Innovation meets networking

The Future Dialogue 2025 took place last week at Furtwangen University (HFU) on the Tuttlingen campus. This year's theme was “High-tech City at Campus Tuttlingen – the Location Advantage for Local Companies.” The event, which was co-organised by HFU and the City of Tuttlingen with numerous partners, brought together representatives from business, science, and society to discuss current developments, research projects, and opportunities for cooperation.

In his welcome address, Martin Wycisk, Economic Development Officer for the City of Tuttlingen, highlighted the region's particular strength, which lies in the intensive exchange between business and academia. According to Wycisk, companies benefit not only from the skilled workers of tomorrow, but also from practical research, valuable networks, and direct contacts. Prof. Dr. Christoph Reich, Vice-president for Research and Sustainability and Vice-president of Furtwangen University, also highlighted the close cooperation with the City of Tuttlingen and industry partners and referred to the traditional exhibition that takes place annually which offers students and companies the opportunity to learn about current research topics and establish contacts. 

Our role as a university is to educate students and prepare them well for the future. With our research strength, we influence companies to innovate," said Reich. With currently around 100 doctoral students, HFU is one of the strongest research universities in Baden-Württemberg.

Prof. Dr. Martin Haimerl then presented the university's Innovation and Research Center, which is dedicated to the core topic of transfer and supports founders in particular with special initiatives. Ronja Schierjott-Hermle reported on a particularly successful alumni success story, describing her career path from student at the Tuttlingen campus to her current position at Aesculap.

A highlight of the evening was the exhibition of work, preceded by “One Minute Madness,” in which students and graduates presented their projects and theses in just one minute each. The audience was then able to vote in the categories “best project” and “best thesis” to decide who would receive the donated prize money. First place went to the “Follow Mate” project, a concept for a smart camera in the field of human-machine interaction, and the thesis “Maker System,” which deals with automated operating methods.

Prof. Dr. Armin Trost, human resources expert and Dean of the Faculty of Business, Design & Media at HFU, gave a keynote speech on modern leadership culture and motivation. In addition to providing insights into corporate management and responsibility, he also spoke about his own work culture, emphasising how important it is to see students as co-creators.

During refreshments, visitors took the opportunity to engage in intensive discussions at the exhibition stands and in the “job room” with the university's corporate partners, including B. Braun Aesculap AG, Karl Storz, Werma Signaltechnik, and the KLS Martin Group.

The close connection between academia and industry is a special feature of Furtwangen University's concept at its Tuttlingen location – and this year's Future Dialogue proves what inspiring and valuable opportunities this offers for the region.