HNEE strengthens innovation: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Pfriem on the UNITE board

UNITE Sciences e. V. was officially founded on 5 March 2025 with the ceremonial signing of the articles of association. Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is one of 19 renowned scientific institutions from Berlin and Brandenburg that have joined forces in the non-profit association. The aim is to promote entrepreneurial talent, strengthen knowledge and technology transfer and create a dynamic innovation ecosystem for science-based start-ups together with innovative companies in the capital region. The association will play a central role in the transnational Startup Factory UNITE and act as a shareholder of UNITE gGmbH.

HNEE-Vizepräsident für Forschung und Transfer, Prof. Dr. Alexander Pfriem, wurde in den Vorstand von UNITE Sciences e. V. gewählt — Prof. Dr Susanne Buiter (Scientific Director of the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences), Prof. Dr Günter M. Ziegler (President of Freie Universität Berlin and spokesperson for the Berlin University Alliance (Chairman of the Board)), Prof. Dr Sabine Baumann, Vice President Research and Transfer at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (Deputy Chairwoman of the Board)), Prof. Dr Stephan Völker, Vice President Research and Appointments at Technische Universität Berlin (Treasurer of the Association) and Prof. Dr Alexander Pfriem, Vice President Research and Transfer at HNEE (Treasurer of the Association)).Stephan Völker, Vice President of Research and Appointments at Technische Universität Berlin (Treasurer of the association)) and Prof. Dr Alexander Pfriem, Vice President of Research and Transfer at HNEE

HNEE contributes sustainable innovations to the network

As one of the leading universities in the field of sustainability, HNEE is contributing its scientific expertise and many years of experience in promoting innovation to the network. The close cooperation with the Startup Factory UNITE is intended to strengthen the transfer of sustainable technologies and future-proof business models. This emphasises HNEE's role as an important player in the field of sustainable innovation in the capital region.

Prof Dr Alexander Pfriem elected as a member of the Executive Board

The election of Prof. Dr Alexander Pfriem, Vice President for Research and Transfer, to the board of UNITE Sciences e. V. is a significant success for HNEE. In addition to him, Prof. Dr Günter M. Ziegler, President of Freie Universität Berlin and spokesperson for the Berlin University Alliance, was elected as chairman and other renowned representatives from science and research were elected to the board.

Alexander Pfriem emphasises: "The founding of UNITE Sciences e. V. is an important step for the innovation landscape in our region. I am particularly pleased that HNEE, as a pioneer for sustainable innovations, can actively contribute to the organisation of this network. The close integration of science and business offers enormous potential for sustainable start-ups."

Outlook: Strengthening partnerships and networks

The founding of UNITE Sciences e. V. is the first step in a comprehensive governance structure for the Startup Factory UNITE. In the coming weeks, further partners from the business world as well as experienced personalities from the innovation and start-up environment will be involved. The aim is to build a strong network for the sustainable promotion of innovation in Berlin and Brandenburg together with companies, foundations and experts.

HNEE is looking forward to contributing its expertise to this forward-looking network and further promoting a sustainable start-up culture.

UNITE is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises Berlin, the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg and the Berliner Sparkasse.

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