On May 20 and 21, under the theme “Connecting Human and Machine”, women from technology, business, and science gathered for the fifth time at ARENA2036 in Stuttgart for the 2026 WOMEN OF TECH CONFERENCE. The event drew a record number of over 500 participants and featured inspiring keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and diverse networking opportunities that fostered exchange and strengthened connections among women. Initiated by Prof. Katharina Hölzle and Katharina Hopp, the conference is intended to promote the role of women in the technology sector. Another new feature this year was a hackathon held on May 19.
How can we shape a future in which interaction between humans and machines is characterized by trust, responsibility, and creativity? This question was the focus of the 2026 Women of Tech (WOT) conference, a joint event organized by the University of Stuttgart, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, ARENA2036, Trumpf SE + Co. KG, Robert Bosch GmbH, and the #SheTransformsIT initiative. This year, topics such as AI, disruption in the labor market, leadership, and collaboration were explored in various formats. “The rise of artificial intelligence could mark a turning point toward full participation by women in the tech sector—or further reduce their representation,” says Prof. Katharina Hölzle, Director of the Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT) at the University of Stuttgart, Executive Director of Fraunhofer IAO, and founder of the conference. The presentations also consistently emphasized the human element.
A strong community, strong women
In addition to inspiring talks and panel discussions featuring over 70 speakers, the program included numerous networking opportunities and challenges designed to foster exchange among women and strengthen the community. The conference offers women in the tech industry and STEM fields the ideal platform to exchange experiences, make valuable connections, and share resources. “We are facing a historic opportunity to use AI and new technologies to promote greater diversity and increase the visibility of women. Within the community, there is a strong willingness to shape this future together with responsibility and courage,” says Lisa Kurz, organizer of WOT and research associate at the IAT at the University of Stuttgart. The first day was aimed specifically at students and young professionals while the second was aimed at experienced employees and managers. Through breakout sessions and interactive activities, participants were able to deepen their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and contribute their own perspectives in small groups.
Another highlight was the traveling exhibition “Faces of Change” from the “WoMent” project in which photographer Eva-Maria Gebhardt portrays women from business, science, culture, education, and society.
Developing practical solutions at the hackathon
New this year was the hackathon held the day before the conference at Trumpf SE + Co. KG in Ditzingen. Ten teams of students and professionals developed a sales strategy for a TRUMPF product, the Cutting Assistant, and then presented their ideas in brief pitch presentations. The atmosphere that afternoon was particularly memorable because everyone worked with focus and dedication while still making time for fun and networking. “Diversity is a key factor because different perspectives foster innovation and lead to great things,” says Hackathon Director Katja Tiltscher, Head of Corporate Technology & Innovation at TRUMPF.
