German delina E-Learning Award: Meet the 2026 Winners!

Yesterday at Messe Karlsruhe, four educational institutions and initiatives were honoured for the 19th time with the delina Innovation Award for outstanding achievements in the field of digital education. From more than 100 submissions, the jury selected winners in four categories: the Memorial to the Nuremberg Trials (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse), the New Elementary School in Potsdam (Neue Grundschule Potsdam), the ZHAW Center for Innovative Didactics (ZHAW Zentrum für Innovative Didaktik), and the Bavarian School of Public Administration (Bayerische Verwaltungsschule).

Winner in the category “Early Childhood Education & School”: Neue Grundschule Potsdam

With the “AI Compass for Elementary Schools” („KI-Kompass Grundschule“), the New Elementary School in Potsdam (Neue Grundschule Potsdam) has developed a comprehensive school development concept for the pedagogically sound use of Artificial Intelligence in elementary education. The goal is to strengthen self-directed learning and integrate AI as a meaningful, supportive tool in the classroom.

The laudatory speech stated: “With this project, the future becomes a reality in the classroom: Here, children learn not only with, but through artificial intelligence. From the very beginning, they use AI as a learning partner.” Kristin van der Meer, a teacher at the Neue Grundschule Potsdam, accepted the award. She said: “For us, awards like the delina – especially when we take first place – always mean improved visibility. This means we can prove that our approach works and share it with other schools who may also which to implement it. Here at LEARNTEC, there are key decision-makers who can help spread the word.”

Winner in the “Higher Education” category: ZHAW Center for Innovative Didactics

With the “Educational Design Toolkit myScripting”, the ZHAW Center for Innovative Didactics (ZHAW Zentrum für Innovative Didaktik) provides a web-based, freely accessible planning tool. It supports instructors in designing evidence-based digital learning environments, integrating AI-supported functions and learning analytics in a pedagogically meaningful way. In doing so, it contributes to the sustainable professionalisation of digital higher education.

The jury commended the successful combination of scientific rigour and practical application, with educators having access to an intuitive, collaborative tool to create digital learning environments in a structured and motivating way.

Winner in the “Education and Training” category: Bavarian School of Public Administration

With the “Digital Learning Lab – Rethinking Learning in Public Administration” („Digital Learning Lab – Lernen neu denken in der öffentlichen Verwaltung“), the Bavarian School of Public Administration (Bayerische Verwaltungsschule) has created an innovative environment where new learning formats are tested and further developed in a practical setting. Hybrid scenarios, AI applications, and virtual reality elements are specifically employed to foster a modern learning culture in the public sector.

The project was praised for its didactic vision, with digital elements used to offer real added value, and analog formats for additional impact.

Winner in the “Society and Lifelong Learning” category: Memorial to the Nuremberg Trials

With the serious game “Tribunal 45 – Working on Justice”, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, Museen der Stadt Nürnberg) conveys the historical background of the Nuremberg Main War Crimes Trial in an interactive way. Across several stages of the trial, players analyse evidence, develop arguments, and grapple with central issues of international criminal law.

The project was praised for combining academic depth with interactivity, cooperation and critical reflection, and exemplifying the potential of digital formats for sustainable educational processes. “The delina reinforces our belief that the path we have taken – combining digital learning with historical content – is the right one. Both LEARNTEC and the delina Award enjoy a strong reputation – so we now have affirmation by experts and professionals that we are doing this well,” said Sophia Brostean-Kaiser, who accepted the award.

A 20-member jury of experts from research, educational institutions, and industry reviewed and evaluated the submitted projects. Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe, said: “The delina is a mark of didactic and technical excellence. The sheer number and quality of submissions impressively demonstrate the innovative power behind the applications and products. In all projects, technology is not an end in itself, but is integrated into compelling educational concepts. We are pleased that the delina and LEARNTEC are giving these projects the visibility they deserve.”

Other awards went to:

Education and Training:

2nd place: Potenziale GmbH in collaboration with the Stadtwerken Pforzheim (Potenziale GmbH zusammen mit den Stadtwerken Pforzheim)

3rd place: Deutsche Bahn AG

Early Childhood Education and School:

2nd place: Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation (Dr. Hans Riegel-Stiftung)

3rd place: Debuff Interactive UG

Society and Lifelong Learning:

2nd place: Kunsthalle Mannheim, Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, Fluxguide Ausstellungssysteme GmbH

3rd place: Zaubar UG

Higher Education:

2nd place: Baden-Württemberg Police Academy (Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg)

3rd place: Brian AG