In a world where “fake news” divides entire nations, there can be only one solution: sharing knowledge with society. That is why the Cologne University Foundation specifically supports projects that foster exchange between the university and the local community. Turn these synergies into your own personal success.
Knowledge for Everyone.
Projects and Achievements.
Gateway ESC: The Gateway to a Strong Region
Through its startup support service, Gateway ESC, the university has been successfully fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of its graduates since 2015. Since 2019, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has contributed to its funding, and Gateway ESC has held the “Excellence Startup Center (ESC)” designation. In addition to government support, private involvement plays an important role. Thanks to generous initial donors, the Cologne University Foundation was able to build the InnoDom Cologne innovation and startup center on the university campus. Here, the Gateway ESC can realize its full potential—offering first-class advice and expertise, as well as optimal working conditions and networking opportunities for startups and startup-focused service providers. Since June 2023, InnoDom Cologne has been making a significant contribution to further developing Cologne as a hub for digital science and innovation.
zdi Student Lab: Growing Up with Science
In the zdi student lab “Our Spaceship Earth,” knowledge transfer begins much earlier. There, the University Foundation funds new measuring equipment. Student teachers are encouraged to work with school classes to collect climate data and identify its consequences for the environment—for example, by analyzing satellite images.