MakerFest breaks record with more than 2,000 young visitors
More than 2,000 pupils from primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools gathered in the forest and laboratories at AU Herning on 9 and 10 September. For the fifth time, the campus hosted MakerFest, where the young visitors could explore everything from robotics and 3D printing to jewellery made from recycled materials.
With more than 2,000 participants and 25 maker tents, this year’s MakerFest set a new record.
The tents in the forest and the university’s own laboratories were buzzing with activity as visitors tried their hand at everything from eye tracking and recycled jewellery to industrial robots and 3D printing.
Getting hands-on with technology
In one of the tents, engineer Simon Hauge from DAMRC was showing the young visitors what a 3D printer can do. They could have their names printed on keyrings while watching the process.
"The young people are really interested in our 3D printer. They get to take something personal home with them while also gaining an insight into the technology behind it. They find that really fascinating," says Simon Hauge.
Perhaps the experience will inspire some of them to explore technology further:
"Of course, we hope that some of them will be inspired to follow this path and perhaps become engineers or technicians one day."
The teachers also appreciated the opportunity to take learning outside the classroom:
"The pupils find it exciting when they get to try things for themselves. And they always benefit from getting out and experiencing something different from the usual school day," says Anders Bjerge, a teacher at Sødalskolen.
Taking new ideas home
MakerFest is not just about robots, printers and new technology. At the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship's tent, the young visitors were encouraged to move between the maker tents, network, ask questions and gather inspiration.
"The idea is for them to take new input and ideas back to school and use them to continue working on a particular challenge," explains programme manager Henrik Thise.
There was also room for a little hands-on creativity in the tent. Anyone who managed to fold a cup was rewarded with popcorn or crisps to fill it.
Connecting the whole chain
For AU Herning, MakerFest has become a success that brings different levels of education and the business community closer together. Head of Department Anders Frederiksen is delighted by both the strong support and the many new participants:
“MakerFest has become a joint project that connects the entire chain – from primary and lower secondary schools through upper secondary education and higher education to the business community.
It is a celebration for everyone with a passion for creativity, design, technology and innovation, whether you are a student, a company, a passionate specialist or something else entirely.”
MakerFest 2026 was organised by AU Herning, VIA University College, Business Academy MidtWest and the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship, with support from AUHE Fonden, Færchfonden, Nordea-fonden, Nordjyllandsfonden, Herning Municipality and Bravida.