Potsdam Science Park announces a strong development boost with university campus expansion

IASP member Potsdam Science Park recently shared that the University of Potsdam, in partnership with the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI), has signed a transformative Letter of Intent with the State of Brandenburg and the Hasso Plattner Foundation to create two cutting-edge campuses over the next decade.

The development centers on three major initiatives: the historic former state parliament site on Brauhausberg will be transformed into a modern university campus by 2035, bringing the University of Potsdam into the heart of the city, while the Hasso Plattner Institute at Griebnitzsee will undergo significant expansion to become a leading European center for digital science and artificial intelligence research. Additionally, the collaboration between HPI and UP through their Joint Digital Engineering Faculty will be strategically deepened, with expanded master's programs and international partnerships focusing on AI research.

Minister-President Dr. Dietmar Woidke emphasized Brandenburg's commitment to staying "at the forefront of future development" in AI technology, while Prof. Hasso Plattner highlighted the project's role in creating a place where international talent can "think, research, and shape the future freely."

Finance Minister Robert Crumbach described the potential for creating "a European Massachusetts Institute of Technology" that could attract additional tech companies and start-ups to the region.

A high-level Task Force, co-chaired by Minister-President Woidke and Hasso Plattner, will oversee the complex development process. Two working groups will focus on "Planning and Building" and "Teaching and Research Cooperation" to ensure smooth implementation.

Entrepreneurial Innovation

Adding to its commitment to innovation, the Potsdam Science Park has been recognized with the 'Young Entrepreneurs in Science Campus' certification. This award acknowledges the sustained effort to promote entrepreneurial thinking among researchers through interactive workshops and networking opportunities. The Young Entrepreneurs in Science initiative aims to inspire a cultural shift toward greater creativity, courage in technology transfer, and acceptance of diverse research career paths beyond traditional academic routes.