The DOMO scholarship program has been bringing computer science students from Fachhochschule Dortmund and TU Dortmund University together with regional IT companies for years. This year's host was the Faculty of Computer Science at Fachhochschule Dortmund, which created ideal conditions for an intensive exchange in the Innovation Lab.
On March 11, 2025, 42 students came together for speed dating after a careful pre-selection process. A total of 80 applicants had applied for one of the 21 scholarships worth 1,500 euros. A jury of company representatives and university members reviewed the applications and invited the most suitable candidates - Prof. Dr. Michael Stark from Fachhochschule Dortmund was involved in the selection process.
In 20 rounds of interviews, the students had the opportunity to talk to company representatives. Within six minutes, they had to make a lasting impression and at the same time find out which companies were particularly well suited to their own interests. However, the companies also evaluated the participants - because only if both sides agreed was there a match, giving the students the chance to receive a scholarship.
Together for IT talent: an overview of companies and partners
The DOMO Speed Dating 2025 was made possible by the close cooperation between Business Studies and the university. The business associations for Dortmund and the surrounding area, represented by Gunther Denk (Public Relations and Social Media Manager), took over the organization of the program. The host was the Faculty of Computer Science at Fachhochschule Dortmund, represented by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Kunau (Vice Dean for External Networks and Transfer) and Alparslan Kirman (Public Relations Coordinator), who coordinated and supervised the event.
The Computer Science Alumni of TU Dortmund University also supported the event as a long-standing partner of the DOMO scholarship program, represented by Hans Decker (Chairman of the Board of Alumni of Computer Science Dortmund).
Special thanks go to the companies that make the DOMO Speed Dating possible in the first place with their support. Not only do they play a decisive role in the selection of scholarship holders, but their financial support also makes it possible to award the scholarships in the first place.
The following companies actively participated in the event and awarded scholarships:
- adesso SE
- ICN GmbH + Co KG
- IHK-GfI
- ingenit GmbH & Co. KG
- LogProIT
- Materna
- OPTIMAL SYSTEMS Vertriebsgesellschaft Dortmund mbH
- Securitas Technology
- SMF GmbH
- utilution GmbH
Without this commitment, the DOMO scholarship program would be unthinkable - a real win-win situation for students and Business Studies.
More than just speed dating - networking included
In addition to the structured discussions, the event also offered space for personal exchange. Between the two rounds, participants were given the opportunity to network further in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and cake, followed by finger food. These informal discussions gave students, company representatives and the university the opportunity to deepen initial impressions, make new contacts and discuss future collaborations.