The MaDE-for-UAS project is powered by a diverse and strategic consortium of European and Ethiopian institutions. Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to transforming higher education. Our partnership is divided into the project coordinator, beneficiary partners who are actively involved in the implementation, and associate partners who provide strategic support and guidance.
Project Coordinator
Kotebe University of Education (KUE) – Ethiopia
As Ethiopia’s pioneer education-focused university, KUE is uniquely positioned to lead the MaDE4UAS project. With a rich history and a mandate to shape national educational initiatives, KUE provides the pedagogical foundation and project management leadership necessary for success.
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Beneficiary Partners
Dire Dawa University (DDU) – Ethiopia
Located in one of Ethiopia’s key industrial corridors, DDU is a premier science and technology hub. Its close ties to industry and practical focus make it the ideal home for the project’s technical development and implementation.
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Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN) – Germany
As one of Germany’s leading universities of applied sciences, HHN has a long tradition of close collaboration with industry. It brings world-class expertise in engineering, computer science, and transnational education projects.
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Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH OWL) – Germany
TH OWL is a highly research-intensive university renowned for its practical relevance and strong partnerships with industry. It provides expertise in creative and design solutions, particularly in the construction and food processing sectors.
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Free University Bolzano (UBZ) – Italy
Located at the heart of Europe, UBZ is a trilingual university with a strong focus on technology and innovation in industry. Its Smart Mini Factory lab is a center for excellence in Industry 4.0 and applied research.
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Federal TVET Institute (FTVETI) – Ethiopia
As the only higher education institution in Ethiopia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, FTVETI is mandated to produce qualified trainers and technologists for industry, bringing a vital hands-on perspective.
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St. Mary’s University (SMU) – Ethiopia
As one of Ethiopia’s leading private universities, SMU brings an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in both conventional and distance learning, offering a unique perspective on educational delivery and dissemination.
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ThumbsUp Social Entrepreneurs PLC (TUSE) – Ethiopia
TUSE is a transformative marketing and communications firm with deep expertise in technology and strategic media relations. It drives the project’s outreach and ensures its innovations reach the widest possible audience.
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Aksum University (AKU) & Assosa University (ASU) – Ethiopia
Representing Ethiopia’s diverse regions, AKU (Tigray Region) and ASU (Benishangul Gumuz Region) are key Universities of Applied Sciences. They ensure the project’s activities are relevant and impactful in remote areas and diverse economic contexts, from tourism and mining to cross-border collaboration.
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Associated Partners
Ministry of Education (MoE) – Ethiopia
The MoE is the key strategic partner, ensuring the project’s alignment with national policy. The MoE provides high-level support, facilitates outreach to all Ethiopian universities, and will help integrate the project’s outcomes into the national Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) and the National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia (NADRE).
Ethiopian Engineering Group (EEG)
As a governmental enterprise leading the development of heavy industries, EEG provides the vital link to the “World of Work.” It offers access to its production facilities for capturing real-world processes in VR/AR and provides invaluable industry feedback to ensure the training content is relevant and practical.
Dilla University (DU), Debre Tabor University (DTU), Ambo University (AMU), & Raya University (RU) – Ethiopia
This group of established and emerging universities ensures the project’s methodologies and tools are tested across a wide spectrum of Ethiopian higher education institutions. They are key participants in the Training of Trainers (ToT) and the piloting phase, helping to build a national network of expertise.
German International Cooperation (GIZ)
As a key stakeholder in the Ethiopian UAS landscape, GIZ provides strategic advice and insight from its extensive experience in the region. GIZ’s role as a member of the National Resonance Group ensures the project’s activities are synergistic with broader international development efforts in Ethiopia.
