The Polytechnical University of València (UPV) and PowerCo, the Volkswagen Group's battery cell company, have announced the creation of a strategic Chair focused on advancing knowledge and innovation in battery cell production technology for electric vehicles.
This initiative will center on expanding the UPV's educational offerings through master's programs, lifelong learning initiatives, and specialized training courses. The Chair will also foster collaborative activities, including conferences, seminars, and technical visits to leading companies in the sector.
In addition to educational programs, the Chair aims to nurture specialized talent by offering collaboration grants, funding awards for outstanding final degree projects, and supporting research publications. These initiatives will promote advancements in battery cell technology and reinforce sustainable mobility goals.
The agreement was formalized at the UPV in the presence of UPV Rector José E. Capilla; PowerCo management team members Thomas Dahlem, Javier Rivera, and Alexander Dittrich; the Chair's director, Juan Antonio García-Manrique; the director of the Higher Technical School of Design Engineering, Juan Antonio Monsoriu; and other representatives from both institutions.
UPV Rector José E. Capilla highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration in fostering innovation and developing talent in a rapidly evolving sector.
Alexander Dittrich, Head of Human Resources at PowerCo Spain, emphasized the role of Valencian universities in supporting the gigafactory's establishment and innovation processes. He stated, "Through the PowerCo-UPV Chair, we will generate cutting-edge knowledge and train top-tier professionals to position the Valencian Community as a key electromobility hub in southern Europe."
Commitment to Sustainable Mobility and Electrification
"The automotive industry plays a crucial role in driving the Spanish economy. Ensuring a just and efficient transition to electrification requires advanced technological, productive, and innovative capabilities," said Alexander Dittrich.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration with Valencian universities to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, ensuring workforce readiness and effective knowledge transfer to production facilities.
The PowerCo-UPV Chair represents a milestone in industry-academia collaboration, laying the foundation for innovation, education, and sustainable technological advancement in the field of battery cell production for electric vehicles.