On January 15, 2026, NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul visited Hochschule Rhein-Waal in Kamp-Lintfort, where he gave a lecture on cybersecurity and cybercrime. In the packed lecture hall, the minister delivered a guest lecture at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Matthias Reintjes, Professor of Public Administration and Digital Transformation, to around 100 students of the Administrative Informatics – E-Government, B.Sc. program, and subsequently answered numerous questions from the students.
In his lecture at the Faculty of Communication and Environment at Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Reul highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity for government action, focusing in particular on the changing conditions for police and law enforcement authorities. The ongoing digitalization of governmental processes, the increasing interconnection of critical infrastructures, and the growing professionalism of cybercriminals present the state with new, complex challenges.
“Digitalization certainly has many positive aspects, but of course it also means that the bad guys and girls are increasingly shifting their criminal activities online. One must, of course, respond to that. That’s why we have police officers on the streets and have also been training cybercops in North Rhine-Westphalia for some time,” said Reul. At the same time, the Interior Minister emphasized that the impacts of digital threats extend far beyond internal security; they also threaten the economy and open society as a whole.
A central concern of the lecture was the necessity of integrating technological, organizational, and legal competencies more closely. Especially at the interface of administration, IT, and law, future professionals bear a special responsibility. The state relies on well-trained specialists, such as the administrative informatics students at Hochschule Rhein-Waal.
Following the lecture, Herbert Reul spent around 45 minutes answering students’ questions and engaging in discussion. In a lively debate, numerous topics were addressed, including the role of the state in defending against hybrid threats, the use of new technologies in policing, questions of data protection, and the balance between security and civil liberties. The intensive Q&A session highlighted the students’ strong interest in security and digital policy issues and provided an opportunity for direct exchange between policymakers and young academics.
The President of the University, Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen, thanked the Interior Minister for the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. The visit made an important contribution to connecting science, practice, and political decision-making. At the same time, an exchange between political decision-makers and students strengthens the societal relevance of higher education.
The Administrative Informatics – E-Government, B.Sc. program is a dual study program in a block model. E-Government involves developing innovative IT solutions for administration and business. In addition to acquiring expertise in information and communication technologies, students also develop social, communication, and organizational skills. They learn the specific requirements of public administration, gain the necessary know-how to find economically viable solutions, and become familiar with the legal framework within which they will work. The interdisciplinary program trains experts who are qualified for almost all sectors. It enables graduates to apply new technologies in municipalities, at state and federal levels, in European institutions, and in the business sector.
Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Hochschule Rhein-Waal was founded in 2009 and stands for an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international education for young people. At its campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, the university offers a total of 25 bachelor’s and eleven master’s degree programs across four faculties – “Technology and Bionics,” “Life Sciences,” “Society and Economics,” and “Communication and Environment.” The courses at Hochschule Rhein-Waal are scientific, application-oriented, and internationally focused. They are characterized by high quality and practical relevance in teaching and research. Approximately 75 percent of the programs are taught in English, and currently nearly 6,250 students from over 120 nations study together in an environment chosen by many specifically for its cultural diversity and internationality. This provides students with intercultural exchange opportunities and optimal preparation for the national and international job market.
Press Contact Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Dr. Petra Radtke
Head of the Presidential Staff Unit
Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Campus Kleve
Marie-Curie-Straße 1
D-47533 Kleve
Tel.: +49 (0) 2821 806 73-326
Email: presse@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Website: www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Deymann Shipping is one of the established players in European inland shipping and is particularly active in the transport of liquid and dry goods on the German and Dutch waterways. As a modern logistics service provider, the company has for years relied on efficient, reliable, and increasingly low-emission transport solutions, thus making an important contribution to reducing road traffic congestion and cutting CO₂ emissions.
Andreas Stolte, Chairman of the EcoPort813 Association based in Wesel, emphasizes the strategic significance of Deymann Shipping’s membership for the association: “With Deymann Shipping, EcoPort813 gains a leading player in European inland shipping. In particular, the company’s long-standing expertise in liquid cargo and container transport perfectly complements the logistical competencies of our members in ports, logistics, and infrastructure, and strengthens the association’s ability to comprehensively develop robust transport solutions for hydrogen and its derivatives,” says Stolte.
Deymann Shipping joined the EcoPort813 Association for Hydrogen & Sustainable Energy at the beginning of the year. With this membership, the traditional family-owned company underscores its commitment to a sustainable transformation of inland shipping and logistics along the waterways.
Against the backdrop of energy and climate policy goals, the use of renewable energies, especially hydrogen and its derivatives, is becoming increasingly important. Deymann Shipping sees inland shipping as a central link for future hydrogen transport chains between ports and industrial or consumption regions along the Rhine corridor.
“With our membership in EcoPort813, we want to bring our practical experience from inland shipping into the network and work together with ports, shipping companies, and other logistics and industrial partners on viable solutions for the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy,” explains the management of Deymann Shipping. “Inland shipping, in particular, offers great potential to transport renewable energy sources safely, efficiently, and in large volumes.”
The goal of the membership is to jointly further develop interfaces between shipping, ports, industry, and the energy sector, and to advance concrete projects for climate-neutral logistics. EcoPort813 provides a platform to pool know-how, initiate pilot projects, and actively support the necessary market ramp-up of hydrogen as a central element of the energy transition.
Founded around two and a half years ago, the EcoPort813 Association brings together well-known international companies, research institutions, and municipalities, offering a wide range of cooperation and project opportunities for building hydrogen value chains—particularly in transport and logistics. The association’s thematic and geographical focus extends over an area ranging from the Dutch seaports through the metropolitan regions along the Rhine and Ruhr to the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The focus here is on building a supply chain for the transport of ammonia/hydrogen from import seaports in the Netherlands/Belgium via the Rhine corridor and its ports as hubs to central consumption centers. This is intended to create a hybrid and flexible supply, particularly for medium-sized industries that cannot be supplied via pipelines.
To initially concentrate H2 activities in the Lower Rhine region, DeltaPort Lower Rhine Ports already joined forces in 2021 with the Port of Rotterdam and other companies and institutions in the region to form the working group “EcoPort813 – H2UB DeltaPort.” With a view to hydrogen and CO2-free energy carriers, the association aims to network its members, initiate and implement joint projects, and promote synergies. The transition away from fossil fuels is not only an ecological but also an economic challenge for all economic regions. Green hydrogen (H2) will play a key role in the energy mix of the future.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The “EcoPort813 – Association for Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy e.V.,” or EcoPort813, promotes cross-sector national and international cooperation in the interest of its members and in the context of sustainable and climate-friendly national development. The association acts as a supporter, driver, and partner of projects to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and to initiate, develop, and implement hydrogen-based projects and collaborations among its member companies.
Contact:
EcoPort813 – Association for Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy e.V.
Moltkestraße 8
D-46483 Wesel
Phone: +49 (281) 300 230 3 – 0
Fax: +49 (281) 300 230 3 – 33
Website: www.ecoport813.de
Email: office@ecoport813.de
Funding for four REGIONALE 2025 projects – funds provided by the State of NRW and the EU from the EFRE/JTF NRW programme
How can a regionally developed AI data platform help companies in South Westphalia become more independent? How can training in metal construction be modernised? Why do we need more circular economy approaches? Four newly awarded REGIONALE 2025 projects from South Westphalia provide answers to these questions. The projects can now be implemented. Funding totalling just over €12 million is available for this purpose from the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 programme. The funds come from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union.
“Once again, the project leaders have succeeded in addressing smart solutions to challenges faced by companies, but also by municipalities and apprentices. Their projects within REGIONALE 2025 are digital, sustainable and authentic – and so well thought out that additional funding is now flowing to South Westphalia,” emphasised Thomas Grosche, District Administrator of the Hochsauerland district and Chair of the REGIONALE 2025 Committee. In addition to the three-star projects from the fields of mobility, culture and urban development already communicated in December, four further projects were also awarded the third star by the committee. This means that they enjoy backing from the region as well as a clear funding and financing perspective.
Just over €12 million from funds of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the EU are available for projects from the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia” for which the ERDF assessment committee has issued a funding recommendation.
3rd Star: “AKIS – Adaptive AI Infrastructure for Innovation in South Westphalia” (Siegen / South Westphalia)
Artificial intelligence is transforming work, education and innovation in South Westphalia as well. With the project “AKIS – Adaptive AI Infrastructure for Innovation in South Westphalia”, a versatile platform is to be created as part of REGIONALE 2025 that connects research and industry and provides small and medium-sized enterprises with low-threshold access to modern AI technologies. The University of Siegen and numerous companies aim to bring artificial intelligence from theory into practice with “AKIS”. The goal is to establish a flexible and adaptable AI research infrastructure in South Westphalia that goes beyond the offerings of traditional cloud providers or models such as ChatGPT. It is intended to enable research, SMEs and industry alike to use AI independently, securely and sustainably.
Funding: The project “AKIS” is expected to receive €5.8 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “Meisterstück DIGITAL” (Lippstadt / South Westphalia)
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences and many partners aim to modernise training in metal construction. Within REGIONALE 2025, they have developed the project “Meisterstück DIGITAL”. The aim is to create a practice-oriented learning and assistance platform from which companies and apprentices alike will benefit, making training more digital, resource-efficient and attractive. The platform will be accessible via PC and app. It will bundle various learning locations such as vocational schools, companies and intercompany training centres and integrate existing technologies such as augmented reality and AI, as well as existing knowledge, into a single application.
Funding: The project “Meisterstück DIGITAL” is expected to receive €1.44 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “ReCirclE” (Attendorn / South Westphalia)
The project “ReCirclE” aims to establish an open transfer platform for the circular economy in Attendorn. The goal is to help companies develop methods that already take automated disassembly and recycling of materials into account during the design of products or tools and integrate these aspects into production processes from the outset. The project aims to create modular, cost-effective solutions that help companies save resources, reduce CO₂ emissions and open up new business models. The project is to be implemented at the Automotive Center South Westphalia (ACS) – a project of REGIONALE 2013 – by the University of Siegen, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences and ACS.
Funding: The REGIONALE 2025 project “ReCirclE” is expected to receive €3.6 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “#wieneu Circular Economy Centre” (Arnsberg / South Westphalia)
The City of Arnsberg is establishing a municipal circular economy centre that brings together repair, reuse, exchange and lending systems for household and everyday products under one roof. Less throwing away, more repairing, passing on or refurbishing and reprocessing. The planned centre will offer space for workshops, advisory services and learning formats. These are intended to clearly demonstrate to society and the economy how the circular economy works in everyday life. Many companies from Arnsberg and the surrounding area support the project. They contribute their products, learn together and help further develop the circular economy locally.
Funding: The REGIONALE 2025 project “#wieneu Circular Economy Centre” is expected to receive €1.2 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
For forward-looking, sustainable and innovative projects in North Rhine-Westphalia, EU funds totalling €1.9 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) are available under the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 programme. This is supplemented by co-financing from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and project contributions. Projects are supported in the thematic areas of innovation, sustainability, SME support, quality of life, mobility, structural change in coal-phase-out regions, as well as strategic technologies and competitiveness. Further information is available at www.efre.nrw.
52 REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia already awarded the third star
With these four “new additions”, the number of projects with secured or prospective funding within REGIONALE 2025 rises to 52. “This is already a great success for the region. It means that, on 52 occasions, numerous stakeholders from districts, cities, villages, universities, associations, tourism, culture and business have come together and are jointly working on relevant solutions for the region,” said Dr Stephanie Arens and Hubertus Winterberg of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH. The agency coordinates and supports REGIONALE 2025 in the region and, together with the project leaders and partners such as the Arnsberg District Government, seeks funding options. To date, around €125 million in funding has been secured for REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia. The final committee round of REGIONALE 2025 is scheduled for summer 2026.
An overview of all REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia can be found at www.regionale-suedwestfalen.com.
REGIONALE 2025 is a structural programme of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is supported by urban development funding from the German federal government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Stephan Müller
PR Manager
REGIONALE 2025 / Regional Marketing
Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH
Martinstraße 15
57462 Olpe
Phone: +49 (0)2761 835 11-28
Mobile: +49 (0)151 2772 8001
Fax: +49 (0)2761 83511-29
Email: s.mueller@suedwestfalen.com
Government President Hands Over Funding Notices for “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” – Collaboration Between Universities, Economic Development Agencies, and Südwestfalen Agentur – Launch in January 2026
For the first time, numerous partners from South Westphalia are pooling their efforts to specifically attract and integrate international skilled workers for the region. The project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” aims to establish the necessary structures, test digital approaches, and share knowledge within the region. Small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to benefit in particular. Heinrich Böckelühr, Government President of the Arnsberg administrative district, handed over seven funding notices totaling 3.78 million euros to the project partners around Südwestfalen Agentur. The project can now commence at the beginning of 2026.
“Central to the project is the question of how companies can successfully attract and integrate international skilled and labor forces. Especially in times of significant transformational pressure, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge for businesses. South Westphalia is economically very strong. Many of the numerous medium-sized family businesses often do not have the capacity to strategically address international skilled workers,” emphasized Government President Heinrich Böckelühr. “The regional alliance of universities, economic development agencies, and Südwestfalen Agentur provides a holistic approach. This is important for our state because the work of the ‘NRW Fachkräfteagentur International’ requires strategic contact points in the regions,” added Böckelühr during the handover of the funding notices.
The participating partners include the University of Siegen, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, FernUniversität Hagen, agentur mark GmbH, wfg Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Soest, and Südwestfalen Agentur. Each organization addresses a different aspect. They recognized that while there are isolated initiatives in South Westphalia for integrating and recruiting international skilled workers, there is neither a unified approach nor coordinated exchange of experience. This is where “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” comes in.
Building Networks, Using AI, Creating New Offers & Sharing Knowledge
Marie Ting, Head of Regional Marketing at Südwestfalen Agentur, welcomed the funding for this joint approach. “The cooperative approach in South Westphalia is a real plus for the region.” The agency’s role in the project is to connect regional actors, communicate joint activities, and pass on insights to companies in South Westphalia. “We focus on the needs of businesses and look at where gaps in services exist and how they can be closed,” said Saskia Haardt-Cerff, project manager of the ongoing funding project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen” at Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH. Marie Ting added: “Our goal must be for South Westphalia to be known nationwide as a region that is well-structured in supporting international skilled workers.”
With thousands of international students, the four participating universities possess valuable knowledge about regional needs and challenges. They also create new offerings—partly using artificial intelligence—and consolidate their research findings. Representing South Westphalia, Märkischer Kreis and Kreis Soest serve as experimental areas. There, solutions are tested and examined to determine how local and subregional support systems can function effectively.
South Westphalian Project Partners Already Collaborating
Almost all project partners are experienced in collaboration. In the currently ongoing funding project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen,” they already work together in a coordinated manner. Through practical offerings, small and medium-sized enterprises are supported in positioning themselves as attractive employers. During the project, the potential of international skilled workers became evident.
With its new project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect,” the South Westphalia region is not alone. A similar approach is being pursued in the Cologne/Bonn region. What Cologne tests in the metropolitan area, South Westphalia applies to the rural region. Both regions have agreed to maintain close exchange.
The project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” is funded through the call “Regio.NRW – Transformation” with resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Award for Projects from Werl, Schalksmühle, Bad Berleburg, Attendorn, and Warstein – Funding Outlook for Additional Economic Projects to Follow
REGIONALE 2025 is heading into its final year – yet the awarding of projects continues unabated so that as many initiatives as possible can still be implemented and supported. In its most recent meeting, the REGIONALE Committee awarded five additional projects with the third star. A total of 14.7 million euros in funding from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU will flow into the region for these projects.
Among the newly awarded projects are a mobility initiative from Werl, a nature project at the Bigge, the transformation of a church into a cultural venue in Schalksmühle, a new neighborhood in Warstein, and an economic project from Bad Berleburg. Together, they represent various facets of the REGIONALE guiding theme of developing the region further in a digital, sustainable, and authentic way—addressing the challenges facing South Westphalia.
3rd Star: “8Giebel” (Schalksmühle / South Westphalia)
Currently, 35 projects are underway in REGIONALE 2025—either already being implemented or about to start. And more will follow. Nature and mobility projects are just as much a part of this as cultural, urban development, and educational projects. The host tours can be organized in the form of walks, bike tours, or similar activities. All hosts receive an attractive starter kit that equips them with suitable materials and tour inspirations to turn their event into a personal highlight. In addition, an exclusive event is planned for them on May 23.
Funding: The project will be supported, among other sources, by urban development funds of the State of NRW until 2028, with a total projected volume of around 9.8 million euros, of which 2.7 million euros have already been provided. An additional 725,000 euros will come from the “Third Places in NRW” funding program.
3rd Star: “waester wohnen warstein” (Warstein / South Westphalia)
With the project “www – waester wohnen warstein,” a forward-looking residential neighborhood is being created in the heart of Warstein’s city center. In addition to barrier-free apartments for different generations, a community area and a “Wästergarten” along the renaturalized Wäster stream will be developed. For this sustainably built neighborhood, the municipality is working closely with a local investor.
Funding: The total cost of the new residential quarter amounts to 5.38 million euros. Around 4.46 million euros come from the private investor and construction company for multi-generational housing, for which additional residential funding is planned in the future. The city contributes 277,000 euros. For the creation of the community center, the open-space design of the Wästergarten, and neighborhood management, approximately 643,000 euros in NRW urban development funding will flow through REGIONALE 2025.
3rd Star: “Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Pilgrimage City of Werl” (Werl / South Westphalia)
First the spa park and sports park, then the pedestrian zone – and soon, mobility. The pilgrimage city of Werl is working to further improve the quality of stay in its city center. The project “Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Pilgrimage City of Werl” was immediately awarded the third star by the responsible REGIONALE 2025 committee. The city plans to introduce a digital traffic guidance system to direct vehicles to available parking spaces. At the same time, the city center will be relieved of traffic and made safer for all road users. The project also serves as an example for the “Vibrant Town Centers” field of action within the South Westphalia mobility strategy.
Funding: The project is expected to receive approximately 1.39 million euros through the “Sustainable Urban Mobility for All” call, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
3rd Star: “COPP – Co-Pilot in Production: Human-Technology Collaboration in Automated Manufacturing” (Bad Berleburg / South Westphalia)
In production companies in South Westphalia, processes are becoming increasingly digital and automated—and thus technically more complex. This poses special challenges for operating personnel, who deal with various data sources and often need an understanding of IT processes. BIKAR METALLE GmbH from Bad Berleburg-Raumland, a specialist in cutting aluminum and non-ferrous metals, together with various partners, aims to develop an AI-based assistance system. It is intended to support employees and help minimize errors, thereby increasing overall competitiveness.
Funding: The project will receive 2.16 million euros through REGIONALE 2025 from ERDF funds and State of NRW funds via the “NEXT.IN.NRW” call.
3rd Star: Experiencing Biggesee in Real and Digital Form (Attendorn / South Westphalia)
With the project “Experience Biggesee Digitally and in Reality,” the Hanseatic city of Attendorn—part of the Sauerland Lakes cooperation—is implementing an initiative that links the region’s tourism, culture, and technology. The goal is to further develop Biggesee as a central living, leisure, and recreational space and to make it newly accessible to residents and visitors. The project consists of two components: a digital experience world using augmented reality to bring the history and nature of Biggesee to life, and a Nordic walking arena developed in collaboration with the German Sport University Cologne and the German Ski Association.
Funding: The project was selected in the State of NRW’s “Erlebnis.NRW” funding call and will receive up to 66,500 euros from the ERDF as well as state funds from the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, the NRW Ministry of the Environment, and the NRW Ministry of Culture.
48 Projects Awarded in Total
Following the most recent meeting, 48 projects can now be implemented—and more are on the way. “Together with the project leads, we have succeeded in securing over 120 million euros in funding for the region—and, most importantly, using it wisely for projects that truly move our region forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Arens and Hubertus Winterberg of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH, which oversees the REGIONALE 2025 process in South Westphalia.
In addition to the projects mentioned above, the REGIONALE Committee and later the ERDF evaluation committee also discussed further REGIONALE projects—particularly in the fields of higher education and business. These qualify for a special EU-funded program. The review process takes more time, and funding decisions will be made in coordination with the relevant ministries in the coming weeks.
An overview of all REGIONALE 2025 projects can be found at www.regionale-suedwestfalen.com.
REGIONALE 2025 is a structural program of the State of NRW. It is supported by urban development funding from the federal government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Pitch Competition, Keynotes, Expert Tables, and Networking: The „Gründungsmesse Niederrhein“ Showcases Regional Startup Talent
A pitch competition with prize money, inspiring founder talks, expert tables, and plenty of opportunities for networking: the joint “Gründungsmesse Niederrhein” impressively highlighted the diversity of the regional startup scene. Organized by Gründungsfabrik Mönchengladbach and HNX, the entrepreneurship advisory team of Hochschule Niederrhein, the event crowned a freshly founded Mönchengladbach startup as the pitch winner: CasenapzZz, which produces suitcases that can quickly transform into children’s travel beds.
The startups showcased at the event combine innovation with sustainability. They link regenerative forestry with their own furniture production, enhance children’s resilience in schools and daycare centers, recycle worn-out sneakers, develop sustainable toilet cleaners, or produce healthy office snacks. The entrepreneurship scene in the Lower Rhine region is marked by diversity, creativity, and courageous ideas from founders of all ages.
At the event, 20 startups and founding teams presented themselves in an exhibition, which also served as a hub for networking. At expert tables on topics such as financing, taxes, and legal matters, aspiring founders gained practical knowledge. The centerpiece of the event, however, was the Pitch Battle, a competition with a total prize of €1,000 sponsored by Stadtsparkasse Mönchengladbach and Sparkasse Krefeld. Eight pre-qualified teams and individuals pitched their ideas in front of around 150 attendees and a distinguished jury.
The first prize (€500) went to CasenapzZz, founded by Fabian and Jana Herzog. Their suitcase-to-child-bed combination, launching on November 15, impressed the jury members: Stephanie Efertz (Chamber of Industry and Commerce Mittlerer Niederrhein), Prof. Dr. Georg Oecking (Senate Chair and Professor of Business Administration at Hochschule Niederrhein), Dirk Peters (Stadtsparkasse Mönchengladbach), and Nicole Janßen (Sparkasse Krefeld). Second place (€300) was awarded to the student company MerClean from Viersen: the 17- and 18-year-old founders, Merlin Dolenec and Anton Palmer, demonstrated their sustainable—and theoretically even edible—cleaning products on stage. Third place (€200) went to Modulyte, a Berlin-based startup developing an innovative façade insulation system for fast and efficient building retrofits, which is increasingly collaborating with the Lower Rhine region.
Friedhelm Lange, CEO of WFMG – Wirtschaftsförderung Mönchengladbach GmbH, praised the founders’ courage and creativity, encouraging the audience to take advantage of the many support opportunities available for startups in the Lower Rhine. “Pioneering spirit has always been at home in and around Mönchengladbach, whether Hugo Junkers, Joseph Pilates, or Hans Jonas in philosophy,” Lange noted. Prof. Dr. Gudrun Stockmanns, Vice President for Teaching and Studies at Hochschule Niederrhein, emphasized the parallel between the entrepreneurial spirit on stage and the university’s mission: “Our graduates should be bold thinkers and creative minds, shaping solutions for future challenges.”
The event was expertly guided by Andy Sacherer (Project Manager, Gründungsfabrik) and HNX team members Stefanie Kutsch (Project Manager) and Vivian Sommer (Startup Coach). Two keynote presentations enriched the program: Artur Steffen, founder of Salino, demonstrated how luck, chance, and unpredictable factors can influence startup success, while Reiner Mantsch, co-founder of textile recycling startup Eeden, highlighted the importance of a strong team and a supportive network.
All participants agreed: after the successes in 2024 (at Hochschule Niederrhein’s Krefeld campus) and 2025, the Gründungsmesse Niederrhein will return in 2026. Meanwhile, numerous free events for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs will take place in the coming weeks, including the Gründungswoche Niederrhein from November 17 to 23.
About Gründungsfabrik Mönchengladbach:
Gründungsfabrik is a structural transformation project in the Rhineland region, funded by the federal and North Rhine-Westphalia state governments, and hosted by WFMG. It includes two components: “Gründungsfabrik Mönchengladbach” and “skillzUP.” Running from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027, the project is 90% funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, with the remaining 10% provided by NRW. The total budget is nearly €3 million. More information: https://gruendungsfabrik.mg/.
About HNX:
HNX is the entrepreneurship and startup advisory team at Hochschule Niederrhein, serving as a central contact point for all aspiring founders. Its mission is to foster a vibrant, open, and practical startup culture at the university. The program offers creative workshops, short talks, and support integrated into teaching, firmly embedding entrepreneurship education into the university’s transfer and development strategy. More information: www.hs-niederrhein.de/existenzgruendung/.
Press Contacts:
Andy Sacherer | sacherer@wfmg.de | +49 2161 82379-766
Stefanie Kutsch | stefanie.kutsch@hs-niederrhein.de | +49 2161 186-3564
The construction industry is at the heart of the climate transition: it consumes the most resources while also generating the largest amounts of waste—both in Krefeld and many other cities. This is where the new Circular Valley Construction Hub comes in, viewing buildings and infrastructure not as disposable objects but as material banks of the future.
“In Krefeld, the industrial heritage offers interesting buildings for implementing the circular approach,” explains Elmar Klein-Hessling, authorized signatory of GGK Grundstücksgesellschaft der Stadt Krefeld mbH & Co. KG, where the project is anchored. A new startup center is currently being developed in the city center in a former textile factory from the 1920s—and with it, the future site of the Circular Valley Construction Hub, which from 2027 will serve as a real-world laboratory, experience space, and communication hub. The setup has already begun: with initial pilot projects and a digital platform providing information on materials, inventories, and potential for reuse.
“We want to show that circular construction is not only possible but also economically viable,” explains Monika Zurnatzis, project manager of the Circular Valley Construction Hub Krefeld and part of KREFELD BUSINESS. “The greatest potential lies in existing buildings, where previously used resources can be redeployed. We are currently testing this in our revitalization project on Luisenstraße. The Hub will specifically support founders and users, promote sustainable business models, and strengthen interdisciplinary knowledge exchange from planning and deconstruction to material reuse.”
Circular Valley, headquartered in Wuppertal, is considered an international platform for innovations in the circular economy. With today’s contract signings, several regional hubs will become part of this network—each with its own thematic focus. In Krefeld, the focus is on circular construction and renovation of existing buildings—closely linked to the transformation processes of the city and region.
“This partnership connects local practice with international innovative strength,” emphasizes Eckart Preen, head of economic affairs for the city of Krefeld and director of KREFELD BUSINESS, adding: “With the Construction Hub, we are creating a place where innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability come together in the best sense—and thus a model that extends far beyond the city itself.”
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Your contact person:
KREFELD BUSINESS | Annegret Angerhausen-Reuter | Member of Management and Press Officer
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Emsland, November 4, 2025 – The regionen.NRW network visited the Emsland on a two-day excursion to gain practical insights into successful strategies for regional development, economic promotion, and urban planning. The trip included the executive teams of North Rhine-Westphalia’s regional development organizations as well as the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier.
Emsland as an Example of Successful Transformation
The Emsland is regarded as a model for forward-looking, economically strong, and livable regional development. The excursion focused on current transformation processes – in particular, the shift from a nuclear energy region to an energy and hydrogen hub. In addition to energy policy, topics such as securing skilled labor, sustainable mobility, and innovative urban development were highlighted.
During the visit to Meppen, Lingen, Geeste, and Papenburg, the regionen.NRW network explored economic development, strategies for regional promotion, revitalization of city centers, and cultural and educational initiatives. Central to the program were discussions with regional decision-makers from administration, business, culture, and civil society.
Insights into Lingen: Urban Development and Future Projects
A highlight of the excursion was the exchange with Lingen’s Mayor, Dieter Krone, who guided the guests through the city and presented current urban development projects. He showcased innovative hydrogen and IT initiatives at the former Lingen nuclear power plant, as well as measures to enhance local quality of life and attract skilled workers – for example, through cultural offerings at the Emsland Arena or the new Osnabrück University campus.
The trip concluded with a discussion with Dr. Dirk Lüerßen, CEO of Ems-Achse, an alliance of companies, municipalities, educational institutions, chambers, and associations. He outlined measures and strategies planned through the cooperation of business, administration, and academia, including new concepts for promoting mobility.
In typically Bergisch weather – with at times heavy rain – the REGIONALE Congress “Everything is a Resource! Resource Landscape in the Bergisches RheinLand” took place on October 28, 2025, at the innovation site :metabolon on the former Leppe landfill in Lindlar. More than 300 participants from the water, energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as from academia, administration, and politics, experienced a diverse program of expert presentations, guided tours, and themed forums focused on the efficient use of resources in the Bergisches RheinLand. Prominent guests included meteorologist Karsten Schwanke and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for the Environment, Oliver Krischer, who presented a funding notification for the REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede.
At the start of the event, Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg District and Chair of the Bergischer Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV), welcomed the guests in the research halls of TH Köln at :metabolon. In his address, he emphasized the importance of the region’s native resources – water, stone, wood, and land – and stressed the need for innovative projects to ensure their sustainable and future-oriented use.
One of these innovative projects is the very venue of the congress itself: as a flagship project, :metabolon demonstrates how a regional circular economy can develop. With the ongoing REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the :metabolon research and learning site is being further expanded – including the construction of a multifunctional building and a research hall equipped with technology focusing on plastics and construction materials.
Funding Approval for :bergische rohstoffschmiede
For the further development of the :bergische rohstoffschmiede, Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented a funding notification to the project managers from BAV and TH Köln. In his address, Krischer highlighted the great innovation potential of the Bergisches RheinLand:
“The Bergisches RheinLand is taking new paths toward sustainable and future-oriented regional development,” said Krischer. “Through strong partnerships and tangible projects, the region shows how environmental protection, economic progress, and social development can go hand in hand. This is a model for all of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
At the same time, Krischer stressed that humanity has overstepped the planet’s limits and that the necessary transition from a linear to a circular economy still requires significant effort. Implementation must happen locally, he said. For him, the Bergisches RheinLand embodies the central question of our time – a call for cultural change and new thinking: waste must be regarded as a valuable raw material to be reused and recycled. The REGIONALE, with its projects, initiates this transformation and shows how life within planetary boundaries can succeed. Alongside :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the Minister also cited the REGIONALE projects Bergische WasserkompetenzRegion :aqualon 2.0 and the Green Mobility Hub in Bergisch Gladbach as examples.
A Call for Smart Resource Management and a New Reservoir
The keynote speech was delivered by meteorologist Karsten Schwanke under the title “Climate Change – and the Challenges for Resources in the Bergisches RheinLand.” He vividly illustrated how climate change is accelerating faster than expected and that extreme weather events will occur more frequently in the future. According to Schwanke, the Bergisches RheinLand possesses key location advantages thanks to its abundant natural resources – particularly rainfall and forests – and its varied topography. However, the effects of climate change are increasingly noticeable and measurable even in the eastern Cologne/Bonn region: summer temperatures are now on average around five degrees higher than in the 1960s, and spring sunshine duration has increased by almost one third. Overall, springs and summers are becoming sunnier and drier, while winters are milder and wetter.
Compared to the Rhine corridor, temperatures in the Bergisches RheinLand are often one to two degrees cooler. Its hilly topography allows for the creation of both small and large water reservoirs – important for retaining water during heavy rainfall and for securing public and industrial water supplies. Schwanke praised the historical spirit of innovation in the Bergisches RheinLand and called for smart resource management and improved flood protection. In his view, building new reservoirs will become unavoidable in the future.
Never Underestimate the Power of Citizens
In the subsequent panel discussion, experts explored the importance of the Bergisches RheinLand’s diverse resource landscape for local people and businesses. Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency, and Prof. Michael Narodoslawsky, member of the REGIONALE Advisory Board, discussed water-related challenges with Dr. Uwe Moshage (Aggerverband), Ingo Noppen (Wupperverband), and Thorsten Reuter (Loopeperle e.V.). Moshage and Noppen emphasized that longer dry periods and increased algae growth make drinking water treatment increasingly important, while Reuter advocated for more private groundwater storage, such as cisterns and rain barrels in gardens.
On the topic of agriculture and forestry, Frank Herhaus, Head of Department at the Oberberg District, pointed out the lack of processing facilities, particularly in the meat sector, which hampers projects like the REGIONALE Food Hub. Dr. Franz Staubinger of the Hatzfeld-Wildenburg Administration criticized the overexploitation of forests and called for more cooperation and less regulation. In the future, mixed forests and revitalization of tree populations – including species resilient to extreme climate conditions – will be essential.
In the energy discussion, Christoph Schmidt, CEO of StadtWerke Rösrath AG, stressed the importance of citizen-driven ideas for advancing the energy transition. The energy transition, he noted, must be implemented locally and should welcome unconventional approaches. Bernd Rosenbauer of the Lieberhausen Energy Cooperative confirmed the inventive spirit of the Bergisches people: “We must not underestimate the power of citizens to make change happen.” It’s about inspiring people and showing possibilities.
In a subsequent discussion with Dr. Reimar Molitor, Elke Reichert, President of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Climate of North Rhine-Westphalia, called for greater public awareness regarding self-protection and local responsibility. She emphasized the role of districts and municipalities in joint action and noted that renewable energy still holds enormous potential for expansion. The morning concluded with a panel from :bergische rohstoffschmiede, which explored how circular economy principles can be transferred from research into practice.
Expert Forums and Future Workshops in Spring 2026
During the lunch break, participants joined guided tours of the :metabolon site. The following expert forums, led by renowned specialists on water, land, and energy, offered participants opportunities to delve deeper into key resource topics, exchange ideas, and develop new innovative project concepts.
Musical accompaniment for the congress was provided by Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from Hückeswagen, who performed together with cellist Jörg Brinkmann. They presented pieces from their album “Echoes_Sound of Home,” produced especially for the REGIONALE.
The congress was organized by the REGIONALE 2025 Agency in cooperation with its shareholders – the Oberberg District, the Rheinisch-Berg District, the Rhein-Sieg District, and Region Köln/Bonn e.V. – together with BAV and TH Köln as partners.
Beyond the congress, three Future Workshops focusing on the key topics will be held in 2026. Participation is free of charge. Registration is available at: www.regionale2025.de/zukunftswerkstaetten/
The Digital Award honors outstanding municipal digitalization projects. Felix Ebner, Deputy Chairman of the Federal Association Databund e.V., presented the award to Michael Fielenbach, Head of the Cadastre and Surveying Office of Rhein-Kreis Neuss, and Department Head Christoph Kany. Bavarian Digital Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring was also present at the award ceremony.
The “Digital Twin” project of Rhein-Kreis Neuss was nominated from a nationwide pool of 72 applications. The aim of the Digital Twin is to consolidate the geospatial data of municipal administrations in Rhein-Kreis Neuss to make the real world experienceable on-screen. Users gain access to high-resolution, three-dimensional 360-degree image data comparable to virtual reality. This enables the visualization of planning projects and simulation models in mobility, traffic, construction, climate, environment, and economic sectors. In addition, the project serves as a foundation for Smart City applications and new business models.
Since the project’s launch in 2023—funded by the NRW Ministry of Home, Municipal Affairs, Construction, and Digitalization—two complete 3D surveys of the road network have already been conducted using specialized vehicles, with a third planned for 2027. Additionally, standardized aerial imagery (orthophotos, oblique aerial images, 3D models) is being used throughout the district. The planned data hub will centrally consolidate municipal data pools and standardized state data and make them accessible. The project is led by the Cadastre and Surveying Office of Rhein-Kreis Neuss. IT Department Head Harald Vieten, Office Director Michael Fielenbach, geospatial expert Christoph Kany, and their team are driving the further development of the Digital Twin.
The award was presented during the “Kommunale” trade fair, a nationwide event organized by the Bavarian Association of Municipalities, which set a new record this year with around 8,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors. First place in the Digital Award 2025 for the category counties, ministries, and other authorities went to Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg with the AI-generated video news format “LaDaDi KOMPAKT.” Following Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Landkreis Augsburg took third place with the project “AI-supported Innovation for Youth Welfare.”
In the category of towns and municipalities with up to 20,000 inhabitants, Kloster Lehnin took first place with a digital application for seamless application processing. In the category of towns and municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants, the city of Nuremberg ranked first with “Living Data Culture – Digitally Sovereign. Decentralized. Citizen-Oriented.” More information about the Digital Award can be found at https://www.kommunale.de/de-de/digital-events/digital-award.