The overarching goal of this scientific study project was to develop a concept enabling the Hof/Upper Franconia region to cope more effectively with the impacts of climate change by functioning as an intelligent sponge region. The project focused on supporting the local water balance in a way that ecological functions, such as groundwater recharge, are enhanced and the region becomes better adapted to heavy rainfall events and periods of drought.
The funding required for the implementation of the research project (2022–2025) was provided by the Wilo-Foundation (here acting as trustee of the WILO-Stiftung), the Oberfrankenstiftung and Hof University of Applied Sciences.

“We have combined state-of-the-art digital networking with infrastructure measures to exemplarily record water management processes and intelligently control associated technical operations. The aim was not only to conserve resources and protect people and infrastructures but also to develop approaches that would ensure the long-term economic development of rural regions,” explains Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan, Head of Research and Institute Director at the ‘Institute for Sustainable Water Systems at Hof University’ (in short: inwa), during a conversation with Foundation Board Member David Höltgen as part of his visit to the Wilopark on 19 January 2026.

Unique in research: The multi-level analysis

What made SPORE special was a previously unique research approach: the development of a distinctive form of multi-level analysis. For the first time, this made it possible to transparently reveal the complex interactions between urban and regional planning and led to a well-founded assessment of the initial situation as well as the effectiveness of planned measures.

Instead of creating a blanket master plan for the entire region, SPORE identified targeted pilot projects based on specific action requirements. These focused on the implementation and testing of innovative sponge technologies under real-world conditions.

A new hub for international talents

As the impacts of climate change will continue to affect the region for generations, the results of SPORE should be understood as the beginning of a long-term process. To accompany this process sustainably, Germany’s first Competence and Transfer Center for Sustainable Sponge Cities/Regions (ktns) was founded on 15 November 2023 as a direct consequence of SPORE. Bringing research results into real-world implementation remains the core mission of the ktns to this day.

The great success of the study and the resulting measures has now led to another significant milestone: with funding of more than 4 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), part of Hof University of Applied Sciences will be transformed into the “Sponge Campus” starting this year.

“The Sponge Campus is the logical continuation of our insights from SPORE and our central message for the future,” emphasizes Professor Müller-Czygan. “Here, a new hub for the topic of sponge regions is being created, one that specifically trains and educates international young academics and where we can demonstrate how sponge solutions work. In Hof, we are creating a place where the experts of tomorrow learn how to make regions climate-resilient worldwide.”

Sustainable knowledge transfer

To make the findings globally accessible, SPORE and the subsequent projects serve as the foundation for a digital guide to implementing the Smart Sponge Region concept, intended as a blueprint for other cities and regions. In addition, the insights gained from SPORE have already been integrated into various continuing education programs at Hof University, where more than 100 experts from water management, landscape architecture, urban planning, public authorities, municipalities, and industry have been trained.