On 2 June 2025, the successful pitch and networking format ‘Kooperation konkret!’ took place for the second time at OTH Regensburg - with over 100 participants from universities, business and the region. The aim: concrete starting points for joint projects. Under the motto ‘Shaping transformation’, representatives from research and practice discussed how current challenges can be mastered together.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, emphasised the university's responsibility not only to offer excellent teaching and research, but also to actively contribute to regional change. One example of this is the Open Regional Campus (ORCA) - a new model for practice-orientated, open technology transfer - initiated jointly with the district of Kelheim. ‘We want to create spaces in which science and practice meet at eye level - and that is exactly what is happening today, here, at ’Kooperation konkret!" As OTH Regensburg, we see ourselves not only as an educational and research institution, but also as a driving force for the region," said OTH President Prof Dr Schneider.
New formats for direct dialogue
Ute John-Unterburger, Managing Director of ORCA, presented the project and announced further formats - including ‘Open Pitch & Snack’, where companies can gain compact insights into current research projects online. The ‘Kooperation konkret!’ event also marked the official launch of ORCA. More information at: www.oth-regensburg.de/forschen/open-regional-campus
A central element of the event was the panel discussion, moderated by Dr Marcus Graf, Managing Director of the Centre for Research and Transfer. Dr Christoph Skornia (Vice President for IT Security, Digitalisation, Sustainability and Social Responsibility and STEM Promotion) and Prof. Dr Oliver Steffens (Vice President for Research and International Affairs) shed light on the challenges of digital and social transformation - and how universities can actively support them with expertise, young talent and networks.
18 pitches - 3 minutes - many new connections
The 18 compact research pitches were a highlight of the event. In three minutes each, professors and research associates presented their current projects - from health topics to digitalisation. A bell sounded to mark the transition to the next pitch.
This was followed by an open exchange on the ‘marketplace’ in the foyer. There, guests were able to talk directly to the speakers - and initial collaborations were agreed on the spot.
Cooperation for better women's health
An impressive example: Prof. Dr Solveig Groß from the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences presented her project for the early detection of pre-eclampsia - a disease that is one of the most common causes of death in women worldwide during pregnancy and childbirth. On the same day, a collaboration was established with Dr Hans Bügl from Thermo Fisher Scientific. The physician emphasised: "We need strong partners in the industry. Because simple, cost-effective screening methods can save lives."
Parallel to the pitch programme, numerous institutions provided information about cooperation opportunities with OTH Regensburg: the technology transfer centres, the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW), the Association of Friends of OTH Regensburg e.V. and the Regensburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Palatinate/Kelheim
