Business Breakfast Business Break took place on 22 May

At the first business breakfast of 2025, organised by the Bocholt Economic Development Agency and the Entrepreneurs' Association, around 30 interested entrepreneurs were able to gain insights into the cooperation between the university and business. At the Hotel Residenz, Darren Ajuzie, Tech Provider at the Westfälische Hochschule Bocholt, presented himself and his tasks.

In his presentation entitled "Collaboration between university and business - shaping innovation together", Ajuzie highlighted the central role of the Tech Provider as a "swinging door" between business and university. He explained the many different areas of responsibility, ranging from support with research projects to advice on funding applications.

The presentation was divided into four sequences: a personal introduction, the role of the Tech Provider, individual focus on research projects and multi-focus on various parallel topics. Particularly noteworthy was the presentation of a current research project that the company APS from Gescher is conducting together with the university. This involves the remanufacturing of components from the automotive sector - a growing field in the context of the circular economy. Ajuzie gave the participants practical insights into the opportunities that arise for companies by utilising the university's research and innovation expertise.

Cooperation is the main focus and pursues these approaches, among others:

- An idea (product development / process requirement) comes from the company to the university, resulting in a co-operation.
- The Westphalian University of Applied Sciences makes an offer for a new technology, such as industrial simulation / AI tools / product design techniques, which companies can use.

Following the presentation, the guests had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas with Darren Ajuzie and discuss the topic in greater depth. Reference was also made to the Research Allowance Act, which enables companies to receive up to 35% of their research and development costs (including retrospectively). Further information on this can be found at www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de.

The Business Break thus once again provided a tried-and-tested platform for dialogue and today underlined the importance of collaboration between science and business for innovation and sustainable growth.

Save the date: The next Business Breakfast will take place on 6 November 2025.

In the photo from left to right: Ludger Dieckhues, Bocholt Economic Development Agency; Darren Ajuzie, Tech Provider WHS; Prof. Dr Thomas Naber, Dean of Mechanical Engineering WHS; Jennifer Middelkamp, Entrepreneurs Association; Martin Jonetzko, Entrepreneurs Association