The Cross-Border Innovation Forum will bring together companies, universities, research institutions, public authorities, regional networks and programme representatives from Saxony, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia.
The conference will provide a platform for exchanging expertise, presenting innovative projects and identifying opportunities for cooperation across the German–Polish border. Particular attention will be given to hydrogen technologies, sustainable aviation, drones, and opportunities for joint European projects.
A central element of the event will be the presentation of regional capabilities and concrete project ideas. Participants will explore how complementary expertise and infrastructure in the three regions can be connected to support technology development, demonstration projects and market-oriented solutions.
HZwo will present its cross-border activities and announce the establishment of a new working group on sustainable aviation and drone technologies. The working group will create a platform for companies, universities and other relevant stakeholders interested in developing joint initiatives in this emerging field.
The Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Poland–Saxony Cooperation Programme will present available funding opportunities and explain how cross-border partnerships can develop successful project proposals.
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to:
- strengthen cooperation between stakeholders from Saxony, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia;
- connect companies, universities, research institutions, regional networks and public authorities;
- present regional expertise, technologies and project activities;
- identify common challenges and opportunities for innovation;
- initiate joint projects in hydrogen, aviation, drones, advanced materials;
- provide information about Interreg Poland–Saxony and other European funding opportunities;
- define practical next steps for continued cooperation between the three regions.
Target Participants
The conference is intended for:
- companies and technology providers;
- universities and research institutions;
- regional and municipal authorities;
- clusters, associations and innovation networks;
- drone manufacturers, operators and service providers;
- hydrogen and clean-mobility organisations;
- funding-programme representatives;
- organisations interested in German–Polish cooperation.
Proposed Agenda
09:00–09:30 | Registration and Welcome Coffee
Arrival, registration and informal networking.
09:30–09:45 | Official Opening
- Welcome by the host organisation
- Introduction to the objectives of the conference
- The importance of cooperation between Saxony, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia
09:45–10:10 | Cross-Border Cooperation as a Driver of Regional Innovation
Opening presentation on the economic and technological potential of the three regions and the benefits of closer German–Polish cooperation.
10:10–10:35 | HZwo: Connecting Cross-Border Innovation Ecosystems
- Presentation of HZwo and its network activities
- Opportunities for cooperation with Polish partners
- Announcement of the new working group on sustainable aviation and drones
- Invitation to companies, universities and regional institutions to participate
10:35–11:00 | LogDrone: Drone Technologies for Logistics and Regional Applications
- Innovative drone-based logistics solutions
- Opportunities for pilot and demonstration projects
11:00–11:20 | Coffee Break and Networking
11:20–11:45 | Lower Silesian Hydrogen Valley: Regional Hydrogen Development
- Hydrogen-sector activities in Lower Silesia
- Regional projects, stakeholders and infrastructure
- Opportunities for cooperation with Saxony and Lubuskie
11:45–12:10 | Interreg Poland–Saxony: Funding Cross-Border Cooperation
Presentation by the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Poland–Saxony Cooperation Programme:
- programme priorities and funding opportunities;
- eligibility requirements;
- development of cross-border partnerships;
- recommendations for successful project proposals.
12:10–12:35 | Academic Cooperation between Saxony and Lubuskie
Joint contribution by Chemnitz University of Technology and the University of Zielona Góra:
- existing academic and scientific cooperation;
- complementary expertise and infrastructure;
- opportunities for joint research, education and technology-transfer activities.
12:35–13:30 | Networking Lunch
13:30–13:55 | Wrocław University of Science and Technology: Innovation Potential in Lower Silesia
- Research and technology-development capabilities
- Cooperation with industry and regional partners
- Opportunities for joint cross-border projects
13:55–14:20 | HiPower Institute of Materials: Advanced Materials for Future Technologies
- Materials innovation and technological expertise
- Applications in hydrogen, aviation, mobility and energy systems
- Potential areas for German–Polish cooperation
14:20–14:45 | Regional Perspectives from Saxony, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia
Representatives of the three regions discuss:
- common economic and technological priorities;
- barriers to cross-border cooperation;
- opportunities to connect regional strategies and innovation ecosystems.
14:45–15:05 | Closing Remarks
Summary of the conference outcomes and outlook for future cooperation between Saxony, Lubuskie and Lower Silesia.
