Workshop in Cape Town: Collaboration for Sustainable University Ecosystems

The workshop was led by UCT and brought together academic staff, students and partners from both institutions. Through interactive working methods, design thinking and creative teamwork, mutual learning and exploration of new models for entrepreneurial education were facilitated.

The participants worked, among other things, on developing concepts for hackathons to be held in September 2026 in Cape Town, and February 2027 in Sogndal.

Hasso Plattner d-school Africa, which is one of only three Hasso Plattner institutions in the world, provided an inspiring setting for the work. The learning environment is known for its strong focus on co-creation, practical innovation and interdisciplinary problem solving, which contributed to a productive, inclusive and engaging workshop format.

As part of the program, the delegation also visited Philippi Village, an innovation and community development center in a township in Cape Town. The visit provided valuable insight into social entrepreneurship and how universities can contribute to local community development through collaboration, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing.

The workshop concluded with a gathering in Constantia, which provided space for reflection, relationship building and further planning. Cape Town proved to be both inspiring and challenging – a suitable starting point for a project that aims to contribute to lasting and sustainable changes in higher education.

Suneco thanks all participants and partners, and gives special recognition to the HVL delegation from Bergen, Førde and Sogndal for their solid and committed efforts. The workshop marks a strong and promising start to a new international collaboration.