In 2026, Hof University will once again receive generous support from the Society of Friends and Supporters of Hof University. With its contribution of over 70,000 euros, the Society is making an important contribution to the further development of teaching, research, infrastructure, and student life at the university.
A central component of the funding is a sum of 15,000 euros, which is allocated to the university budget for the president’s annual support funds. These funds enable the university president to respond flexibly and in a needs-oriented manner to specific challenges and necessary measures, and to support strategically important projects at short notice.
Support for Innovation, Technology, and Student Engagement
The Society of Friends and Supporters funds several particularly valuable projects with 10,000 euros each. For example, technical components for the new “Neon” electric race car of the student association HofSpannung e.V. are being financed. The project combines engineering education with practical research, teamwork, and a spirit of innovation, while also enhancing the visibility of Hof University of Applied Sciences in the field of sustainable mobility.
The Mental Health Initiative at Hof University is also being supported with 10,000 euros. The funds will be used for workshops, materials, seating, and other measures that raise awareness of mental health and offer students low-threshold support services.
In addition, the student café “Zur Auszeit” is also receiving 10,000 euros. The funding will be used to improve the interior design, purchase new refrigerators and a fan, and install professional signage, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of the space.
Focus on Internationalization and Communication
The internationalization of Hof University is being strengthened through a grant of 8,000 euros for the International Office. These funds will enable support and guidance services for international students, including orientation and introduction programs in the region as well as the annual Orientation Week.
Internal and external communication at the university also benefits from the support of the Friends Association. The university magazine “campuls-digital” receives 6,000 euros to further expand its digital development and the visibility of university topics.
Support for Research, Creativity, and Campus Life
In the area of research and knowledge transfer, the Society of Friends and Supporters is providing 7,000 euros to the ibp Research Institute at Hof University of Applied Sciences. The funds will be used to finalize a conversion-optimized landing page for the professional presentation of research and development services, as well as for several coordinated LinkedIn campaign formats that will be evaluated based on data and are intended to sustainably increase the institute’s visibility.
Hof University of Applied Sciences’ MakerSpace, the open workshop for tinkerers, is receiving 2,350 euros in funding. The support will go toward technical updates to existing laser cutters as well as infrastructure improvements, thereby strengthening hands-on, creative work across disciplinary boundaries.
The “Go2Hofandstay forever” project, which is dedicated to fostering student and graduate retention in the region, will receive 2,000 euros for catering at smaller events. The IT Forum Upper Franconia, as a supraregional networking event, and the university band were each supported with 2,000 euros.
Recognition of Academic Achievement and Student Success
Last but not least, the Society of Friends and Sponsors is investing 1,000 euros in prizes for graduates of Hof University of Applied Sciences.
This funding recognizes exceptional academic achievements and visibly acknowledges the successful completion of a degree program.
Hof University of Applied Sciences expressly thanks the Society of Friends and Sponsors for its wide-ranging and sustained commitment. The multitude of supported initiatives impressively demonstrates how important the work of the Friends and Sponsors Association is for a vibrant, innovative, and future-oriented university.”
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann, University President
