The German University in Cairo Berlin Campus (GUC Berlin) hosted the annual Reinickendorf Economic Reception, dedicated this year to announcing the winners of the “Local Champions” Award. The event was attended by the Mayor of Reinickendorf, members of the German Bundestag and the Berlin House of Representatives, business leaders, representatives of major companies, Professor Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo, as well as an Egyptian parliamentary and media delegation.
In her opening remarks, the Mayor of Reinickendorf emphasized that choosing the German University in Cairo as the venue for the annual economic reception was no coincidence. She described the university as a successful model that combines education, scientific research, innovation, and economic development.
“The German University in Cairo is not merely an educational institution,” she said. “It is a center for scientific research, economic cooperation, and international exchange.” She added that the advanced research facilities and technological capabilities she witnessed during her visit confirmed the university’s role as a genuine partner for industry and business.
The Mayor praised Professor Ashraf Mansour’s vision of opening the university’s laboratories, research expertise, and innovation centers to German companies, describing it as an outstanding example of integrating higher education with the needs of industry. She expressed hope that the event would pave the way for new partnerships between the university and businesses operating in Reinickendorf.
Professor Ashraf Mansour, in his keynote address, highlighted the university’s journey, noting that the German University in Cairo has become the world’s largest German transnational university, while the German International University (GIU) is the second largest. Together, they represent one of the most successful academic cooperation models between Egypt and Germany.
He explained that the university has developed an integrated research and innovation ecosystem, including advanced laboratories and manufacturing facilities covering more than 40,000 square meters, specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, cybersecurity, biotechnology, medical engineering, robotics, and applied research.
Professor Mansour stressed that these facilities were established not only for education but also to serve industry. He invited German companies to collaborate with the university through internships, bachelor’s and master’s research projects, research and development programs, and industrial innovation initiatives.
“The university is ready to help companies develop products, solve industrial challenges, and transform research into practical solutions,” he said, emphasizing that its mission extends beyond education to supporting industry, innovation, and technology transfer.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Local Champions Award, presented annually by the Reinickendorf District to companies demonstrating outstanding achievements in innovation, production, and economic contribution.
This year’s winners were:
Nature Calling, recognized for its innovative production of natural wines and alcohol-free alternatives.
La Española, honored for more than two decades of bringing Spanish and Latin American culinary products to the Berlin market.
Evoma, recognized for its advanced industrial and technological solutions serving customers around the world.
Before the awards ceremony, short films showcased the success stories of each company, followed by the presentation of certificates of recognition by the Mayor.
On the sidelines of the event, the Mayor of Reinickendorf held an extensive meeting with the Egyptian media delegation in the presence of Professor Ashraf Mansour. The discussion focused on strengthening Egyptian-German cooperation in education, scientific research, investment, and economic development. The Mayor also presented Reinickendorf’s experience in supporting businesses, connecting schools and universities with industry, and encouraging innovation.
She stressed that Germany’s future depends on investing in education and human capital, noting that universities, particularly the German University in Cairo—are key partners in achieving this vision.
Professor Ashraf Mansour also guided guests on a tour of the university’s research laboratories and innovation centers, where they explored projects in artificial intelligence, medical technology, virtual reality, autonomous driving, cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge research areas developed in cooperation with German industrial partners, demonstrating the university’s commitment to transforming scientific research into practical solutions that serve both industry and society.
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