Nov. 18, 2025 – On Nov. 12 and 13, 2025, the HIMA Group hosted the third edition of its digital 3D conference, "HIMA FUN SAFE." Under the theme "Digitalization of Safety and Security," around 120 international students and young professionals from eight colleges and universities took part in the event. The conference introduces tech-savvy talents to the challenges and opportunities of functional safety and OT security at an early stage.
Full-body avatars, digital whiteboards, breakout rooms, and gamification elements: In 2025, HIMA FUN SAFE once again set new standards for digital learning. As part of the "HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR" digital learning platform, developed in the company's own innovation lab, himalaya, the conference inspires young talents to pursue careers in the field of functional safety. Compared to previous years, the format was made even more interactive with a stronger practical focus, concrete projects, and two topic-specific workshops on functional safety and OT security.
This year, the focus was also on applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Four interactive thematic blocks, featuring presentations, workshops, and networking formats offered participants a didactically well-designed and practical learning experience. TriCAT's new 3D platform created a particularly realistic trade fair and workshop atmosphere including direct feedback via digital sticky notes.
"Functional safety doesn't have to be dry and we prove that every year with HIMA FUN SAFE," said Dr. Holger Manteufel, head of HIMA Academy. "We are delighted that our interactive learning format has been so well received worldwide and that we have been able to attract new university partners and talents."
Around 120 students from colleges and universities in Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, the USA, Czechia, Saudi Arabia, and the UK took part in the conference. A total of 22 presentations were delivered by students, TÜV Rheinland, TÜV Nord, and HIMA experts.
Focus on artificial intelligence
Six presentations showcased AI applications in industrial settings, including one by Imperial College London, which presented a doctoral thesis on the use of AI agents in safety-related applications. BITO Campus and HIMA's innovation lab, himalaya, also contributed exciting presentations.
Learning platform with vision
"With HIMA FUN SAFE and our digital learning platform HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR, we are consistently implementing our #safetygoesdigital strategy," explains Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group. "The success of the 3D conference encourages us to continue developing the field of digital education and training."
The HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR digital learning platform offers students and young professionals interactive learning modules on functional safety supplemented by case studies, exercises, and practical content. Initial projects with industry partners for professional development are already underway.
About HIMA Group
The HIMA Group is a global independent provider of safety-related automation solutions for the process and rail industries that protect people, assets, and the environment from harm. Founded in 1908, the family-owned company is headquartered in Brühl, near Mannheim, (Germany). In 2023, the HIMA Group acquired the British company Sella Controls. This was followed in 2024 by the acquisition of the Norwegian company Origo Solutions.
The HIMA Group employs approx. 1100 employees in 22 group companies worldwide. Regional centers are located in Breda, the Netherlands (Europe, HIMA Benelux), Stockport, England (UK, Sella Controls), Kristiansand, Norway (Scandinavia, Origo Solutions), Singapore (North and South East Asia, HIMA Asia-Pacific), Perth (Australia and New Zealand, HIMA Australia), Shanghai (HIMA China), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (HIMA Middle East) and Houston, USA (North America, HIMA Americas).
The open and independent HIMA Safety Platform combines hardware and software on a single technology platform and offers a uniform security concept. With more than 50,000 installed safety systems (SIL 3 / SIL 4, PL e, CENELEC SIL 4), HIMA is considered a technology leader. In addition to proven safety technology, HIMA offers consulting, safety engineering, and services as well as training.
This results in solutions that ensure functional safety and OT security, compliance with standards, process efficiency and plant availability throughout the entire safety lifecycle.
As a safety expert, HIMA is pioneering the digitalization of functional safety and generates significant added value for customers with holistic safety solutions.
Since the 1960s, HIMA has been a reliable partner to the world's largest companies in the process industry, including chemicals, petrochemicals, energy, and oil and gas.
