With the goal of encouraging the development of SMEs in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, this EU-funded project created a unique support network. Called the Tuttlingen Innovation and Research Centre (IFC), the network brings together companies, scientists, students, and start-ups. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, strengthens R&D and innovation initiatives, and enhances the skills of local entrepreneurs.
- 29 March 2021
As a central service of the Furtwangen University (HFU) and an interface and communication platform, the IFC plays a central role in linking universities, companies and specialists. This enables a transfer of research, knowledge and innovation.
The IFC organises meetings, workshops, and networking events, each of which addresses the important issues that impact innovation and development. Participating start-ups and entrepreneurs have access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at Furtwangen University (HFU), over 2 650 m2 of creative space, and to ongoing mentorship and training.
The project aims to establish itself as an interface between academia and the private sector. To do this, it hosts joint research projects between academia and companies. It offers consulting services to various industry R&D projects and commissioned research.
Ready, study, go!
Business founders and those interested in starting their own business can make use of the IFC to receive individual support in setting up their businesses. The centre offers the unique ‘ready-steady-go’ start-up programme where aspiring entrepreneurs can gain the theoretical and practical skills they need to launch a successful enterprise. This includes training on securing financing and investments, writing a business plan, and drawing on support networks.
The programme, which is available free of charge to all students, alumni, and graduates, also offers personal consultations and access to a network of internal and external partners.
Matching skills to needs
Through initiatives like these, the project will ensure that students have the entrepreneurial skills that meet actual company needs, while also facilitating the transfer of technology and know-how from the university classroom to SMEs and start-ups. As a result, the entire region benefits from a more robust research, development and innovation infrastructure.
The IFC is jointly funded by the European Union, the State of Baden-Württemberg, the district of and the town of Tuttlingen, and the support association of the Tuttlingen campus.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Research Centre Tuttlingen” is EUR 11 250 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 550 000 through the “Baden-Württemberg” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research, technological development and innovation”.