  • Visitors engage with various project displays at a youth science exhibition, exploring innovative ideas and research.




Exciting background information about the competition and the projects can be found on Instagram at
@jugendforschteinbeck

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