Semester Hackathon Connects Hochschule Offenburg and Mid Sweden University
A recent joint hackathon connecting Mid Sweden University and Hochschule Offenburg showed what can happen when European cross-border collaboration meets open education, interdisciplinary learning and challenge-based innovation. Throughout an intensive week-long programme, students from both universities worked together to turn human-centred ideas into viable project concepts. Using machine learning and smart automation, they explored how digital tools can support creative problem-solving and respond to real-world needs. The hackathon brought together Business Administration students from Mid Sweden University and Media students from Hochschule Offenburg. This combination of different academic backgrounds encouraged a dynamic exchange of perspectives and created space for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students were able to combine business thinking, media expertise, technological solutions and creative approaches to innovation. The event also reflected the wider goals of European academic cooperation: building bridges between institutions, strengthening student engagement and creating learning environments that go beyond traditional classroom settings. By working in international teams, participants had the opportunity to develop not only project ideas, but also key skills such as communication, teamwork, intercultural understanding and entrepreneurial thinking. The programme was led by Prof. Dr Jürgen Seitz from Hochschule Offenburg, Dr Gözel Shakeri from the University of Strasbourg, Prof. Anna Sörensson from Mid Sweden University, and Annika Brand from Black Forest Innovation. Their expertise, insight and interactive approach supported students throughout the process and helped create an engaging environment for interdisciplinary learning and innovation. The hackathon proved to be a valuable example of how European universities can work together to support open education and challenge-based innovation, while giving students the opportunity to transform ideas into meaningful and future-oriented solutions.
ChallengeEU Research Matchmaking Workshop Launches New Collaborative Initiatives
The first ChallengeEU Research Matchmaking Workshop, hosted by Mid Sweden University on 13 April, brought together 44 researchers from across the alliance to initiate new collaborations and explore joint research opportunities. Following a joint introduction, participants worked in four thematic breakout groups covering areas such as IoT and AI, additive manufacturing, anxiety, depression, stress and trauma, and digital health, health economic evaluations, and policy. The interactive format enabled participants to quickly identify shared interests, complementary expertise, and potential pathways for future cooperation. For example, in the IoT, AI and Electrification group, participants aligned around AI applications, data-driven development, and the role of AI in education and organisations. The group has already established a shared communication channel and scheduled a follow-up meeting in June to continue developing ideas. In the Metal Additive Manufacturing group, researchers connected across the full value chain—from materials and processes to industrial applications. Key collaboration areas include advanced materials such as tungsten, characterisation methods, and educational uses of 3D printing. The group also identified several relevant funding opportunities and has planned a follow-up meeting in late May. Overall, the workshop marked a strong starting point for deeper research collaboration within ChallengeEU, with several concrete follow-up activities already underway.
