The initiative, in which numerous Bavarian and four South African universities and research institutions are participating, aims to strengthen the potential of both regions in the field of biotechnology and enable synergy effects—among other things through student exchanges, research collaborations, start-up support, and technology transfer. The activities are coordinated and supported by the Bavaria-Africa Scientific Coordination Office (WKS Bayern-Afrika) of the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR).
Individual agreement strengthens link between biotechnology and smart production
In addition to the joint memorandum of understanding within the framework of the BioTech initiative, HNU also concluded an additional agreement with Stellenbosch University, which, among other things, lays the foundation for cooperation at the interface of biotechnology and smart production: The Smart Production and Logistics Technology Transfer Center (TTZ) in Leipheim and its South African partner are planning interdisciplinary cooperation projects that will enable the development and expansion of expertise in biotech production, smart lab technologies, and industrial bioeconomy on both continents. Closer cooperation is also planned with the Faculty of Health Management.
“HNU has been cultivating intensive partnerships on the African continent for two decades. With the new cooperation agreements, we are going one step further to connect knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility across continents and jointly develop solutions to the global challenges of our time,” says HNU President Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser.
Söder: BioTech initiative promotes future technologies and drives innovation
Bavaria's Minister President Dr. Markus Söder: “Science and technology hold great promise for the future. We are starting a new chapter of cooperation between Bavaria and the Western Cape in South Africa. Together, our two countries live by the principle of progress through technology. I am convinced that science makes our lives better. With the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria, we are investing a total of six billion euros in future technologies and our universities and colleges. That is more than any other federal state in Germany. But the economy also benefits from these science partnerships. Only through innovation will we be able to preserve jobs and keep up with international competition.”
Cooperation with African partners is a tradition at HNU
For 20 years, HNU has been working closely with African partner universities and German and African companies on application-oriented education, transfer, and research projects. These activities are bundled in the university's interdisciplinary Africa Institute. In view of global transformation processes and changing geopolitical conditions, these long-term, equal partnerships are becoming increasingly important strategically. They are examples of a future-oriented form of international cooperation based on sustainability, innovation, and common development goals.
