The event “Funding Safari through the EU Jungle” at Hof University of Applied Sciences recently attracted numerous representatives from business, science and consulting. Organized by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia Bayreuth in cooperation with Hof University of Applied Sciences, the free event offered practical insights into the wide range of EU funding opportunities and opened up new perspectives for cooperation between companies and research institutions.
To kick off the event, renowned experts provided valuable insights into applying for EU funding in spotlight interviews. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk, Vice President of Hof University of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Holger Friedrich from the Fraunhofer Application Center for Textiles explained the funding landscape, reported on their own experiences with funding and presented key challenges. In addition, representatives from the government of Upper Franconia and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts presented practical success factors for submitting applications.
Bavaria is the benchmark for winning funding that flows into innovation.”
Wolfram Brehm, Managing Director of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for Upper Franconia
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk, Vice President of Research, Development and Entrepreneurship at Hof University of Applied Sciences, added:
“Cooperation between companies and universities means turning ideas into reality via research and start-ups.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk
Targeted information for companies and researchers
Participants were then able to obtain individual information in two parallel sessions. While one session focused specifically on funding opportunities for companies, the other was dedicated to science. Topics such as INTERREG programmes, internationalization funding and strategic funding options were presented in detail by experts from the Bavarian Research Alliance, the National Contact Point INTERREG B Central Europe and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia Bayreuth. In addition, a session on successful applications within the framework of Horizon Europe offered practical insights. The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts also provided information on current developments in ERDF and ESF.
Intensive exchange and positive feedback
The final networking session offered participants the opportunity to exchange ideas with company and funding representatives. The large turnout at the stands and the consistently positive response underlined the high level of interest in EU funding opportunities and the existing need for advice in the region.
The organizers were very satisfied with the event and announced that they would continue to actively support the topic of funding opportunities. The aim is to further lower the access barriers for companies and science through similar formats and to strengthen the transfer of knowledge in the region.
