Innovation Without Borders: Launch of German Jordanian Excellency Hubs on Green Hydrogen and Advanced Materials
2025 marks a milestone in German Jordanian academic-industry collaboration with the inauguration of two new industrial hubs in Hydrogen Engineering and Advanced Materials Engineering.
The German Jordanian University (GJU) and the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) have launched two industrial excellency hubs to connect education, research, and industry in Germany, Jordan, and the MENA region. These hubs are directly tied to new joint bachelor’s programmes by THWS and hosted at GJU, fostering workforce-ready, practice-oriented learning.
Hydrogen Engineering Industry Hub – April 10-11, 2025 (Schweinfurt)
More than 40 participants from industry, academia, and government gathered at THWS to discuss the hydrogen transition, Power-to-X (PtX) technologies, financing models, and regulatory hurdles. The event featured input from Hydrogen Centre Bavaria (H2.B), Fraunhofer IAO, and Schaeffler Technologies as well as the Jordan Chamber of Industry and the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR). It also included a site visit to Schaeffler’s facilities.
Prof. Dr. Arnulf Hörtnagl, THWS coordinator for Hydrogen Engineering, emphasized:
“Following the successful completion of the first hydrogen hub, we look forward to exploring this topic in greater depth in the coming years and strengthening the networks between industry and research, and between Germany and Jordan. Let's not just talk about it but work together to realise projects and ideas that do justice to the long-term role of hydrogen as a sustainable energy storage medium.”
PACE Hub: Advanced Materials Engineering – June 16–18, 2025 (Würzburg)
In anticipation of the October launch of the Advanced Materials Engineering major, the PACE Hub brought together experts from the plastics and polymer sectors in both countries. Participants included the German partnres and companies such as PlasticsEurope, Hadi Plast, and Sumitomo Demag as well as the Jordan Chamber of Industry, and various Jordanian industry partners. Discussions addressed sustainability, innovation, digital manufacturing, and regional collaboration.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marcus Schuck, THWS programme coordinator, stated:
“This meeting has built a strong foundation for ongoing partnerships and educational exchange, bringing new opportunities for investment and development to both nations.”
Karsten Anger, CEO from Hadi Plast added:
“The fruitful discussions between representatives from both countries align with our company’s plans to invest in the Jordanian market, in which we see high potential.”
The event was joined by Prof. Dr. Iyas Khader, Vice President for Academic Excellence at GJU, and various industry representatives from both Germany and Jordan, such as a keynote speech by Mrs. Tanja Rühl from PlasticsEurope, Dr. Reema AlBaghdadi from the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Mr. Karsten Anger from Hadi Plast, a company located in both Germany and Jordan, as well as Martin Pütz from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH, who also joined the event and presented input speeches.
A Future-Focused Model
THWS President Prof. Dr. Jean Meyer noted:
“The applied science character of THWS means students will graduate as highly employable professionals. These hubs strengthen ties between academia and industry and ensure study programmes reflect real-world demands.”
Both hubs are now set to convene annually, continuing to drive joint research, innovation, and sustainable economic development.