Starting with the upcoming cohort in autumn 2025, the Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) at the University of Bayreuth will be under the patronage of the Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs, Dr. Fabian Mehring.
The Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) is an interdisciplinary continuing education program run by the University of Bayreuth. It prepares talented and ambitious students for future leadership roles in the digital economy. By combining practice-oriented knowledge, innovative thinking approaches, and intensive in-person sessions, participants not only sharpen their professional profiles but also develop the leadership skills that are in high demand in the digital world. The DLA will launch its sixth cohort in autumn 2025.
"Anyone who wants to become the Silicon Valley of the future must already be the Talent Valley of today. Our region needs strong digital leaders to secure top positions in tomorrow’s markets and carry our prosperity successfully into the future. With this conviction, it is an honor for me to take on the patronage of the Digital Leadership Academy," said Minister Mehring.
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Röglinger, Academic Director of the DLA and Chair of Information Systems and Value-Based Business Process Management at the University of Bayreuth, also welcomes the new partnership: "I am very pleased about the patronage of our Minister for Digital Affairs. It highlights the importance of digital leadership for Bavaria’s future. The partnership encourages us to empower young talents to shape the digital transformation responsibly and effectively."
The DLA is an extracurricular program designed for committed Master’s students and advanced Bachelor’s students who wish to engage deeply with the digitalization of business and society and aspire to take on leadership responsibilities in their future careers. During two intensive three-week on-site phases, participants attend workshops, lectures, and seminars to acquire hard and soft skills beyond their regular coursework.
Renowned companies help shape the program and offer participants the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience through internships. Current partners include Arthur D. Little, Allianz, Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall, Hilit, KUKA, Schott, and Zeiss. The DLA also offers participants the chance to explore forward-looking questions with the goal of producing a scientific publication and gaining deeper insights into cutting-edge research topics. Throughout the entire program, participants are supported by mentors from both academia and industry.
Applications for the 7th cohort (2026/27) are open from 6 October 2025 to 16 November 2025, at the following address: https://digitalleadershipacademy.de
