School:Helmut Schmidt University
Overview
The university, called in full Helmut Schmidt University / University of the German Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg), is located in Hamburg, Germany. It is commonly abbreviated HSU, and it is one of two military research universities in Germany. The university was founded in 1973 at the initiative of the then-Federal Minister of Defence, Helmut Schmidt. Teaching first started in the Autumn of 1973.
In general, it is accessible only to officers and officer candidates of the Bundeswehr, the German federal armed forces. However, since it started teaching, there have been cooperation agreements with allied countries, on the basis of which a handful of selected officers from these states have been able to study in Hamburg.
Since 2002 there has been a small number of civilian students at the university. A prerequisite for studying as a civilian at the HSU is a business scholarship. These scholarships are usually awarded by foundations with close relationships to industry – thus, these students are at least indirectly being supported by their future employer, usually large companies. As of 2022 tuition costs are currently 2941 euros (humanities), 4403 euros (economics) or 3423 euros (engineering) per academic term.
Academic degrees and titles obtained at HSU are equivalent to those awarded by state universities and are equally valid, since the courses comply with the requirements of Hamburg's higher education legislation. The university is authorised to confer habilitations and doctoral degrees.[1]
Campus ecosystem
Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship
HSU primarily serves as an academic institution for the German Federal Armed Forces, with most students being military personnel. As a result, the university's focus is on equipping students with skills and knowledge that support their military careers rather than encouraging entrepreneurial pursuits. However, HSU recognizes the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) and integrates these principles into various academic and extracurricular offerings.
While there are few explicit I&E programs, several courses incorporate entrepreneurial thinking within broader subject areas such as Value Creation Systems, Digital Engineering, Product Development, and Logistics. The business administration course on Innovation and Network Management is particularly notable. Select experiential courses, like an Introduction to 3D printing, foster hands-on innovation. Inspiration and practical workshops offered by different actors in Hamburg are open to HSU students as well, such as initiatives like Startup to Go, Founders' Table, Lab 2 Market, and Co-Founders Connect! Engagement-focused events such as Startup Camp and Female Entrepreneurship WEEK UP! encourage practical involvement.[2]
Communication channels such as the Startup Port and Innovation Hub newsletters provide students with updates on I&E opportunities. HSU also benefits from excellent infrastructure both at the university and in cooperation with other institutions in Hamburg, with facilities like HSU's central workshop, Open Lab Hamburg, and various departmental labs providing spaces for prototyping and innovation. Bachelor’s and master’s theses with practical components further enhance opportunities for students to engage in innovative projects.
Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship
HSU places a strong emphasis on promoting I&E among its faculty, particularly PhD candidates, who are often civilians. HSU offers numerous programs and support structures to encourage faculty-led I&E initiatives. The University President’s Department for Transfer plays a central role, providing resources for intellectual property management, technology transfer, and cooperation management tailored specifically for HSU employees. External partnerships, such as with the Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC), further support faculty in pursuing cutting-edge innovations.[3]
The dtec.bw Incubator, a startup incubator serving both Bundeswehr universities, offers additional entrepreneurial resources in the security and defence sectors.[4] HSU’s own Innovation Network[5] and connections to the broader Hamburg innovation ecosystem, including organizations like Fab City Hamburg and the New Production Institute, provide ample opportunities for faculty to engage in collaborative and innovative projects. These efforts ensure that faculty at HSU are well-equipped to lead by example in promoting entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
Actively supporting the university technology transfer function
At HSU, the technology transfer function is a cornerstone of its mission to bridge the gap between research and practical application. The University President’s Department for Transfer plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering dedicated support for HSU faculty and researchers. This includes services such as managing intellectual property, facilitating technology transfer, and coordinating partnerships with external organizations.
HSU leverages external collaborations to enhance its technology transfer capabilities. Notably, the ARIC provides specialized support for innovative projects, while the dtec.bw Incubator offers a platform for developing and launching startup ventures. Through these initiatives and a strong connection to Hamburg’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, HSU ensures that its technological advancements contribute to both the academic and broader industrial landscapes.
Facilitating university-industry collaboration
HSU actively fosters collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and practical application of research. The university leverages a network of internal and external partners to create opportunities for joint projects, knowledge exchange, and technological development. Key initiatives include the HSU Innovation Network, which connects researchers with industry stakeholders to tackle real-world challenges.
In addition to internal resources, HSU collaborates with institutions from Hamburg’s broader innovation ecosystem, such as Fab City Hamburg and the New Production Institute. These partnerships provide access to advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainability-focused production methods. By engaging in these collaborative efforts, HSU not only enhances its research impact but also strengthens its role as a key player in regional and national innovation ecosystems.
Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts
HSU plays an active role in promoting regional and local economic development through its strong ties to Hamburg’s innovation ecosystem. By collaborating with organizations such as Fab City Hamburg, the New Production Institute, and the ARIC, HSU contributes to advancing key industries in the region. These partnerships help drive technological innovation and sustainable practices, which in turn support economic growth.
Through initiatives like the HSU Innovation Network and the dtec.bw Incubator, HSU fosters entrepreneurship and the commercialization of research, creating opportunities for startups and industry partnerships. By aligning its research and innovation efforts with the needs of the local economy, HSU ensures that its contributions benefit both the academic community and the broader economic landscape.
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