On Friday, January 23, 2026, this year’s speed dating event, organized by the Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria (GAB), took place at the TUM city center campus. Around 20 students and graduates of the master’s programs in Geothermal Energy/GeoEnergy (FAU/TUM) and Engineering and Hydrogeology with a focus on GeoEnergy (TUM) met with representatives of leading geothermal energy companies.
Participating companies
- Deutsche ErdWärme
- ecoprime / geoprime
- Erdwärme Grünwald
- ERDWERK
- Geothermie Holzkirchen
- Geothermie Unterhaching
- IEP Pullach
- Stadtwerke München
Organizers
The event was organized by GAB, Geothermie Unterhaching (Wolfgang Geisinger), TUM, and FAU. Participants were welcomed by Wolfgang Geisinger (industry), the TUM Chair of Geothermal Technologies (research/teaching), and Nora Medgyesi (GAB), who kicked off the afternoon.
Schedule
1:00 p.m.: Registration, welcome, and brief introductions of the companies
1:30–3:30 p.m.: Speed dating with 10-minute rotations (including a 20-minute break)
3:30–4:00 p.m.: Closing, coffee, pretzels, and open discussion
Insights and exchange
In 10-minute discussion sessions, students with degrees in engineering, geosciences, geology, and environmental sciences gained a direct overview of current projects, fields of activity, and entry-level opportunities in Bavarian deep geothermal energy. The companies provided insights into current challenges and the skills that are in demand in practice.
Particularly valuable were reports from alumni who explained their career paths from a practical perspective, thus establishing a concrete link between their studies and career prospects.
Significance of the format for the industry and education
Speed dating shows the role that early exchange between universities and industry plays in securing skilled workers in geothermal energy. Close cooperation between research, teaching, and practice creates important interfaces that support both knowledge transfer and entry into the professional field.
The organizers would like to thank all participants for their commitment and look forward to continuing the format next year.
