Dear forest enthusiasts, dear forest lovers, dear forest makers,
Have you built something that’s making a real difference for our forests – something bold, unusual, ahead of its time?
The Technikum Laubholz Future Prize “Waldmacher” – the Forest Maker – honours the people, organisations, and ideas helping our forests thrive: work that protects them today and gives the forest a future as a living, breathing habitat.
We celebrate individuals, initiatives, research institutions, universities, schools, associations, public bodies, and companies stepping up for a more sustainable, climate-resilient future for our planet.
Waldmacher 2026: applications are now closed
Thank you to everyone who shared their project, idea, or vision with us this year – the response was fantastic.
Award ceremony
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 2:00 PM, at the Sparkassen Heimatbühne (Station 64) at Landesgartenschau Ellwangen.
The next round is already open.
Become a Waldmacher 2027
If you’re working on something that deserves a spotlight – an innovative project, a sustainable business model, grassroots social engagement, or simply personal dedication to our forests – we want to hear about it.
We are looking for innovative projects, sustainable business models, social commitment and dedicated individuals. We want to highlight your commitment to our forests.
The Waldmacher is awarded in one of three categories:
– Research
– Social Engagement
– Young Talent Award
The TLH Future Prize ‘Der Waldmacher’ is awarded in one of the following categories:
– Research
– Social engagement
– Young Talent Award
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday 20 September 2026 at the “WALD.IST ZUKUNFT” event at the Forest Pavilion as part of the State Garden Show in Ellwangen.
We look forward to receiving your entries!
The ‘Waldmacher’ Future Prize is awarded annually by Technikum Laubholz.
The work of the prize winners and nominees will be published on the Technikum Laubholz website and social media channels.
All submitted projects must already have started or been completed. Unfortunately, projects that are currently only at the planning stage cannot be considered. You will find all relevant information and instructions for submitting projects in the application form.
If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us:
E-Mail: waldmacher@technikumlaubholz.de
Meet the Waldmacher so far
© Technikum Laubholz
2025 – Students of Sambuga School, Walldorf
With their project We Protect the Forest – The Forest Makers of Sambuga School, the school has spent more than two decades actively working toward the conservation and sustainable development of the forest.
© Technikum Laubholz
2024 – GEO DATA GmbH & Zentrum für Digitale Entwicklung GmbH
Their Klimawald Westhausen project set out to keep forest areas manageable for the long term while tackling climate change and its effects head-on.
© Technikum Laubholz
2023 – Students of Iselin School, Rosenfeld
Through their project The Forest as a Habitat, the students of Iselin School actively took on real, lasting responsibility for shaping a more sustainable, climate-conscious future for their community.
