International Office
ToFI 2.0 - Together for Innovation
Project Description
In recent years, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) has established strategic partnerships with universities in Ghana (University of Cape Coast) and Jordan (German Jordanian University) and further deepened its cooperation with the University of New Brunswick in Canada. With the ToFI 2.0 project, H-BRS now aims to connect these international university partnerships with practice-oriented collaboration formats involving industry partners.
The project enables strategic partner universities and regional companies to be linked with international markets and talent, to establish transnational project partnerships, and to unlock new cooperation potential. The International Office and the Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT) jointly developed the project and are now bringing it to life. The overarching goal is to build an international innovation network that systematically strengthens exchange between research, teaching, and practice while opening up new opportunities for collaboration.
Project activities include, among others, the development of a practice pool (e.g. for internship placements), the organisation of an international company week, the introduction of a practice-oriented digital and international summer school, bilateral research fellowships, the establishment of an international alumni ambassador programme, as well as qualification formats such as a “Transnational Innovator Certificate” for students and researchers and an internationalisation certificate for staff in technical and administrative services.
In this way, students, researchers, and industry partners alike benefit from expanded cooperation opportunities, improved access to international markets, and the development of practice-relevant and intercultural competencies.
„With ToFI 2.0, we are creating new ways to connect research, teaching, and industry—as well as institutional culture—across national borders, and to further strengthen the university’s role as an internationally networked driver of innovation.”
Dr. Rahel Hutgens - Head of International Office
Added value and opportunities for participation for…
Companies & Practice Partners
Why participate?
In many corporate strategies, collaboration with research institutions is already established as a key element of open innovation. When it comes to access to talent and support in addressing business challenges, the university provides its expertise as a scientific partner.
ToFI 2.0 offers companies and practice partners the opportunity to:
- get to know international talent
- engage with students at an early stage and build long-term connections
- gain insight into the innovation potential and research expertise of partner universities
- access international innovation networks and third-party funded projects
- increase visibility as an international and innovative company across all four partner universities in the network
Opportunities for involvement
A) Industry & Innovation Insights
Present your company in an international online format and discuss with students and researchers from the four partner universities topics such as business areas and future technologies, career pathways for students, and your cooperation interests in teaching and research.
B) International Company Week
Participate in the international career fair at the Sankt Augustin campus with a booth, workshops, or presentations, or host a company visit on-site.
C) International Practice Pool
Be listed as an employer offering internships, practical semesters, working student positions, or thesis projects for international students from all partner universities.
D) Research and Transfer Collaborations
Develop application-oriented projects and innovation initiatives jointly with researchers.
Students
Warum mitmachen?
ToFI 2.0 creates international opportunities for learning, practical experience, and networking.
Opportunities for involvement
A) Industry & Innovation Insights
Get to know international companies and establish contacts for internships or future career entry.
B) International Company Week
Further information will follow.
International Practice Exchange
Access to international internship and practical training opportunities.
C) COIL & International Learning Formats
Virtual collaboration with students from partner universities.
D) Transnational Innovator Certificate
Development of skills in:
- innovation
- entrepreneurship
- intercultural competence
- international collaboration
E) International Networks
Build personal connections with students, researchers, and companies worldwide.
Researchers
Why participate?
ToFI 2.0 supports researchers in building international networks and practice-oriented collaborations.
Opportunities for involvement
A) Research Fellowships
Visiting stays and research collaborations with partner universities.
B) Industry & Innovation Insights
Establishing contacts with international companies and potential practice partners.
C) International Research Collaborations
Initiation of joint projects and future third-party funding proposals.
D) Global Best Practice Exchange
Exchange on transfer approaches, innovation methods, and internationalisation.
E) International Teaching and Transfer Formats
Participation in:
- COIL formats
- Summer schools
- Company weeks
- Innovation projects
Staff in Technical and Administrative Services
Why participate?
ToFI 2.0 supports the internationalisation of the university and strengthens international competencies in administrative services.
Opportunities for involvement
A) Internationalisation Certificate
Further information will follow.
B) Global Best Practice Exchange
Exchange with colleagues from partner universities on best practices in areas such as:
- internationalisation
- transfer
- mobility
- diversity
- service processes
C) International Network
Building long-term contacts with administrative and service units at partner universities.
Practice Partnerships for Innovation, Employability, and Knowledge Transfer
In many corporate strategies, collaboration with research institutions is already established as a key element of open innovation. Students, researchers, and industry partners alike benefit from expanded cooperation opportunities, improved access to international markets, and the development of practice-relevant intercultural competencies.
If you are interested in collaboration, please feel free to get in touch.
Funded by DAAD
Programme: DAAD HAW.International
Funding period: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028
Kontakt
Fabian Tenk
Project Coordinator ToFI 2.0 - Together for Innovation / International Office , Managing Director of the Institute of Technology, Resource and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE)
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
F 403
Address
Grantham-Allee 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Telephone
+49 2241 865 9727Anlaufstellen
International Office - Sankt Augustin
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
E 056 - E 061
Opening hours
Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment
Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT)
Campus
Sankt Augustin