The aim of STENT-IN is to promote entrepreneurial thinking in the border region and strengthen the joint business location. The initiative is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the EU's INTERREG programme.
At the heart of the initiative is a newly developed elective module entitled ‘Entrepreneurial Thinking and Action in the Border Region’, which is offered at both universities. The course combines traditional lectures, guest lectures, teamwork and online formats with Czech partners. The aim is to raise students' awareness of the potential of the border region and to accompany them from the idea generation stage to the establishment or takeover of a business.
Networking as the key to unlocking shared potential
The kick-off event offered around 40 participants from science, business and administration a practical insight into the project goals and the teams involved. Prof. Dr. Patrick Saßmannshausen from OTH Regensburg and Radim Dušek from VŠTE provided expert input. Their presentations focused on entrepreneurial thinking in times of change and sustainable business models in an international context.
In addition to the project presentation and the introduction of the participating university teams, the programme offered opportunities for exchange and networking. A discussion round was held to gather interests, ideas and wishes for the further development of the project. The event concluded with a guided tour of the co-working and maker space at the OTH Regensburg Start-up Centre.
‘The cooperation with our Czech colleagues is characterised by a high degree of mutual trust and commitment. Together, we are creating new perspectives for students in the border region, and that is a strong signal for the future,’
says Dr Nina Sindersberger, project manager at OTH Regensburg.
A contribution to the European project
The Bavarian-Czech student incubator is based at OTH Regensburg's Start-up Centre. Prof. Dr. Sean Patrick Saßmannshausen, head of the Start-up Centre, is doubly pleased about this project: "It is a promising approach not only to wait for those who want to start a business anyway, but also to stimulate additional start-up ideas. In addition, we are contributing to the European project here, and in today's geopolitical situation, it is particularly important to promote European unity, both on a large and small scale. Our future is European."
The STENT-In project shows how European cooperation can strengthen regional innovation and actively involve students in this process.
