BEAM reports &
BEAM in the Press

BEAM has been featured in the press worldwide. Click on the links below to read the publications.

BEAM students from Gymnasium Englisches Institut on Tour in London

Insights into Industry and Innovation: Our Visit to HD Materials UK

Insights into Industry and Innovation
As part of our BEAM seminar course, we visited HD Materials UK to gain an insight into the world of cement and concrete industry, as well as the associated production processes.

Why We Visited HD Materials
But why were we there? We wanted to understand what the real industrial world looks like, present our business ideas, receive valuable input, and take important steps forward for both our start-up project and our personal development.
Welcome and Fascinating Introduction
The day started with an exciting meeting at HD Materials, where we were welcomed by the London Regional Operations Manager, Anthony Smith. In a highly informative and engaging presentation, we learned more about the process-oriented way of working and the organizational structure of HD Materials UK.
Factory Tour and Start-Up Pitches
Afterwards, we split into two groups: one group explored the production facilities on-site and witnessed firsthand the complex processes behind the seemingly simple topics of cement and concrete. Many interesting questions were asked during the tour.
Meanwhile, the other group presented their respective pitches – brief presentations of their own business ideas.
Constructive Feedback and New Perspectives
Following the presentations, Anthony Smith provided objective and constructive feedback, helping us take several important steps forward in refining our ideas. His suggestions and advice covered everything from market assessment to concrete improvements to our concepts.
Group Switch for Well-Rounded Experiences
Afterwards, the groups switched roles, allowing everyone to both experience the production processes and present their start-up ideas while receiving feedback.
An Inspiring and Educational Day
Overall, it was an exciting and educational day full of valuable input, new perspectives, and lots of inspiration. We gained a lot of knowledge – especially the realization of how to turn ideas into real, tangible projects.
(Hannah Benz, K1)

A day in Cambridge

Arrival in the Historic University Town
During our time in London with the BEAM seminar course we went on a wonderful day trip to Cambridge. The journey to this well-known university town was already exciting, but the day had many more surprises in store for us.

Campus Tour and Meet-Up with a PhD University Student
At the beginning, we were welcomed by a PhD student from the university, Pauline Pfuderer. She showed us the campus, the beautiful gardens, and told us about the long history of Cambridge, which goes back to 1209. Today, the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and has produced over 100 Nobel Prize winners. Our BEAM groups had the opportunity to present their ideas to the student, and she gave us valuable advice… whether one of our business plans will be worthy of a Nobel Prize remains to be seen…
Historic Stop at the Eagle Pub and Lunch at the University’s Oldest College
Before lunch, we made a short stop at the famous Eagle Pub. In 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick announced their discovery of the structure of DNA there — a milestone in science. Afterwards, thanks to Pauline we were allowed to eat in the dining hall of the university's oldest college: Peterhouse.
Free Time and Sweet Rewards in the City
In the afternoon, we had some free time. Some visited King’s College, which is especially known for its huge Gothic chapel. I decided to explore the city and was rewarded with the best warm, buttery scones. You can buy them at the famous bakery Fitzbillies, which is also celebrated for its Chelsea buns.
Adventurous Punting Tour on the River Cam
Later, we went on a punting tour on the River Cam. You go on a flat boat that is controlled with the help of a single long pole — not as easy as it sounds! You could choose whether to take the pole yourself or be steered by a professional. Of course, we wanted to take on the challenge ourselves and did the punting! It was difficult at first, but over time it became a lot of fun, especially when we had to apologize to the other boats for our lack of experience! From the river, in our wobbly boat, we enjoyed views of the beautiful colleges and bridges.
A Day to Remember
Overall, the day in Cambridge was a very special experience and one we won’t forget anytime soon.
(Chloé Hoppe, K1)

A Day at SAP – Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration

A Unique Opportunity: Visiting the SAP Experience Center
During the BEAM week in London, we had the exciting opportunity to visit the SAP Experience Center, a place that brings digital innovation to life. Before our visit, many of us had only a vague idea of what SAP actually does. But after exploring their showcase and talking to the people behind the technology, we gained a much clearer understanding of how this global tech company is shaping the future.

Innovation in Action: Real-World SAP Applications
At the Experience Center, we were introduced to real-world examples of how SAP’s software helps businesses become more efficient and data-driven. One scenario showed how SAP technology can improve the shopping experience: imagine a supermarket where the shelves are automatically restocked based on real-time data, and where customers receive personalized offers through smart apps. Another example focused on construction sites, where a smart scanner checks whether a worker has all the necessary tools and is wearing the correct safety gear. These cases helped us understand how SAP’s solutions are not just about code – they are about solving everyday problems in smart and innovative ways.
Voices of Experience: SAP Trainees Share Their Stories
One of the highlights of the day was hearing directly from SAP trainees. They shared their personal experiences – what their daily work looks like, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned. It was inspiring to hear their advice and see how passionate they are about what they do. We also had the chance to ask them questions and learn more about what a career at SAP could look like.
Young Innovators in Action: Presenting Our Startup Ideas
Another exciting part of the visit was the opportunity to present our own startup ideas from our BEAM course. Each group had the chance to pitch their project to the SAP team and receive valuable feedback. Their comments helped us think critically about our ideas, and some teams even had follow-up questions from SAP staff – a great sign that our concepts sparked genuine interest.
Ending on a High Note: Networking and Reflection
The day ended with a shared meal and casual networking. We enjoyed small snacks, continued conversations, and even connected with some SAP team members on LinkedIn. It was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where we felt welcomed and appreciated.
An Inspiring and Insightful Experience
Overall, the visit to SAP was not only educational but also truly inspiring. We’re grateful for the insights, the advice, and the feedback we received – all of which will help us grow and improve as young innovators.
(Zara Cerina, K1)

BEAM students from Hölderlin-Gymnasium Heidelberg on Tour

High-Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Culture – A Week in the Heart of Silicon Valley

From February 18 to 25, 2025, we – twelve students from the BEAM course at Hölderlin-Gymnasium – had the amazing chance to explore Silicon Valley, home of many start-ups and global tech companies. Our goal was to gain deeper insights into technology, innovation, and education – and to experience American culture and nature.

Arrival and First Impressions

After a twelve-hour flight, we arrived in San Francisco, full of excitement. Some of us stayed with friendly host families, while others and our teachers lived in a cool Airbnb. On the way there, we already saw some of California’s beautiful nature and architecture. The biggest challenge at first was getting used to the 9-hour time difference – but our curiosity and excitement helped us forget the jet lag quickly.

A Visit to One of the World’s Top Universities: Stanford University

Our first day started with a real highlight: visiting Stanford University. We had the honor to talk to Martin Hellman – the famous cryptography expert and Turing Award winner who helped invent secure internet communication. After that, we listened to an inspiring presentation by Sonali Rammohan from Stanford Seed, a program that supports entrepreneurs in Africa and Asia. Later, we explored the huge Stanford campus with Mostafa Akbari, a founder who now runs a start-up in San Francisco. We visited the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the famous Palm Drive. We ended the day at the Stanford Shopping Mall – a favorite local place with lots of shops.

School Life at Gunn High School

On the second day, we experienced everyday life at an American high school – Gunn High School in Palo Alto. We presented our own projects in the BEAM class and got great feedback from American students. We also visited beginner and advanced German classes and talked with students there. A special moment was the “Principles of Business” class. We worked in teams with American students to develop fun product ideas – like a burger holder that lets you keep your hands free for gaming! At the end of our school day, we watched the school’s baseball team play – and saw how important sports are at American schools. We were really impressed by the school, the different system, and the many opportunities students have, like their own swimming pool, baseball and basketball fields.

Experiencing Technology and Innovation

The third day was all about Silicon Valley’s tech world. Our first stop was Intuitive Surgical, a company that makes the Da Vinci robot system for surgeries. We even got to try the robots ourselves – very cool! Next, we visited Google’s campus and explored the beautiful area with Google bikes. We ended the day in the massive Westfield Valley Fair Mall, with over 200 stores and 65 restaurants – super impressive!

History and a City Tour with the Former Mayor

Another highlight was the city tour of Palo Alto with Pat Burt, the former mayor. He told us exciting facts about the city and how it became the center of global tech and innovation – home to companies like Apple, Google, Meta (Facebook), and Tesla. After the tour, we had brunch with members of Neighbors Abroad – the organization that made this trip possible – and with host families. We shared cultural experiences and had great conversations. In the afternoon, we visited a big second-hand shop and were surprised how common and easy sustainable shopping is in the US. That evening, we went to a basketball game between Stanford and the University of California – the energy and cheering in the full stadium was unforgettable. We were happy that Stanford won!

Nature Wonders and the Coast

The next morning, we visited the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and saw the giant redwood trees – really amazing! Later, we went to the beach town of Santa Cruz and had fun at the lively boardwalk and amusement park by the ocean. We then drove along the famous Highway 1 to San Francisco – a breathtaking drive with ocean views and cliffs. Of course, we also stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge – even though it was covered in fog, it was still super impressive.

Final Day: Entrepreneurship and Studying in the USA

Time flew by, and soon it was our last program day. We visited Santa Clara University, one of California’s oldest universities. At breakfast, we met interesting people like venture capitalist Morgan Slain, BEAM founder Cristina Flores, Professor Birgit Koopman-Holm, and a student. We asked many questions about starting a business, student life in the USA, and more. Later, we presented our own projects and got great feedback. Finally, Professor Koopman-Holm gave us a campus tour and shared more stories about the university’s history.

A Week Full of Inspiration and New Ideas

This week in California was a unique and unforgettable experience. We learned so much about entrepreneurship, tech, and education in the US – and got to know the American lifestyle and culture. We especially liked that we could also do our own explorations during the trip. It helped us grow both academically and personally. This exchange showed us how powerful and exciting international experiences can be – a week full of inspiration, new ideas, and lasting connections!