Contemplate this: a hub of innovation stands before us. This is the HPI Main Building. It is part of the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam. The HPI is unique in Germany’s academic world. It is the only institute offering a degree in IT Systems Engineering. This program is a practical alternative to traditional computer science.
Founded in 1998, the HPI has consistently achieved high rankings. In fact, it repeatedly earned excellent scores in higher education rankings. The Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) ranked HPI’s Master’s programs in computer science as the best in German-speaking countries.
The HPI’s establishment as a public-private partnership is noteworthy. The non-profit Hasso Plattner Foundation for Software Systems Engineering provides funding. The state of Brandenburg offered the location. It is a prime spot near Griebnitzsee lake. The first buildings were erected in 2000. Additional construction followed in 2010. More buildings were added in 2018 and 2021.
The HPI fosters collaboration with top international institutions. These include Stanford University and MIT. Partnerships also extend to universities in Israel, Cape Town, Nanjing, and Peking. Industry giants like Microsoft and SAP are also key partners.
Inside the HPI Main Building, students learn the complexities of IT systems. They develop skills for top-level IT management. Graduates often become software architects or Chief Technology Officers. The HPI aims to cultivate an engineering culture within IT.
Currently, around 450 students attend the institute. There are 250 in the Bachelor’s program. 200 are pursuing Master’s degrees. Students at HPI benefit from tuition-free education. Personal mentoring is a priority. First-year students get special seminars. Master’s students receive guidance from a professor.
The HPI Main Building also houses the HPI School of Design Thinking. Here, students from various fields collaborate. They develop user-friendly IT products and services. The HPI Academy offers Design Thinking education to professionals as well.
Since 2012, openHPI offers free online courses on IT topics. Anyone can participate and expand their knowledge. Participants discuss and solve problems with others worldwide.
The HPI Future SOC Lab researches multicore computer architectures. Scientists and guest experts explore new concepts for Service Oriented Computing. The lab features a 1000-core computer cluster.
The HPI’s impact extends beyond academics. In 2024, the HPI faced criticism for actions against the formation of a Works council. Despite this, employees voted for the establishment of an Institute Council.
The HPI Main Building stands as a testament to innovation. It symbolizes the HPI’s dedication to IT education and research. From its unique funding model to its global partnerships, the HPI shapes the future of digital engineering. The location of the HPI Main Building is Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3.