Discover the personal reflections of Dr. Fritz Audebert, CEO & Founder of ICUnet.Group, on Pune from his latest trip to India here!
"Did you know that Pune seamlessly blends history and innovation? As Maharashtra’s economic powerhouse and India’s leading state, Pune hosts over 300 German companies. Known as the “Oxford of the East,” the city even established a German faculty in 1914. Today, Pune is a thriving technology hub with a vibrant expat community, making it an ideal bridge for ICUnet.Group between Germany and India.
During our recent trip to India, my colleague Jannik Heckenhahn (Manager Global Talent Strategy) and I spent two enriching days in Pune, gaining valuable insights and building connections.
Two gestures deeply highlighted India’s hospitality: Our host, Suryaa Pawar (Director ICUnet India), welcomed us with sunflower bouquets—a nod to her name’s meaning—and her father traditionally welcomed me with a Pashmina shawl. As a founder of a family business, this was something that really moved me.
But this journey was far more than a cultural exchange. Meetings with local stakeholders offered deep insights into Pune’s innovation and diversity:
Innovative Enterprises: Visits to cutting-edge offices and labs of Lex Visas Pvt. Ltd., Brose Automotive India, and Let’s Bridge IT.
Education and Exchange: Discussions with COEP Technological University about exchange programs with the University of Passau.
Future Opportunities: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg aims to facilitate the migration of skilled professionals to Germany over the next five years, supported by the Karlsruhe Representation Office.
Pune continues to inspire me as a hub of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Special thanks to Suryaa for organizing this visit and to all our hosts for their engaging conversations, including Mr. Vikas Roongta and Mrs. Preeti Roongta (Lex Visas Pvt Ltd.), Iris Becker (Karlsruhe Representation Office), Mr. Rahul Oza (Rödl & Partner), Dr. M.D. Jayabhaye and Dr. Khond (COEP Technological University), Mr. Kabraji and Ms. Betty Huber (Let’s Bridge IT), and Mr. Mangesh Pandharipande, Ms. Rajashree Karve, and Mr. Vasant Kamath (Brose Automotive India)."
