BULK MASTERS 2026
The Hackathon for an innovative process industry
The BULK MASTERS hackathon is an event that brings together interdisciplinary talents (e.g. students, engineers, developers, designers, etc.). Within 48 hours, the Bulk Masters work in teams to develop innovative and sometimes unusual solutions for real and relevant problems (= challenges) from the process industry.
Thanks to the collaborative dynamics of the Bulk Masters, more creative solutions are developed in the shortest possible time than in traditional internal processes.
Date: 17-19 March 2026 (start: the day before the start of the trade fair duo, end: second day of the trade fair)
Location: Messe Dortmund
The hands-on event at the trade fair duo SOLIDS and RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund
Results presentation on the HACKATHON stage on the second day of the trade fair
For companies in the process industry
Submit a challenge and receive innovative solutions for your individual problem.
For participants
Take part in the BULK MASTERS hackathon and contribute your creative ideas! Register now without obligation and stay up to date!
Experience pure fascination - the Hackathon 2024 video!
Let yourself be inspired by fascinating insights and thrilling moments – click in and immerse yourself in an experience that invites you to marvel. Have fun watching!
Personal insights: What participants, jury & challenge organisers say:
"The atmosphere at the BULK MASTERS Hackathon was really great. The diversity in the team helped to create a great atmosphere throughout. There was less of the typical competitive spirit that you normally experience at hackathons, but rather a friendly competition that drove us forward. I can absolutely recommend the BULK MASTERS Hackathon."
"The atmosphere at the BULK MASTERS Hackathon was really good. We got on well right from the start and the teamwork was excellent. There wasn't anyone who didn't contribute to the success. It was really great fun!"
"The BULK MASTERS Hackathon was simply fantastic and a complete success! When you consider that the teams achieved so much in less than three days, day and night, it's impressive. Some others need months, if not years, to achieve similar results. It's truly remarkable and I think it's just great!"
"The BULK MASTERS Hackathon was incredible fun! You go home with a wealth of experience. The atmosphere was just great. I love being in this start-up atmosphere - it really gives me goosebumps!"
"We are delighted to have been part of the first BULK MASTERS Hackathon as a challenge organiser. The hackathon was a complete success for us. It was fascinating to see how the participants in the hackathon pursued innovative approaches that we hadn't even thought of ourselves. The winning group in particular surprised us with their creative idea for automated cleaning with dry ice. We also found another group's idea of using different nozzles for cleaning very exciting. Overall, many new and inspiring ideas have emerged."
"The BULK MASTERS Hackathon was an absolute success for us. We got much more out of the event than we had expected. The time we invested was more than worth it. The quality of the ideas and the input we received is impressive. Great class!"
"The first BULK MASTERS Hackathon was an affair of the heart for me and I am grateful for the inspiring experience. As a mentor and coach, I was able to use my experience from plant engineering and the association to provide the participants with inspiration. Through the inquisitive questions, the exchange of ideas and the discussions, we developed great solutions together. For me, the BULK MASTERS Hackathon feels like lived innovation, creative interaction and a refreshing experience that enriches and advances the process industry."
The topics in detail:
Food goes Powder
Under the motto ‘Food goes Powder’, we at BULK MASTERS are looking for ground-breaking innovations that revolutionise the way we consume or produce food.
Germany, as one of Europe’s largest food exporters, is facing new challenges and opportunities. The life science industry is experiencing sustained strong growth and requires continuous investment. Instant preparation and longer shelf life are just some of the many advantages that food powders offer.
With the highest concentration of food producers, NRW is an ideal location for these innovations and challenges. The ability to transport food in powder form eliminates the need for water transport, which not only brings ecological benefits but also minimises logistical challenges.
The future still harbours many challenges and untapped potential. Food powder offers scope for innovative ideas and solutions that can fundamentally change the way we eat and consume.
Young Professionals
How can your company become more attractive to young professionals? This challenge currently affects the entire process and recycling industry. Compared to industries such as tech or entertainment, these sectors often appear traditional and less innovative to young talent.
Young professionals are crucial for our future. They bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas and technological understanding. They also promote a diverse and dynamic work culture that strengthens the competitiveness of our industry.
Last but not least, we are facing a generational change. This makes it all the more important to attract young specialists now and combine their innovative spirit with the valuable expertise of the ‘old hands’.
But HOW? Bulk Masters take on the challenge of making your company more attractive to young professionals and attracting up-and-coming talent. At the hackathon, they develop innovative solutions. After all, who is better suited to this than students, start-ups and young professionals?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Hans Schneider, Vice President Technology & Innovation at Zeppelin Systems
“As a global plant manufacturer, the hackathon is a wonderful opportunity for us to leave the beaten track and find new, innovative solutions. That’s why we see it as a great opportunity to be a challenger here. We have the opportunity to utilise maximum creativity for innovations in a very short space of time – something that is rarely possible in the stressful day-to-day work environment, which is why we are really looking forward to the hackathon and the results it produces”
The challenge organisers
At this year’s BULK MASTERS, the teams can look forward to a total of two challenges from the plastics association TecPart e.V. on the topic of ‘Young Professionals’ and from plant manufacturer Zeppelin Systems on the topic of ‘Food Goes Powder’.
Bulk Master Teams
Participants (students, engineers, developers, designers, etc.) can now apply as teams or individually as bulk masters.
All individual applicants will be divided into teams before the hackathon begins. A team consists of approximately 5 people with a wide range of qualifications.
Are you interested?
Together we are shaping the future of the process industry.
Contact us now!
Phone: +49 89 127 165 126
Mail: bulkmasters@easyfairs.com
Anna Lena Sandmann
Project management
Julika Hecht
Senior Marketing Manager
Claudia Sebbel
Senior Marketing Manager
Challenge giver:
Partner:
Media partner:
