On April 10, 2026, the SUNRISE Alliance and TU Ilmenau met with Marion Walsmann, Member of the European Parliament, to discuss promoting innovation and student mobility in Europe. The central question was: How can European university alliances create shared added value in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer?

For universities through academic exchange and practical teaching, for technology transfer from science to industry, for the skilled workers of today and tomorrow—and thus for the future viability of companies and the upscaling of industry. Alliances like the SUNRISE Alliance can provide crucial impetus to strengthen their regions and address common challenges.

Key Topics of the Discussion:

• European Exchange & Securing Skilled Labor

Universities as mediators and initiators: They foster exchange and offer further education opportunities at the European level—for both new and experienced professionals.

• Innovation & Competitiveness for SMEs

Through best-practice hubs and networking students with companies, SMEs are prepared for the future. This is particularly relevant in light of demographic change and uncertain business succession.

• Challenges & Opportunities of the SUNRISE Alliance

The alliance advocates for a “Corridor of Innovation across Regions” to strengthen the innovative power of SMEs and connect university regions.

• Visit to Thuringian Energy Research Institute & the Centre of Micro- and Nanotechnologies in Ilmenau

Insights into cutting-edge research at TU Ilmenau in the fields of future energy systems and micro- and nanotechnologies.

In a nutshell:
A heartfelt thank you to all participants! TU Ilmenau and the SUNRISE Alliance see themselves as part of the EU Excellence Initiative, working to make Thuringia and Europe future-proof through innovation and collaboration.

Credits: TU Ilmenau / Barbara Aichroth