The five-day intensive programme focused on how companies can successfully shape digital and sustainable transformation (‘twin transformation’). Students from Belgium, Germany, Finland, Israel and Switzerland worked together in international and interdisciplinary teams, combining theoretical principles with application-oriented methods of entrepreneurship.
Practical work with regional companies
A special element of the programme was the multi-day hackathon, during which the students worked on challenges posed by three industry partners – Liqui Moly, Pfersich and Uzin Utz. Using design thinking, the teams developed concrete solution ideas for current issues in the areas of sustainability, digitalisation and entrepreneurial transformation. The programme was supplemented by lectures, workshops and company visits, which provided insights into entrepreneurial practice and sustainable future strategies.
Intercultural exchange and a varied cultural programme
In addition to the intensive work phases, the Winter School also offered a varied cultural and excursion programme. Highlights included a visit to the Hymer Museum, trips to Lindau and an evening together at the Christmas market in Bregenz. The students took the opportunity to network internationally and explore the region.
Latest edition of a format offering great added value
‘Diversity and international cooperation are crucial for taking a holistic view of the challenges posed by twin transformation,’ emphasised Prof. Dr. Daniel Schallmo, head of the programme at HNU. ‘Through close cooperation with companies, students learn not only to develop innovative solutions, but also to transfer them to real business contexts.’
Programme organisers Amelie Velten, Katharina Ehmig-Klassen and Verena Mattes added: ‘The fact that we were able to hold HNU's largest Winter School to date this year demonstrates the enormous relevance of the topic and the strong interest of our international partners. It was a great pleasure for us to organise this last major event for ISUL and thus celebrate the conclusion of our third-party funded project in a fitting manner.’
About the International Startup League
ISUL, which expires at the end of the year, is a third-party funded project of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with the aim of strengthening international cooperation, expanding innovative and practice-oriented teaching formats, and promoting networking between teaching, research and administration.
Ansprechpartnerin
Verena Mattes
