On 26 March 2026, Bender GmbH & Co. KG, in cooperation with IHK Hessen Innovativ, opened its doors to over 50 interested participants, some of whom had travelled from all over Germany. The evening provided an opportunity to gain practical insights into future technologies such as hydrogen and artificial intelligence, as well as to understand their significance for electrical safety, innovation and organisational development.
Hydrogen as a key technology for the energy transition
Roman Schmattloch (Global Market Segment Manager Hydrogen/Head of University Cooperation), a hydrogen specialist at Bender, provided a comprehensive overview of the future prospects for hydrogen technology and outlined its significance for industry, infrastructure and society. It became clear that electrical systems are becoming increasingly complex, whilst at the same time the demands on safety, compliance with standards and reliability are rising.
Schmattloch explained: “Electricity is omnipresent throughout the entire hydrogen value chain.” For this reason, Bender is addressing these challenges with suitable solutions for different grid types and areas of application.
Furthermore, Bender is also consciously and strategically engaged with hydrogen. The key drivers behind this development are decarbonisation, electrification and the expansion of renewable energies, in which hydrogen plays a central role – both from a technological perspective and in terms of environmental and climate protection.
To this end, Bender offers companies a range of services for their hydrogen projects. These range from concept development to on-site consultancy and support, the selection of suitable components and systems, compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and bespoke training programmes.
Artificial intelligence as a driver for new technologies and services
Prof. Dr Michael Guckert presented the Hessian Centre for Artificial Intelligence (hessian.AI), which combines fundamental AI research with the development of practical solutions to the challenges of our time. The aim of hessian.AI is to build bridges between research and application and to transfer knowledge in a targeted manner to industry and society. By combining state-of-the-art, sustainable AI infrastructure with bespoke services, the centre creates a strong springboard for research, innovation and sustainable economic success.
The presentation by Tobias Groh (Standards & Innovation at Bender) demonstrated how artificial intelligence can help to further develop existing solutions in a targeted manner and create added value for customers throughout the entire lifecycle of electrical systems. As an expert in the further development of Bender technologies, Groh advocates the use of AI for data-driven applications that open up new potential for safety, availability and service offerings.
Tandem Professorship: A bridge between science and practice
Another item on the agenda focused on the tandem professorship, which Bender is implementing in collaboration with the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM) and the Hessian Centre for Artificial Intelligence (hessian.AI).
Prof. Dr Jennifer Hannig explained how the model closely integrates research and industrial practice. Universities benefit from a greater practical focus and enhanced appeal in the competition for skilled workers. Participating companies gain from intensive knowledge exchange, stronger networking and a boost to their employer branding. There are also clear benefits for professors – ranging from direct access to industrial challenges to joint publications, patents and the placement of students in partner companies.
Exchange, networking and outlook
In addition to the technical insights, the event provided space for discussion, questions and networking. Participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts from the region and to gain inspiration for their own innovation and transformation projects. The event impressively highlighted how important the close integration of technology, artificial intelligence, science and practice is for a secure and sustainable energy future.