#QualityofLife: Cross-mentoring program starts

Innovation through collaboration across silos and sectors: this was the motto on 30 November 2023 for the launch of a cross-mentoring program at the Lokschuppen event center in Marburg. "The program brings together a highly diverse community: start-ups, representatives from economy, the university, the city, regional management, the Lokschuppen, the cultural and creative scene, citizens' initiatives, students, investors and two young scientists from Moshi, Marburg's twin city in Tanzania," says Dr. Lars Groenke. As Managing Director of CSL Behring Innovation GmbH, he represents one of many strong partners - and a driving force behind the program. "The partnerships are to become nuclei for innovation and thus for a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the Marburg and Central Hesse region with the aim of further improving the quality in the region together."

One year of overcoming silos in the service of innovation

The cross-mentoring program aims to create partnerships over the course of a year in which people work together on projects across sectors. The diversity of the participants symbolizes the core concept of the program: overcoming silos in favour of mutual learning and innovative solutions. 

Sustainability through creative development

"The cross-mentoring program not only marks a step towards a dynamic culture of innovation, it also underlines the relevance of collaboration for the development of a future with a high quality of life," says Yukiko Elisabeth Kobayashi. The psychologist and business consultant specializes in the building of innovative ecosystems and as such was responsible for the design and implementation of the event in the Lokschuppen.

Panelists and around 60 guests from the life sciences, politics, business and culture met here last year under the motto "Elevate and Accelerate" and took the first step towards innovation and a start-up ecosystem for Marburg and Central Hesse.