In an effort to deepen their existing collaboration, the University of Szeged and the technology companies ContiTech Fluid Automotive Hungária Kft. and ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft. have entered into formal agreements. These new partnerships aim to foster joint initiatives in research and development, education, and grant applications. Reflecting this intent, the leaders of the university and the two companies signed the agreements on Monday, July 28, 2025, marking the occasion in the main building of the University of Szeged.
On July 28, 2025, the University of Szeged signed cooperation agreements with the technology companies ContiTech Fluid Automotive Hungária Kft. and ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft. The aim of the resulting partnerships is to deepen mutual support in innovation and educational activities, while also launching joint research and development projects.
Speaking at the signing event, Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and Innovation at the University of Szeged, reflected on the long-standing collaboration between the university and ContiTech’s plants in Szeged and Makó. He noted that in 2012, the Hungarian ContiTech Group received the SZTE Alma Mater Award – a recognition that testifies to the organic and enduring nature of the partnership. Professor Kónya also emphasized that, in addition to its core missions of education, research, and clinical care, the university is committed to engaging with major regional companies through an entrepreneurial approach. As part of this strategy, SZTE recently launched its own AI-focused supercomputing system, which is expected to play a key role in supporting joint research and development initiatives.
Sándor Horváth, Managing Director of the limited liability company ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft. and Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and Innovation at SZTE
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft. boasts a nearly 60-year history. Its Szeged plant is the largest European factory of the technology company Continental, specializing in textile-reinforced industrial belts. The site also plays a central role in the development and production of specialized oil and marine hoses. At the same time, technological excellence and engineering expertise are not only evident in the manufacturing processes – they also provide a strong foundation for knowledge sharing and the expansion of educational partnerships. Building on this foundation, the company aims to collaborate with the University of Szeged on joint research and development projects in areas such as materials testing, automation, process optimization, efficiency improvement, and energy reduction. As part of the planned educational cooperation, the Szeged plant will host students for professional internships, while the university will provide research topics for student research projects and theses, along with academic supervision. The partnership also includes joint applications for funding from the European Union and other national and international organizations.
Sándor Horváth, Managing Director of the limited liability company ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft.
“I trust that this agreement will lay the foundation for a long-term, meaningful, and mutually beneficial partnership – not merely on paper, but in real terms. It is a partnership that brings tangible benefits not only to the two institutions involved, but also to the wider region,” said Sándor Horváth, Managing Director of ContiTech Rubber Industrial Kft., commenting on the significance of the initiative.
At the public press event held on July 28, 2025, the University of Szeged also revitalized its collaboration with ContiTech Fluid Automotive Hungária Kft. The cooperation will now focus on joint activities in research and development, education, and collaborative participation in funding applications. This focus is consistent with Continental’s long-standing priorities. Continental has been a key player in the automotive industry for over 150 years. With its innovative solutions and developments, it is a major contributor to the industry in Hungary as well. In line with this, the company places strong emphasis on research and development, as well as on education and training.
Prior to the signing of the agreement, József Hrubi, Managing Director of ContiTech Fluid Automotive Hungária Kft. (Makó), highlighted the wide-ranging scope of the partnership:
“Our collaboration covers a broad spectrum – from basic research to applied development, and from guiding students in their professional orientation to innovation-driven cooperation. Our aim is not only to address technological challenges, but also to foster an environment where young talent can grow through hands-on experience, and where knowledge flows continuously between the university and our manufacturing sites.”
József Hrubi, Managing Director of ContiTech Fluid Automotive Hungária Kft.
Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Deputy Chancellor and Director-General for Strategy and Development at the University of Szeged, noted that numerous development projects are focused on enhancing the University’s accessibility and relevance to industry stakeholders.
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
At the official signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Deputy Chancellor and Director-General for Strategy and Development at the University of Szeged, emphasized the importance of partnering with organizations that share the university’s core values.
“I’m very pleased that ContiTech’s management participated in the HR Fest event – Hungary’s premier human resources festival and conference series – where they engaged in discussions with our university colleagues and helped rekindle a previously established collaboration. With this framework agreement, we are now forging a partnership to create job opportunities for people in the Southern Great Plain region. Our goal is to ensure that our training programs remain market-oriented and practice-focused, and that more students gain hands-on experience at ContiTech plants – whether through internships or doctoral programs. Additionally, in line with this approach, the University of Szeged has undertaken a range of organizational and operational improvements in recent years to enhance accessibility and strengthen cooperation with industry stakeholders,” Professor Csóka added.
Source: SZTEinfo
Feature photo: Péter Nagy and Sándor Horváth, Managing Directors; Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and Innovation; Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development; József Hrubi, Managing Director
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
