Limitless research: W4 projects for the Lake Constance region started!

Limitless research: W4 projects for the Lake Constance region started!

The Science Association Vierländer region Bodensee (W4) plays a central role in promoting practical research and teaching in the region. The merger includes 25 universities from Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland, which benefit from full financing. This support includes millions of millions that enable member institutions to implement innovative projects. The University of Konstanz reports of a total of 30 funded projects in 2024, in which 540 students were involved in 14 university-crossing courses.

The science network has been able to establish itself into an important network for universities in the Lake Constance region in the past 25 years. Due to an increase in applications from 2023 to 2024, 15 new projects from 17 member universities were approved. Overall, the W4 mobilized a sum of 11.7 million euros for the Labs for the circular economy, mobility and Internet of Things (IoT).

public presentation and support from the IBK

A special highlight is imminent: On June 12, 2025, the W4-Labs present their results in Dornbirn. The International Lake Constance conference (IBK) will support the W4 from 2026 to 2029 with over four million euros. This cooperation not only includes universities, but also 110 companies and organizations that actively participate in the projects. ​​The science network itself organizes the cooperation of the universities in the four-country region, with a focus on applied research and common courses.

there are more than 90 actors from business, politics and civil society behind the funding process, the aim of which is to strengthen the W4 as an innovation driver. In the past time, the W4 has acted as an independent carrier to raise third -party funds and thus increase its efficiency and reach.

European universities and their importance

The W4 is part of a broader initiative that also falls in the framework of the European universities. These university alliances, which include 64 institutions with 66 German universities, strive to strengthen cooperation in research and teaching. The BMBF promotes this collaboration through programs such as Erasmus+ with approx. 1.1 billion euros until 2027.

Such alliances are designed to improve the European university area and the research space by promoting innovation and cooperation between universities. The W4 actively contributes to these goals and continuously works on strengthening regional and international attractiveness and quality in university formation.

summarized, the Science Association Vierländer region Bodensee with its numerous projects and initiatives sets new standards in the university landscape. The close cooperation between the institutions and the promotion of European programs are decisive factors for the success and further development of the region.