On April 1, 2026, a workshop within the Digital Engineering Innovation research focus area was held at TU Wien. Around 25 participants – including professors, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates – attended the event. The aim of the workshop was to promote academic exchange and strengthen networking within the research area. To provide insights into the current research activities across the participating institutes, short presentations were given by doctoral candidates, each followed by an opportunity for discussion.

In total, twelve presentations took place across three thematically diverse sessions. The topics covered a broad spectrum, ranging from acoustics and the modeling of geothermal systems to shape and structural optimization, maintenance and management of technical systems, and sustainable production management, among others. These diverse application areas were connected through the use of modern digital methods, in particular approaches from the field of artificial intelligence such as machine learning and reinforcement learning, as well as digital twins and knowledge-based methods. The presentations were intentionally kept short, which allowed for in-depth discussions that were actively taken up by the participants.

During the breaks, when refreshments and sweets were provided, participants had many interesting conversations and established new connections. These informal exchange opportunities contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere of the workshop.

After four hours of engaging presentations, new insights, and valuable exchange, the workshop came to an end. Although this was the first event of its kind, it is by no means intended to be a one-time initiative: a follow-up workshop is already planned for autumn 2026.