The day’s programme included, amongst other things, visits to Fraunhofer ISIT, Condias GmbH and Prokon Regenerative Energien eG. There were also presentations by X-FAB MEMS Foundry Itzehoe GmbH, Reinholz Software & Technology GmbH, Custom Cells Itzehoe GmbH and Pano Verschluss GmbH. During technical discussions, opportunities for cooperation were explored and proposals for staff training through work-integrated study programmes at Kiel University of Applied Sciences were discussed. At Fraunhofer ISIT, the director, Dr Axel Müller-Groeling, emphasised the need for students to carry out research and development work in microtechnology and storage development: “Provided there is sufficient demand, ISIT would like to increase the number of students at the institute to around 80 next year.” All the other companies also signalled their needs. “The shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technology-related professions, and the economic pressure to innovate are leading companies to engage more and more with students and universities,” commented Prof. Dr Ralf Thiericke, Director of IZET Itzehoe.

“By acquiring a stake in the Gesellschaft für Technologieförderung Itzehoe mbH (IZET), Kiel University of Applied Sciences has significantly strengthened its ties with Itzehoe,” said Prof. Dr Kay Poggensee of Kiel University of Applied Sciences. “We are very interested in collaborating with innovative companies and aim to achieve this through work placements, as well as through our students’ coursework and dissertations. Together with IZET, we are planning further visits to the innovation hub and to interested companies in the Steinburg district.”