HS Hof_SPORE - Smart Sponge Region

„Purple Roof“, ein neuartiges Gründachkonzept — The "Purple Roof", one of the pilot projects of the research, is a new type of green roof concept that significantly optimises rainwater retention compared to ordinary green roofs. Photo: Hof University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hof), Credit: Raphael Maier

The "SPORE project" (Smart SPOnge REgion) focuses on climate change and its devastating impacts on rural areas. The overarching project goal is to develop a concept for the Hof/High Franconia/Upper Franconia region that outlines ways for transforming it into a smart sponge region, adapting its local water resources to climate change. The concept is intended to help preserve the region’s ecological functions, ensure a sustainable use of resources and find ways to balance heavy rainfall and dry periods (sponge region). Another goal is to contribute to protecting the regional economic development of rural areas over the long term. The concept combines the use of digital technology and networking for the intelligent management of water resources and infrastructure measures. Last but not least, a guide for replicating the Smart SPOnge REgion concept in other regions is being deveoloped under the project.

Vorstellung des Projekts „SPORE - Smart Sponge Region“ — The research project is being carried out at the Competence and Transfer Centre "Sustainable Sponge City/Region" under the direction of Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan. Photo: Hof University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hof), Credit: Raphael Maier

3. Hofer Wasser-Symposium — At the 3rd Hof Water Symposium at the Bavarian State Office for the Environment on 15 November 2023, the preliminary results of the research project were discussed. Photo: Hof University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hof), Credit: Raphael Maier

The associated sub-project “Markt Wirsberg” brings together all projects and solution approaches that are found in the target region, making it an excellent best practice example. This project approach for rural areas is still unique as other projects generally focus on the impacts of climate change on coastal regions or urban areas. The funds that are needed for project implementation are made available by the Wilo-Foundation (here: as a trustee of the WILO-Stiftung), the Oberfrankenstiftung (Upper Franconia Foundation) and Hof University of Applied Sciences.

Photo Header: Hof University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hof), Credit: Raphael Maier

Our funding partner

Teaching and research at Hof University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hof) are based on the pillars of practice-orientation, internationalisation and intelligent use of resources. The Institute for Sustainable Water Systems (inwa) focuses on applied research and development in the key areas of sponge city, sustainability, photonics and food production. In addition to these areas, sustainability and digitalisation are increasingly becoming research topics in their own right. The transfer of knowledge from research results into practice is becoming more and more important as a further area of activity. In its international operations, the university focuses on cooperation with India.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

What are the SDGs?

Latest news

23.01.2026

From research to excellence: how Hof University is transforming into an international “Sponge Campus”

An intelligent approach to water is a key response to the increasing weather extremes of our time. The scientific project “SPORE – Smart Sponge Region” at Hof University of Applied Sciences, supported by the WILO-Stiftung, has provided groundbreaking pioneering work in this field.