Youth.Academy TO is your platform if you are just at the beginning of your professional journey in prosthetics and orthotics. Whether you are in training or studying – this is where you will meet like-minded people, gain valuable insights into the sector, and network and develop across disciplines.

Launched in 2011 by trainees and the Association of Supporters and Teachers in Orthopaedic Technology (ALLOF e. V.) as well as the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (BIV-OT), Youth.Academy TO has become a true highlight for the next generation of professionals - supported by the BIV-OT and many strong partners from the sector.

That was the Youth Academy TO 2026 – Experience OTWorld, Make Connections, Shape the Future

Two days full of innovations, exciting encounters, and new perspectives: On May 21 and 22, 2026, the Youth Academy TO once again brought together a large number of technical orthotics trainees and students from various countries in Leipzig as part of the anniversary edition of OTWorld.

To kick things off, Lars Grun, Chair of the Vocational Training Committee of the Federal Guild Association for Orthotics Technology (BIV-OT), and Kirsten Abel, Spokesperson for the Executive Board, together with guest speaker Dr. Veerle Creyman from Thomas More University in Belgium, welcomed the participants and provided a preview of two eventful days.

Then it was time to dive into the vast world of technical orthopedics. At OTWorld, with its more than 620 exhibitors, participants were able to experience current developments, innovative products, and forward-looking technologies up close. At the same time, access to selected sessions of the World Congress offered a wide range of opportunities to engage with the latest scientific findings, innovative treatment concepts, and the industry’s future topics. In addition to selected specialist sessions, the program also included sessions specifically designed for trainees and students.

A special educational highlight of the Jugend.Akademie TO were the sponsors’ workshops. Here, knowledge wasn’t just imparted—it was discussed, tested, and questioned. Topics such as modern care options, digital solutions in assistive device provision, interdisciplinary collaboration, 3D-printed orthoses, and current developments in prosthetics and orthotics made the future of the industry tangible. At the same time, the workshops offered the opportunity to engage directly with experts from industry and practice.

But the Jugend.Akademie TO is not just about professional input. Above all, it thrives on the people who participate. New connections, exciting conversations, and valuable networks were formed across national borders. Whether at the exhibition grounds, in the workshops, or between program items - everywhere there was discussion, laughter, and mutual learning.

Thank you for being a part of the Jugend.Akademie 2026!

A special highlight was the joint barbecue evening at Schladitzer Lake. After a welcome address by Alf Reuter, President of BIV-OT, the first day of the event came to a close in a relaxed atmosphere. The volleyball tournament called for team spirit, dedication, and solidarity - and, of course, there was no shortage of fun. An evening that fostered many new connections and once again demonstrated how important personal encounters are for the future of our trade.

Thank you for your support!

The Jugend.Akademie TO 2026 would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors. With their great dedication, professional expertise, and willingness to invest their time, knowledge, and resources in the next generation of industry professionals, they have played a key role in shaping this event.

Special thanks go to our sponsors Bauerfeind AG and Sporlastic GmbH & Co.KG for their generous support of the barbecue evening, as well as to Ottobock HealthCare Deutschland GmbH for providing meals for the participants at OTWorld—we also extend our heartfelt thanks to all other sponsors who together made the Jugend.Akademie TO 2026 possible:

At OTWorld 2026, you had the opportunity to attend engaging presentations and participate in activities designed to support your professional development. Here’s a look back at the program from the previous JA.TO:

Bundesinnungsverband für Orthopädie-Technik (BIV-OT)

(German Association for Orthopaedic Technology)

Reinoldistraße 7-9
44135 Dortmund
Germany

Phone: +49 (0)231-557050-87

Email: jugendakademie@ot-world.com