Young research talents present innovative projects at Lakeside Park
Klagenfurt, May 18, 2026 – Lakeside Park once again became a hub for youth science and research: At the 2026 STEM Fair, students from Carinthia’s STEM middle schools presented their research projects in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. Under the motto «Show what we can do,» the young people impressively demonstrated their creativity, their spirit of inquiry, and their enthusiasm for topics of the future.
Eight STEM middle schools from across Carinthia took part in the event. A total of 32 research stations were set up, with each school represented by four teams. The research projects presented covered a wide range of topics, from blackout scenarios and sustainable housing to growth tests with mealworms and the efficiency of drinking water production.
The students went through the entire research process—from developing their own research questions to formulating hypotheses and conducting experiments, all the way to presenting their findings in a scientific format. A panel of experts evaluated the projects on site.
State Education Minister Peter Reichmann emphasizes: «The STEM Fair impressively demonstrates just how much innovative spirit and enthusiasm for technology, the natural sciences, and digitalization there is in our state. Young people, in particular, need opportunities today to experience research and technology up close and try them out for themselves. Events like this play a vital role in nurturing talent early on and sparking interest in careers of the future—ensuring that Carinthia continues to produce the brightest minds.»
Bernhard Lamprecht, managing director of Lakeside Park, emphasized the importance of the Educational Lab as a space for innovation and education: «The STEM Fair impressively demonstrates the potential that educational spaces like the Educational Lab can unlock. It is a place where young talent is nurtured and the next generation of researchers and skilled professionals is growing up.»
Martin Krenn, the initiator of the MINT Fair, was also impressed by the dedication of the students and teachers:
«After four years of the MINT Middle School pilot program, it is now clear what achievements have been made. Both the students’ interest and the quality of the projects have increased significantly. Inquiry-based learning and scientific work are actively practiced. I would especially like to highlight the tremendous dedication of the teachers, who are helping to shape this new field of education with great motivation and commitment.»
During the event, this year’s winner was finally announced: The MINT Middle School in Ferlach impressed the judges with the project «Water Transport in Plants» by Luca Lamp and Olivia Rühl, thereby securing first place.
Silvia Seebacher-Prokop, director of the Educational Lab at Lakeside Park, emphasized the social importance of STEM education: «STEM is a key skill for the future and a major driver of innovation in our country. The STEM Fair impressively demonstrates how new perspectives emerge through the integration of education, science, and business. Spaces like the Educational Lab make it possible to inspire young people at an early age to take an interest in research, development, and future technologies.»
The MINT Fair is part of the pilot program «MINT Focus in Schools,» initiated by the Federal Ministry, which has been in effect since the 2022–23 school year. The specialized curriculum enables students to engage in-depth with future-oriented topics such as digitalization, sustainability, and technological change. The pilot program is now set to be integrated into the regular school system.
The 2026 MINT Fair thus sent a strong message about the potential of young people to actively shape the future. It highlighted the importance of educational initiatives that foster a spirit of discovery, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills—abilities that are becoming increasingly important in a changing world.
With the «MINT Challenge,» Salzburg will now adopt Carinthia’s successful trade show format in June 2026, thereby sending another strong signal in support of fostering innovative young talent in the STEM fields.
For questions and further information:
Dipl.-Päd. HOL MA Martin Krenn
martin.krenn@schule.at
Lakeside Science & Technology Park
Mag. Barbara Orasche
+43.664.142 25 38
orasche@lakeside-scitec.com
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