With the help of the Interreg project KTUR2, which recently launched, a broad network is being created to promote innovation in the Three Country Region of the Upper Rhine. According to Interreg Oberrhein, the initiative involves over 50 partners from the French region of Alsace, the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, and Switzerland. KTUR stands for Knowledge Transfer Upper Rhine. The second KTUR project is set to run for three years and is particularly aimed at representatives from startups, SMEs and universities.

The aim is to create an innovation hub to increase the region's competitiveness. This involves facilitating access to research and improving networking and funding opportunities for innovative projects. Startups and other companies should also benefit from specific training and support programmes, according to the statement.

Interreg is a joint initiative that promotes cooperation between member states of the European Union (EU) and neighbouring countries including Switzerland. KTUR2 is supported by the Interreg VI Upper Rhine Programme 2021-2027. The total budget amounts to over 5.5 million euros. Swiss partners include the federal government, the cantons of Jura, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, as well as the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and the University of Basel from the field of academia.

At the Open-i innovation conference in Zurich in November, one topic will be looking beyond borders. Entrepreneur Verena Pausder will talk about the future of German innovation. The entrepreneur and author is Chairwoman of the Board of the Startup Association Germany and holds a degree from the University of St.Gallen. She is one of over 70 speakers lined up for the conference, alongside Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Google Fellow Urs Hölzle.

Open-i describes itself as a Swiss innovation community and dialogue platform for the economy and the science sector. More than 1,000 leading personalities from business and science will meet at Zurich Kongresshaus on 21 and 22 November to strengthen Switzerland’s leading role as an innovative market. Among other things, an event app promotes networking; experts present new projects and technologies at around 90 stations. Open-i is organised by NZZ Connect, a branch of the NZZ based in Bern. Tickets are available via the Open-i platform. (ce/yvh)

Project promotes cross-border innovation

«Bringing Swiss Innovation to Life» – will you be there?