Certificate Program: Design and Validation Process and Information Systems of Product Development
This certificate program combines six complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants who successfully complete the Certificate Program and pass the final examination receive the corresponding ECTS credits. These credits are fully recognized as one module within the HECTOR School Master of Science program.
Participants build a broad understanding of the design and validation process and information systems of product development, covering product development processes and activities, IoT solutions for product lifecycle management (PLM), patent strategy in industry, introduction and application to SysML, lightweight design, and structured problem solving in mechatronic system development (SPALTEN). The program further explores how systematic development processes, model-based systems engineering, digital lifecycle tools, and strategic innovation protection interact to enable efficient, robust, and market-ready product development across all stages.
General Information
| Date | Feb 22 - Mar 5, 2027 |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Location | On campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Cost | 3,950€ |
Further questions?
Martina Waldner
Senior Program Consultant
info∂hectorschool.kit.edu
+49 721 608 47880
Program Structure
This certificate program combines six complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants build a broad understanding of the design and validation process and information systems of product development, covering product development processes and activities, IoT solutions for product lifecycle management (PLM), patent strategy in industry, introduction and application to SysML, lightweight design, and structured problem solving in mechatronic system development (SPALTEN). The program further explores how systematic development processes, model-based systems engineering, digital lifecycle tools, and strategic innovation protection interact to enable efficient, robust, and market-ready product development across all stages.
Product Development Processes and Activities
Introduction to Product Development Processes and Activities, covering core concepts of systematic design workflows, customer-driven innovation, and practical tools and methods for efficiently planning, executing, and optimizing product development activities according to company and client demands.
| Date | Feb 22, 2027 |
| Duration | 1 day |
Structured Problem Solving in Mechatronic System Development - SPALTEN
Introduction to Structured Problem Solving in Mechatronic System Development – SPALTEN, covering core concepts of systematic problem analysis, structured solution finding, and practical approaches for identifying, evaluating, and resolving complex challenges in mechatronic product development.
| Date | Feb 23 - 24, 2027 |
| Duration | 1,5 days |
IoT Solutions for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Introduction to IoT Solutions for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), covering core concepts of connected systems, product data integration, and approaches for leveraging IoT technologies to monitor, manage, and optimize products across their entire lifecycle.
| Date | Feb 22 - 24, 2027 |
| Duration | 2,5 days |
Patent Strategy in Industry
Introduction to Patent Strategy in Industry, covering core concepts of intellectual property protection, patent portfolio management, and strategic approaches for securing, leveraging, and defending innovations to strengthen competitive advantage in industrial contexts.
| Date | Mar 1, 2027 |
| Duration | 1 day |
Introduction and Application to SysML
Introduction and Application to SysML, covering core concepts of model-based systems engineering, system modeling notation, and practical approaches for specifying, analyzing, and documenting complex systems to support structured, consistent, and traceable product development.
| Date | Mar 2 - 3, 2027 |
| Duration | 1,5 days |
Lightweight Design
Introduction to Lightweight Design, covering core concepts of material selection, structural optimization, and design principles for reducing weight while maintaining strength and functionality, enabling efficient, sustainable, and high-performance product development across engineering applications.
| Date | Mar 3 - 5, 2027 |
| Duration | 2,5 days |
Who should attend
This certificate program is designed for professionals seeking a structured introduction to the design and validation process and information systems of product development.
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Development engineers and product managers
Strengthen process know-how, methods, and digital tool competence in product development. -
Systems and mechatronics engineers
Apply model-based approaches (SysML) and structured problem solving (SPALTEN) to complex systems. -
PLM and digitalization specialists
Implement IoT-based PLM solutions and integrate information systems across the lifecycle. -
Design and lightweight engineering specialists
Develop efficient, resource-optimized, and manufacturable product designs. -
IP and innovation managers
Build patent strategies to protect innovations and secure competitive advantage. -
Consultants and researchers
Support process maturity or apply modern PD and MBSE methods in practice.
Ready to join the full certificate program?
Book the complete program to benefit from a coherent learning journey across all six certificate courses.