Last week, the Hasso Plattner Institute welcomed a high-profile delegation from France: the President of École Polytechnique de Paris, Laura Chaubard, visited the HPI campus in Potsdam, together with Siegfried Martin-Diaz, Counsellor for Science and Technology in the French Embassy. HPI's Academic Partnerships Team welcomed the guests at a round table alongside HPI Managing Director and Dean Prof. Tobias Friedrich. After the mutual introductions, the conversation moved directly into an exchange on current developments at both universities.
Two institutions, many things in common
At first glance, the two institutions appear worlds apart in terms of tradition: École Polytechnique de Paris looks back on a history of over 200 years, while HPI is only about 28 years old. Yet the conversation revealed surprisingly many parallels. Both institutions rank among the most selective universities in their respective countries and share a commitment to excellence in computer science education with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. The two are also aligned on innovation: École Polytechnique has a well-developed ecosystem for its own AI start-ups – an approach that mirrors HPI's own innovation culture.
Above all, both institutions are united by a common goal: advancing European sovereignty through excellent research and teaching in computer science.
The current challenges facing both institutions are similar as well: cultural change, rapid growth, campus expansion, and the development of new degree programs and student exchange opportunities are concerns shared by both HPI and École Polytechnique.
Marija Petrovic from HPI's Academic Partnerships Team on the visit
"It was a great honor for us to welcome the President of École Polytechnique to HPI and to begin discussions about a new collaboration. By connecting France's most renowned engineering school, embedded in the research landscape of Paris-Saclay and the French start-up and industry ecosystem, with HPI as Germany's leading computer science institute, rooted in the Berlin-Brandenburg innovation ecosystem, there is potential for a powerful alliance that can drive forward Europe's digital future."
Panel Discussion: European Digital Sovereignty
Following the round table, HPI students had the opportunity to engage directly with the guests from Paris. In a panel discussion moderated by HPI Professor Niclas Böhmer, EP President Laura Chaubard and HPI Prof. Bernhard Renard addressed the question "What does European Digital Sovereignty mean?" They clarified key definitions surrounding digital sovereignty and answered students' open questions about cross-border digital opportunities.
Tour of the HPI Maker Universe
To conclude the visit, the French delegation was given a tour of the HPI Maker Universe. Students proudly presented their own projects and creations there, sparking noticeable inspiration among some of the guests from Paris.
The visit by École Polytechnique de Paris marks a promising start to closer collaboration between the two leading institutions.
Photo: HPI/Reinhardt & Sommer
