Innovation up close: Kevelaer and Xanten business development agencies explore Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) opened its doors for an exclusive campus tour on June 4, 2024. The Kevelaer and Xanten business development agencies, represented by Ms. Rohde and Mr. Boßmann, as well as entrepreneurs from the two cities and the Lower Rhine region were invited. The event with around 20 participants offered insights into the diverse research, teaching and transfer activities of the HSRW and strengthened the cooperation between the university and the regional economy.

The event kicked off with a welcome by Peter Kisters, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer and head of our project “TransRegINT: Transformation of the Lower Rhine Region – Innovation, Sustainability, Participation”. He emphasized the importance of the project for the regional economy and the innovative strength of the HSRW. Verena Rohde from the Kevelaer Economic Development Agency added: “It is important to us to network Kevelaer companies and HSRW more closely. We want to lower the inhibition thresholds and also involve small and medium-sized companies. TransRegINT creates new opportunities that we haven’t even thought of yet. Science and practice should come together more and thus jointly strengthen the innovative power of our region.”

Insights into the teaching and research activities of the HSRW

Prof. Dr. habil. Jens Gebauer guided the group through the tropical greenhouse and presented sustainable cultivation methods. The innovative approaches in cooperation with regional agriculture, such as research into drought-resistant crops, were particularly impressive. During a coffee break, the guests had the opportunity to get to know the Agroforestry Living Laboratory team and taste products from the regional agroforestry partners, such as goat ice cream. Norbert Reintjes then guided the group through the modern laboratories and technical halls of the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, where practical training and pioneering research approaches were presented in an exemplary final thesis.

The event concluded with a networking session. Christian Boßmann from the Xanten Economic Development Agency summarized: “I am delighted that around 20 companies took up the offer and informed themselves on site about the many opportunities for cooperation with HSRW. This event has shown how important it is to create synergies and initiate collaborations in order to transfer knowledge and get to know the skilled workers of tomorrow.” The informal get-together encouraged dialog and laid the foundations for future collaborations, such as interdisciplinary student projects and final theses.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Kisters drew a positive conclusion: “We want to show that the doors of our university are always open. Such events are crucial to intensify the dialog with the economy. Business and science are united in their commitment to making our region fit for the future and to contributing to progressive and future-oriented development between the Rhine and Waal rivers.” Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences would like to thank all participants and looks forward to future collaborations and events that will help initiate joint projects to further strengthen HSRW and the regional economy.