December 2, 2025 – Debre Berhan University (DBU) – A discussion regarding the ERASMUS+ 2026 project call was held between Debre Berhan University and representatives from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Germany. The meeting was attended by the president, Vice Presidents and the heads of various colleges and departments of Debre Berhan University.

At the ERASMUS+ 2026 project call, Professors Theiss Helge and Simon Killinger from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Germany participated in a discussion about developing a collaborative project proposal.

A key topic arising from the discussion is the preparation of a joint project for the robotics, manufacturing systems, and automation technology laboratory to operate at the university. It was noted that this project aims to promote technological development at the national level and that its potential benefits are significant.

According to Dr. Asmara Meles, President of Debre Berhan University, the university should look to the Applied University in Germany as a model for technological development. Dr. Asmara Meles emphasized that it is important to identify the problems we face in robotics technology as a country, and especially as an institution, and to apply robotic technology through Gap Analysis. He stated that enhancing the university's involvement in this field will enable it to showcase the outcomes of technological development at the national level. In particular, he mentioned fostering international collaboration with German institutions to implement robotic technology projects. He also noted that including student and staff exchange programs in these projects will help improve students' skills, broaden teachers' experience, and introduce new technologies to the university.

According to Dr. Hluf Reda, the coordinator of international cooperation and partnerships at Debre Berhan University, the project connects 4 institutions from Ethiopia (3 universities and 1 manufacturing industry) and 2 universities from Germany. The universities involved are Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University of Science and Technology, Addis Ababa University, Aalborg University, Debre Berhan University, and the Manufacturing Industry Development Institute. They are in discussions to prepare a proposal for a joint project following the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024. He added that experts from the German Institute of Technology are collaborating with the university on new developments in robotics and operating systems worldwide. He also emphasized that this project will have highly significant professional involvement, particularly in robotics, manufacturing systems, technology transfer, and job responsibilities.

He also mentioned that this will enhance students' skills, increase teachers' experience, and bring new technologies to the university, as the project will involve the mobility of both students and staff.

In addition, a half-day discussion was held for the teachers of the College of Engineering and Computing. He also announced that two studies were presented at the meeting, one explaining their general work skills, and the second being a student's PhD research. Regarding the project's timeline, Professor Thiess stated that the project could start on schedule once the proposal is approved and grant support is secured, with the first phase expected to begin around the end of next year. He also mentioned that the "collaboration" will continue for at least 3 to 5 years after it begins. Professor Thiess emphasized that this project requires strong support from research institutions, especially professors with specialized expertise in this technology, and partner industries that can apply the technology to natural products. Today, the University of Michigan held its first press conference with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From the discussion, it is understood that the detailed work plans and financial structures of the project will be developed in the future.

Professor Theiss Helge from the German Deggendorf Institute of Technology spoke about the technological cooperation established with Ethiopian universities. He said that when he and his team visited Ethiopia at the beginning of the year, their relationships with various universities and representatives began with a new idea of collaboration. He also stated that he is an expert in precision manufacturing technology at the university, and that he has discussed the products developed by his institution, expressing a desire to engage directly with technical and resource experts in both countries.