neo.NET - Together for a strong and dynamic region

Strengthening the economy through innovative technologies—rethinking education—making living spaces more attractive: To address these challenges in Upper Lusatia, companies, educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and associations have joined forces to form an alliance and launch the “Life and Technology” initiative.

They have set themselves the task of strategically expanding two technology sectors in the Germany-Poland-Czech Republic tri-border region. The alliance participated in a competition organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), was named one of the winners, and now has a budget of €6.7 million at its disposal to implement projects in line with its own strategy.

Modern additive manufacturing technologies (such as 3D printing) are being further developed in collaboration with companies in the Upper Lusatia region, and new proprietary products are being brought to the global market—Made in Upper Lusatia.

The energy transition is being reimagined—while expanding the core competencies of Lausitz as a hub for research and business. Research is being conducted on flexible energy systems—including storage technologies—and alternative energy sources to ensure that everyone can continue to rely on a stable supply of electricity and heat in the future.

For the alliance, education is not merely a “byproduct,” but a key focus of its activities. Innovative educational formats tailored to the challenges of modern life are being designed, tested, and established. The focus is on STEM education that considers various stages of education, integrates them, and offers programs tailored to specific target groups—from kindergarten through continuing vocational education.

neo.NET — Many Areas of Expertise Under One Organizational Umbrella

To give this alliance a clear structure, the neo.NET association was founded on September 2 in the Zittau Bürgersaal. This association brings together diverse expertise—it serves as a meeting place for dedicated citizens from a wide variety of walks of life. The technology-oriented LaNDER network at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will play a key role alongside Life and Technology.

What’s next? We’ll be reporting on this regularly. For now, we’re focusing on sorting out the administrative details.