Beyond Now – The Day for Future Creation – transformed Kühne Logistics University into a vibrant innovation lab. More than 160 Bachelor's and Master's students collaborated with representatives from business, academia, NGOs, and start-ups on ten real future challenges, working on solutions with a perspective towards 2035.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with real impact
Initiated by the KLU SPARK (formerly EIH) the event “Beyond Now” brought together a total of 25 “Co-Pilots” – including employees, doctoral researchers, and external partners – with 20 student teams. Participating partners included CMA CGM, Kühne + Nagel, 4flow, Help Logistics, 105 Viertel, Co2Pt, and Passify. The teams worked on topics such as dynamic port rotations, climate-neutral supply chains, humanitarian logistics without infrastructure, and strategies for talent acquisition. The event was characterized by openness, engagement, and a clear determination to actively shape the future.
Best Future Vision Awarded
Main sponsor CMA CGM recognized the winning team with a special prize consisting of an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the EUROGATE terminal in the Port of Hamburg and a €1,000 donation made on behalf of the students to the German Ocean Foundation. CMA CGM explained that the foundation’s mission and operating approach closely align with the organizations the company collaborates with in France. It combines scientific relevance, environmental engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, reflecting the Group’s sustainability ambitions. The decision supports a strategically and narratively consistent approach to advancing ocean-related initiatives across countries. During the award ceremony, the winners received a symbolic “Golden Ticket” as Beyond Now VIPioneers, along with KLU-branded chocolate as a reference to the energy behind future ideas.
From concept to future impact
“Beyond Now is more than an event – it stands for a new way of leading,” said initiator Mariella Sinderhauf in her opening remarks. The aim is to combine an operations mindset with creativity and future readiness: acting with clarity, shared values, and the willingness to turn ideas into reality.
Next steps
The concepts developed during the day were documented, and several teams produced additional video and visual material. Further development – for instance, as innovation projects, student initiatives, or publications – is currently being explored.
When students, academia, and industry think forward together, future potential emerges – and Beyond Now clearly demonstrated that.
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Photo Impressions
