We are the link between Heidelberg and Palo Alto

Connecting Silicon Valley to Neckar Valley

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About Us

The Heidelberg-Palo Alto Club is an initiative by residents of Heidelberg with the goal of bringing the sister city relationship between the two cities to life. Together with Neighbors Abroad, our partner organization in Palo Alto, we offer diverse programs to help residents of both cities connect. 

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When Heidelberg and Palo Alto became sister cities in 2017, it was a perfect match. Palo Alto – the heart of Silicon Valley and home to world renowned Stanford University – and Heidelberg, the jewel of the Neckar Valley and home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – have a lot in common: dramatically beautiful landscapes, a knack for technology and a focus on the future. The Heidelberg-Palo Alto Club brings the sister city program to life. We connect businesses, encourage youth exchange and support cultural and educational programs. 

city, architecture, skyline

A Word from the Mayor of Heidelberg

The activities of the Heidelberg-Palo Alto Club and the personal commitment of the network's initiators and sponsoring companies ensure a lively partnership between the cities of Heidelberg and Palo Alto. The cornerstone for the exchange between the two science-driven cities was laid in 2013 with the "Smart City Alliance" and sealed with the official twinning of Heidelberg and Palo Alto, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2022. The key topics of the city partnership are culture, business, sustainability, and innovation with a focus on the overarching theme of "Smart City". In addition, special attention is paid to exchanges in the area of youth and sports.

The further development of initiatives such as the Heidelberg-Palo Alto Club also contribute to lively togetherness, mutual exchange and joint activities. I am pleased that innovative companies and research institutions from our city are joining the Heidelberg-Palo Alto Club and implementing concrete transnational projects.
Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner
Mayor of Heidelberg
Exchanging Creativity and Inspiration

Programs

Business

Silicon Valley is known for world-leading technology companies. Our programs focus on building connections and exchanging ideas between entrepreneurs.

Culture

Whether it is sports, music or art: People connect through their hobbies. We want to foster exchange of like-minded people in both cities.

Youth Exchange

Youth exchange and programs are at the core of sister city relations. We support programs that foster the exchange between youths, both virtual and in person.

Education

With two world-renowned universities, education is a stronghold in both Heidelberg and Palo Alto. Our programs start at the highschool level and continue on to higher education.

Send us an email and tell us what you are interested in!

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