Last week, KSI hosted the EKI BREW & FORGE Innovation Workshop 2026 in collaboration with our partners from EKI-Saxony. The event brought together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals for a full day of pitches, hands-on workshops, and lab exploration, with one shared goal: turning ideas into collaborations.
A Day Packed with Pitches, Workshops, and Lab Insights
The programme kicked off with a series of fast-paced 3-minute pitches, covering a remarkable breadth of topics, from foundational research in molecular sensing and wearable ultrasound to industry-ready applications in AI-powered cardiac diagnostics and low-power medical electronics. The diversity of perspectives in the room set the tone for the day!
Participants then split into two workshop groups to dig deeper, applying the Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) framework to evaluate and refine real-world ideas. The sessions sparked lively discussions and revealed a striking overlap between the challenges industry faces and the solutions research is already developing. The day concluded with an exclusive tour through KSI’s laboratories, giving participants an inside look at the institute’s different research areas and the technologies being developed within its walls.
Looking Ahead: Collaborations in the Making
The energy at Brew & Forge was a reminder of what happens when the right people are in the same room. The cross-pollination of topics and expertise throughout the day showed us that new collaborations are on the horizon. KSI and EKI-Saxony are looking forward to staying in touch with all participants and watching those seeds grow into concrete projects.
A big thank you to all speakers, workshop participants, and everyone who made the journey to join us. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!