Together with six international partner universities from Finland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico and the USA, Hof University is developing joint courses as part of the I2P2 project (Campuls-digital reported). All modules are interdisciplinary and open to students from all disciplines and faculties. Within the framework of this cooperation, students from the sixth semester of the industrial engineering course are now once again taking an excursion to the University of Brescia and to the CSMT business incubator there.
Through joint, intercultural and interdisciplinary learning in lectures and practical projects, the I2P2 project aims to prepare students in the best possible way for work in a globally networked world. In mixed teams, they learn and work on practical issues.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, who is accompanying the group in Italy together with Dr. Mirko Rennert, reports:
“As in 2022, the students’ task now is to collaborate internationally at a joint product development workshop and with the help of the ‘design thinking’ method.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller
And further: “This year, the topic to be addressed by the students comes from the field of hydroponics. The teams have to develop products along the lines of “vertical gardening” for different target groups and locations.”
The regional StartUp Myriad Garden virtually opened the workshop in Brescia for this purpose. Later on, the Italian Startup Life Panel joined the workshop with a presentation and as a team of consultants. The workshop week was complemented by a visit to the Franplast company in the surrounding vineyards of Franciacorta. This is a local SME known for the use of recycled TPE plastics in all application areas from medical technology, toy industry, but also in various everyday objects. The first week of the visit was rounded off by a German-Italian crash course, which the students mastered on site using the speed dating principle. Professors Prof. Silvia Agnielli and Prof. Stefano Pandini from Italy participated in the exchange program.
From May 11, the Italian students will come to Hof University of Applied Sciences for a return visit together with Prof. Stefano Pandini from the University of Bresica. During this week, the developed prototypes will be realized in the Makerspace of Hof University. This week will also be rounded off by a company visit to Vishay in Selb, a trip to Dresden and various visits to regional cuisine and breweries.
Background:
Students can receive funding for travel and lodging expenses to participate in field trips. This is made possible by the program’s funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the “HAW.International.” program initiative. Participation in the I2P2 modules is ideal for all students who want to expand their digital, foreign language, intercultural and professional skills. The credits achieved in the process can be credited to almost all bachelor’s degree programs.
