Students Tackle Sustainability Challenges at SZE’s Audi Development Camp

Created: 2025.07.08. 11:53

This year, the joint summer programme organized by Széchenyi István University and Audi Hungaria – the Audi Development Camp – attracted students from 17 countries across the globe. The fifth edition of the camp offers young talents the opportunity to work on real-world industrial challenges that lie at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. This year’s main focus is the ESG-based analysis of water management at the Audi plant in Győr.

Once again, international students have arrived at Széchenyi István University to participate in the Audi Development Camp, held from 7 to 14 July. After a multi-stage selection process, 31 applicants were accepted. They represent 20 universities from 17 different countries, including Chongqing University in China, the University of Motor Vehicle Engineering in Emilia Romagna, Italy, and Quinnipiac University in the United States.

The camp’s theme this year is the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) based analysis of Audi Hungaria’s water management system. Participants work in teams, using a design thinking approach that emphasizes creative problem-solving, to propose solutions for challenges related to sustainability, ethical operations and environmental responsibility. The programme’s methodology is supported by Krisztián Palócz from the Design Department at Széchenyi University, while the ESG expertise is provided by Dr András Torma, head of the Department of Applied Sustainability.

Participants of the Audi Development Camp in front of Széchenyi István University’s Győr Innovation Park (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

At the opening ceremony held in the University’s Győr Innovation Park, Professor Dr Gábor Dogossy, Dean of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Engineering, emphasized that Széchenyi István University has long been committed to applying modern technological knowledge in the service of sustainability. 

“This camp is a unique opportunity for participants – whether they come from an engineering, software development, business, sustainability, or legal background – to work on real industrial problems, to think and learn together, and to build valuable professional and personal connections,” he said.

Professor Dr Gábor Dogossy, Dean of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Engineering (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

In her welcome speech, Katalin Németh, Head of Education and Scientific Cooperation at Audi Hungaria, described the company’s relationship with Széchenyi University as broad and diverse, emphasizing the mutual growth of both parties. “The Audi Development Camp has many advantages, including practice-oriented education, international team-based project work, networking opportunities, and solution-focused collaboration on real industrial problems. Seeing the challenges of the future and finding the right path through teamwork – that’s one of the most valued skills in today’s job market,” she said.

Katalin Németh, Head of Education and Scientific Cooperation at Audi Hungaria (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

In addition to gaining professional experience, students also enjoy memorable social experiences during the camp. The programme includes team-building events such as dragon boating, a BBQ dinner, and playful challenges organized by the University’s Uni Elite Sport Club.

Among the participants is Eduardo Gugliemi, who studies at the University of Automotive Engineering in Emilia-Romagna. The institution’s master’s programme—which has sent several students this time—places a strong emphasis on ESG principles and a sustainable engineering approach, making the programme in Győr particularly interesting for them. “I applied because I’ve long been interested in cars – especially Audi – and I’ve never been to Hungary before. I found it exciting that I’d be visiting an industrial centre in a rural city rather than the capital,” he shared. “Our university also deals with similar topics, so I saw this camp as a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and deepen my knowledge of ESG in an international setting.”