Molla Tadesse Abate is working to reduce water use in dyeing and finishing processes in the textile sector. His work is part of a broader collaboration between researchers in Bavaria and Ethiopia.
Hof University of Applied Sciences is committed to sustainability and “greentech” and is driving innovation through research into sustainable water management.
Hof / Jena, October 2025 – After three and a half years of intensive research, the joint project InSchuKa 4.0 has come to an end. Its goal: to use artificial intelligence to help sewer networks better respond to heavy rainfall and dry periods—enabling smarter adaptation to climate change.
Hof – Rising energy prices and limited resources present major challenges for the construction industry. At the same time, natural materials are gaining importance as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based insulation products, enabling more energy-efficient buildings. This is where the research project “Mycobuild” comes in, currently being carried out at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Its goal is to develop market-ready insulation materials based on fungal mycelium and to establish an industrial production process.
Hof/Tettau – The research group "Supply Chain Digitalisation" at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) of Hof University of Applied Sciences has completed an innovative pilot project together with Ernst Röser GmbH from Tettau. The project fundamentally changes the way packaging solutions are sourced in the B2B sector. Its goal: the development of an integrated digital marketplace where companies can quickly and easily order bottles, closures, and finishing options from regional suppliers.
Who hasn't experienced this? Instead of deep rest, many people struggle through restless summer nights due to heat buildup and heavy sweating. Especially the combination of high temperatures and humidity creates an uncomfortable microclimate under the duvet – with negative effects on sleep quality. A new textile development now addresses this exact problem and has the potential to significantly transform the bedding market.
Hof – The circular economy is a key component of a sustainable future. The technology transfer project “TechCirclePolymers” at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences addresses exactly this challenge. The project aims to improve the recycling of plastics and biopolymers, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing fossil-based raw materials with natural alternatives. A particular focus is on increasing recyclability and extending the lifespan of products.
Hof/Bayreuth – The Intelligent and Learning Systems research group at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) at Hof University has developed an innovative, AI-powered fitness tool in collaboration with the "Freiraum" gym in Bayreuth. The subproject "Fit Me" was created as part of the EU-funded EFRE project M4-SKI and is now being made available to the public.
30 years ago, for the only time, the rotational arch technology by engineer Günter Kupczik was integrated into the Dresden sewer system. Aiming to achieve better volume management during heavy rainfall and to solve the issue of sediment removal without requiring personnel, Kupczik began working on the innovative rotational arch solution as early as the 1980s. Comparative analyses conducted by TU Dresden revealed that, at the time, the rotational arch was the only technical solution in which mechanical components did not come into contact with wastewater, the full flow cross-section remained available at all times, and precise control was possible even under backed-up operational conditions.
Hof, Germany – The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) brings not only technological advancements but also complex ethical questions. Particularly in the case of generative AI, such as text and image generation models, the issue of biased outcomes has come under scrutiny. Professors Dr. René Peinl, Marc Lehmann, and Dr. Andreas Wagener from the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) at Hof University of Applied Sciences have analyzed this issue and arrived at intriguing findings.
