The University of Debrecen has entered a strategic partnership with the Hungarian subsidiary of CATL. This collaboration spans several fields, including IT, engineering, and natural sciences, as well as research and development, education, science, and industry. Through this partnership, the university aims to enhance its engineering education in line with industry needs, while CATL sees this as a milestone in strengthening the Hungarian workforce for its Debrecen operations.
The goal of the partnership is to facilitate practical training for technical specialists, develop curriculum content, and implement joint research projects in battery technology and the energy sector. CATL will participate in the practical training of university students and help develop educational materials, providing students with direct exposure to the latest industrial innovations in battery development and manufacturing.
Zoltán Szilvássy, rector of the University of Debrecen, emphasized that multinational companies coming to Debrecen can rely on the institution both as a source of research and innovation and as a human resource base.
“Our basic approach is to establish mutually beneficial relationships with large companies settling in Debrecen, especially in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors, which are key focus areas of the University of Debrecen’s education and research activities. CATL is a major player in the automotive industry and its activities are also of great importance in many other fields, so there is significant potential in this collaboration. We will do everything we can to achieve several important steps in scientific and technological development together,” the rector stated.
The company also offers students practical opportunities at its factory under construction in Debrecen, where they can gain insights into the most modern manufacturing processes and technological solutions.
“CATL is committed to training future professionals. Through this collaboration with the University of Debrecen, we provide students with the opportunity to acquire cutting-edge industrial knowledge, which is crucial in the rapidly evolving world of battery technology. We are proud of our research and development activities, which play a central role in technological innovation and implementing sustainable energy solutions. To support the widespread adoption of sustainable electric transportation, a highly qualified workforce is essential, and the University of Debrecen’s long-standing history provides a solid guarantee for this,” said Jason Chen, CEO responsible for CATL’s European operations, during the signing of the agreement.
Chen also noted that the company is committed to Hungary and Debrecen for the long term, and it considers active participation in workforce training and support for educational institutions at all levels as key. In February 2024, CATL Debrecen signed an agreement with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center to launch a dual education program.
(unideb.hu)
