German UDS Celebrates its First Graduates

The German University of Digital Science (German UDS) marks a historic milestone today by celebrating the first graduation ceremony in its young institutional history, honoring the graduates of the university’s first MBA cohort. The ceremony takes place at the CloudHouse, the headquarters and former machine hall in Potsdam, and is also streamed online in a hybrid format.

The ceremony opens with welcoming remarks by the President of German UDS, Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel, who greets guests both onsite and online and reflects on the university’s dynamic development since its founding - and, in doing so, on the transformation of the Humboldtian university model for the digital age. Throughout the program, professors, program coordinators, students, family members, and partner institutions contribute to celebrating the academic achievements of the graduates and the successful launch of German UDS’s innovative educational model. Graduate speeches followed by a closing reception with networking opportunities round off the event.

The success of the German UDS concept is also reflected in the newly published SZ Ranking of the Best Private Universities 2026: just one year after its founding, German UDS ranks among the top group in several key categories and takes first place nationwide among private universities in the category “International Orientation.”

Outstanding Graduates

A central highlight of the ceremony is the formal presentation of degree certificates to the graduates.
Christian Lang from Austria receives his MBA in Digital Transformation, while Kamran Mir from Pakistan is awarded his MBA in Digital Technologies.

Graduate Christian Lang describes his experience at German UDS as formative:

“What I love most about studying at German UDS is the unique mix of disciplines - from technology and business to social and natural sciences. This distinctive approach has expanded the way I think about complex problems. I believe I have gained a valuable toolset that I can apply immediately.”

A Significant Step

With a clear focus on interdisciplinarity and practical relevance, the German University of Digital Science positions itself at the intersection of technology, business, science, and society. This ambition is also reflected in the contributions and reflections shared by graduates during the ceremony.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel, Co-President of the German University of Digital Science, emphasizes the importance of the occasion:

“This first graduation ceremony marks a defining moment in the history of the German University of Digital Science. Our graduates are pioneers - they have grown alongside the university itself and have helped shape its academic culture from the very beginning. Their achievements clearly demonstrate how an interdisciplinary, digitally focused education prepares students to address real‑world challenges with competence and responsibility.”

Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen, Co-Presidents of German UDS also praises the graduates:

“Our first graduates showed courage by deliberately choosing a new university and a new educational model. Their successful completion of this journey affirms our ambition to combine academic excellence with social responsibility.”