The collaboration agreement signed on 31 August between Széchenyi István University, Győr, and thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary holds the promise of joint research, patents, and the potential creation of spin-off businesses. The collaboration is linked to the Scientific and Innovation Park project initiated by the University.

Széchenyi István University has built its activities on broad partnerships, which have now expanded further with this recent signing. The institution is transforming the iconic building of the former Győr biscuit factory into the Győr Scientific and Innovation Park as part of the project GINOP-2.3.1-20-2020-00005, and has entered into a long-term collaboration with thyssenkrupp in connection with this endeavour. Within this partnership, the two parties are exploring opportunities for joint projects in research, development, and innovation activities, aligned with the goals of the park, which could manifest in research endeavours and the shared utilization of results.

“Széchenyi István University in Győr has so far played an important role in the life of our company, and with the current agreement, it is a great pleasure for us to elevate the cooperation to a higher quality level.". thyssenkrupp has been present in Győr for a long time, and we also conduct development tasks locally. It is in the interest of our company, the university, the students, and the country as a whole that young people enter life equipped with knowledge of the latest technological trends and directions. This agreement represents a significant step forward in that regard," said Marc de Bastos Eckstein, CEO of thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary Kft., during the formal signing.

Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President Scientific for Scientific Affairs at Széchenyi István University, emphasized the institution's central mission of providing highly trained professional personnel. "In order to prepare our future professionals for solving high-level development tasks in the world, it is essential to collaborate with companies that develop and apply cutting-edge technologies. Such cooperation provides the partner company with excellent employees and offers our students the opportunity for outstanding professional careers," underlined the rector. He added that the long-term scientific collaboration in the University's new Technology and Innovation Park aims jointly to develop state-of-the-art technologies.

Professor Dr József Bokor, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University, explained that Széchenyi István University is building an innovation ecosystem that, in cooperation with regional economic players, formulates common goals, leveraging the competencies of the institution and companies belonging to the Széchenyi University Group. These companies include the following: *Autóipari Próbapálya Zala Kft., a ZalaZONE Ipari Park Zrt., a HUMDA Magyar Mobilitás-fejlesztési Ügynökség Zrt. and TECHTRA Technológiai Transzfer Intézet Közhasznú Nonprofit Zrt.. 

"thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary Kft. plays a significant role in the automotive sector, in which our University also plays a significant role. Therefore, we can mutually strengthen each other, not only in education but also in the field of innovation," he emphasized.

Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Scientific Vice-President of Széchenyi István University; Marc de Bastos Eckstein, CEO of thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary Kft.; Professor Dr József Bokor, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University. [Photo: Májer Csaba József]

thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary Kft. is a key player in the automotive industry and the economy of Győr. As part of its Budapest-based E/E (electrical and electronic) competence centre, the company has opened an engineering service centre in Győr this year, supporting the unique automotive research and development activities of the German corporation in Hungary. "Smart" electromechanical steering servos developed in Hungary for the world's largest automakers provide a wide range of advanced driver assistance solutions and are suitable for collaboration with autonomous systems. In addition to development, thyssenkrupp is also engaged in production and assembly, operating a chassis assembly plant and a Steel Service Centre in Győr. The company opened its regional engineering office in the city this year and is currently recruiting engineers.

Széchenyi István University is building its vision on sustainable development and modern technologies. With its wide-ranging competencies covering 11 scientific areas, the institution contributes to enhancing the region's competitiveness and expanding global knowledge. The University conducts valuable research and development and innovation activities in areas affecting the future of the automotive industry, from electromobility to autonomous vehicles. In collaboration with more than three thousand corporate partners, the University offers practical training, up-to-date knowledge, and valuable diplomas to its international community of over 14,000 students.

* Literal English translation of company names: Automotive Industry Proving Ground Zala Ltd.,  ZalaZONE Industrial Park LLC, HUMDA Hungarian Mobility-development Agency LLC and TECHTRA Technological Transfer Organization Public benefit Nonprofit LLC.