1. BUSINESS BAVARIA The Business Promotion Agency of the State of Bavaria
ISSUE 10 | 2012
WHAT‘S INSIDE
5 MINUTES WITH ...
Harald Rueß, Managing Director of fortiss,
the innovative centre for software-intensive
systems at the TU Munich
Page 2
IN FOCUS: HAUS DER FORSCHUNG
Tap into the Funds
Page 3
BAVARIA IN YOUR BRIEFCASE
The Mountains are Calling – Hiking Season
in Bavaria
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GREEN BAVARIA
NEW FUNDING PROGRAMME IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
The newly created BayINVENT energy research programme means value. In 2012 alone, a total of € 15 million is available from the Ministry. In
Bavarian companies can now request funding for innovative projects the two year budget for 2013/14, the Free State is providing € 180 million for
in the energy sector. The state government also provides substantial energy research and new energy technologies.
support to companies doing research in this area.
One focus of funding is on energy-efficient production processes. Interested
The energy revolution is one of the greatest challenges society will be fac- companies can expect rapid approval when filing an application. However,
ing in the coming years. Bavarian companies are already pioneers when it the Free State has already substantially supported innovative companies
comes to developing new technologies to successfully tackle this mammoth within the energy technologies sector. One example is Wackersdorfer Suntec
project. In order to retain this advantage, Bavaria’s Ministry of Economic BHKW GmbH – the Upper Palatinate company is currently developing a new
Affairs launched BayINVENT this year in August. This new energy research graphite heat exchanger which increases the efficiency of biomass plants
and technology programme now allows local companies to apply directly for while reducing particulate emissions.
funding for innovative projects in the energy sector.
www.stmwivt.bayern.de/energie-und-rohstoffe/foerderprogramme/energietechnologien
A core element of the new programme is the support of industrial research.
For an innovative project, a company can receive up to 50% of the project
IMPROVED GENERATORS:
BAVARIA INVESTS IN NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
Bavaria’s role within renewable energies continues to expand. The govern- will be converted into electrical energy using so-called dielectric elasto-
ment is promoting the “DEGREEN” project of the Fraunhofer Institute for mers (DEs). The research project is a component of the “Bayerische Allianz
Silicate Research (ISC), based in Würzburg, to the tune of € 8 million. The für Energieforschung und -technologie“ framework. The decentralised and
research project entails using innovative materials to develop new genera- more effective method of generating electricity will protect the landscape
tors to generate electricity from wind and hydro power. Mechanical energy and rivers in particular.
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2. 5 MINUTES WITH ...
HARALD RUESS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FORTISS,
THE INNOVATIVE CENTRE FOR SOFTWARE-INTENSIVE SYSTEMS AT THE TU MUNICH
fortiss, the innovative centre for software-intensive systems at the Technical University of Munich was founded in 2008. The institute will
present current projects under the motto “Schaufenster Forschung“ on 16 October. We talked to Managing Director, Harald Rueß.
Munich recognised the need for such an insti- or the automotive industry were set up and de-
tute many years ago and promoted it along with veloped here in the 60’s and 70’s, it now seems to
his colleagues, Professors Knoll and Krcmar. be time to make yet another leap of faith. I’m think-
The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs sup- ing in particular of the possibilities of autonomous
ports fortisss as part of the BayernFIT initiative service robots and software-controlled, decentral-
with the clear goal of accelerating the speed of ised energy. But I also envisage entirely new forms
innovation of information and communication of cooperation and markets, as they are only made
technology in Bavaria. possible through modern software technology. The
proverbial ‘Laptops on the Lederhosen’ alone will
WHICH AREAS OF RESEARCH DO YOU CUR- not suffice on the way towards a digital society.
RENTLY SPECIALISE IN?
The most interesting topic for all of us is software in HOW IMPORTANT IS THE INTERACTION BE-
all its facets and its application in all areas of work TWEEN MAN AND MACHINE TO YOU?
and life – both in key industries such as automo- Is this a serious question? Can you imagine a
tive, medicine, logistics and automation technology world with just machines? Or man without ma-
WHAT EXACTLY DOES A RESEARCH AND as well as in people’s daily lives. How does one chines for that matter? Here is an example of
TRANSFER INSTITUTE FOR SOFTWARE-IN- develop and operate high-quality, reliable and se- interaction: as part of a European research pro-
TENSIVE SYSTEMS DO? cure software? What new functions, services, value gramme we create jobs where men and robots
fortiss is a spin-off of the Technical University chains and business models can be implemented work together with the robot in a supporting role
of Munich with the goal of transferring basic re- using state-of-the-art software technology? designed to make production more efficient and
search results and software prototypes into indus- Currently, about 40% of the productivity increases in flexible without long downtimes. There is no need
trial practice as fast as possible. fortiss thereby Europe are directly attributed to software systems, to write mysterious programme code, the robots
serves in particular as a link between basic aca- whereas 80% of innovations in the key automotive, are simply programmed via gestures.
demic research on software-based systems and medicine, logistics and automation industries are
their implementation with local technology lead- software-based.
ers – thus filling a much lamented gap. “Blick in die Zukunft“ – fortiss
WHAT ROLE DOES BAVARIA AS THE LOCATION Open House Day,
WHO HAD THE IDEA TO FOUND AN INSTI- PLAY? 16 October 2012, 11 am – 6 pm
TUTE LIKE FORTISSS? AND WHY? The Munich region is one the most important high- www.fortiss.org/en
Good ideas often have a long incubation period. tech locations worldwide and we intend to keep
Professor Broy of the Technical University of it that way. Just as key industries like aerospace
€ 1,000,000,000
NUMBER
OF THE
MONTH
Over the next five years, the Bavarian government will invest one billion nance up to 80% of the investment. “Entrepreneurs can simply document
euros in climate and energy projects. The local LfA Förderbank Bayern the minimum saving by producing written confirmation from a third party
recently launched a new support programme for SMEs: Bavarian en- expert, for example the equipment manufacturer“ explains Dr. Otto Bei-
terprises have been able to borrow up to a million euros at favourable erl, chairman of the LfA board. Entrepreneurs can call the LfA for advice
interest rates to reduce their energy consumption effectively. Companies on the freephone number 0800 21 24 24 0.
can appropriate the money to buy efficient machines, systems for heat https://experten.lfa.de
recovery or energy-saving lighting systems. The loan can be used to fi-
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3. IN FOCUS: HAUS DER FORSCHUNG
THE BEST WAY TO ACCESS PUBLIC FUNDING
The European Union, Federal and Local Government provide billions ‘Haus der Forschung’ is a component of the ‘Aufbruch Bayern’ future pro-
of euros worth of support for research companies and universities. gramme initiated by the state government. At the inauguration of the institute
But at European level especially, the application procedure is rather in 2010, Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer called it “a strong signal for
challenging. In 2010, the state government has thus set up the ‘Haus Bavaria as a research location and Nuremberg as an economic and science
der Forschung’ (House of Research) to help Bavarian companies ac- metropolis”. The organisation provides important stimuli for the Bavarian inno-
cess the funds available in Brussels and Berlin. vation and technological policy. “With the ‘Haus der Forschung’ we will be able
Since then, large amounts of funding have flowed from Brussels to to acquire targeted research funding from the federal government and the EU
Bavaria. for our companies and universities and this will make us even more successful
in the future”, promised Seehofer.
Germany has much more than your average number of different funding pro-
grammes for research companies. With such variety and complexity, it is no In fact, thanks to the organisation, many Bavarian companies and universities
surprise that experts are in great demand able to guide you through this maze. have already successfully applied to Brussels and Berlin for funding. Along
However, a solution is also offered by the Bavarian Minister of Economics, with the Bavarian research foundation and the ITZB as agencies for a number
Martin Zeil and Science Minister, Wolfgang Heubisch, who brought the ‘Haus of support programmes, the organisation is one of the most important Bavarian
der Forschung’ to life in 2010. Since then, consultants in Nuremberg and Mu- institutes for the allocation of state resources in science and technology.
nich have supported companies as well as colleges and universities with ap- Support for entrepreneurs is streamlined and timely. “We check applications
plications for research grants. As the contact points for science and business, at the draft stage and can thus contribute to their success at an early stage“,
the organisation also helps to strengthen the technology transfer. comments a project manager at the ITZB.
The ‘Haus der Forschung’ is a cooperation of four partners under one roof – the The organisation has advised more than 1000 companies since it was set up,
Bavarian research alliance (BayFOR), the Bavarian research foundation, Bayern most of whom have been able to successfully access funding. Bavarian econo-
Innovativ and the Innovations- und Technologiezentrum Bayern (ITZB) collabo- mists are therefore highly appreciative of the institute, not least because ap-
rate at the Gewerbemuseumsplatz in Nuremberg and in Munich’s Prinzregent- plying for EU funding is often quite a challenge. The organisation simplifies and
enstraße. They provide CEOs and scientists with simple yet comprehensive accelerates the process. An employee commented that they manage a quick
advice on funding options and help them navigate EU funding applications. turnaround with funds being paid within a few weeks of the application.
There are 100+ and 40+ highly skilled staff based at the Nuremberg and Mu-
nich offices respectively. Analysis shows that universities apply primarily for EU funds, while companies
are more interested in federal and local funding programmes. The organisa-
By 2015, the Free State will have invested €20 million in the project. “When tion’s reach extends from start-ups to successful SMEs. So far, projects in
it comes to accessing EU funds, we want to be number one in Germany,” an- medical technology, information technology and automotive engineering have
nounced Katja Hessel, Secretary of State at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic been supported. Innovations in the electrical mobility sector have particularly
Affairs, during the institute’s first anniversary celebration in October 2011. good chances of attracting funding. Another focus of support is the upcoming
Markus Lötzsch, Managing Director of the IHK Nuremberg sang the praises energy revolution (see page 1).
of the organisation as “a step towards joining forces and making access to
consulting and funding programmes as simple as possible for Bavarian enter- www.hausderforschung.bayern.de/en
prises.“
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4. BAVARIA IN YOUR BRIEFCASE
THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING – HIKING SEASON IN BAVARIA COMMENCES
the Große Arber (1456 m) are the highest summits of the Bavarian Forest.
Also of interest are the upland moors with their moorland lakes such as the
Latschensee, as well as the former alpine meadows, the so-called Schachten.
For those who like it a bit higher, steeper and more alpine, ideal conditions
can be found in the Ammergauer Alps or the Werdenfelser and the Berchtes-
gadener Land. Rugged cliffs and enchanting valleys make the Allgäu one of
the most beautiful hiking regions in Germany. From Füssen via Oberstdorf,
Bindalm - Klausbach Valley
Kempten to Lindau at Lake Constance there are routes to offer something
for every taste, such as the high Heilbronner Weg in Oberstdorf. With a total
World-wide, Bavaria is known as hikers paradise with a unique ap- length of 3027 meters it is the oldest and most well-known walking trail of
peal. The low mountain ranges in Upper, Middle and Lower Fran- the Northern Limestone Alps, but you should have mountain experience and
conia; the huge Bavarian Forest covering the Upper Palatinate and be sure footed as well as comfortable with heights.
Lower Bavaria; the charming Allgäu in Swabia or the Alps and the
Zugspitze in Upper Bavaria, all make for incredibly versatile hiking. There are many options around Oberstdorf for complete beginners. Not for
n the mountains, people enjoy the fresh air and the peace, comfort and good nothing will Germany’s highest municipality be the German Hiking Capital in
food in rustic alpine huts. Hiking is not just a sport, but an integral part of 2013. A walkway network of over 200 kilometres, three climbing routes and
Bavarian culture. There‘s the nature paradise of the Franconian Jura between the unique 400 summit panorama at the Nebelhorn will quicken the pulse of
Nuremberg, Bamberg, Bayreuth and Amberg. With their bizarre rock towers beginners and experienced hikers alike.
rising out of dense forests Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbrucker Alb So Bavaria offers not only urban delights, but idyllic experiences in a hiking
are very popular among climbers worldwide, but equally valued by hikers. format as well – past peaks, lakes and lush meadows. Whether in Franconia,
the Upper Palatinate, Swabia, or Lower and Upper Bavaria – the Bavarian
Towards the east lies Germany’s first national park (founded in 1970) with a mountains are calling!
total size of 24,250 hectares. Together with the immediately adjacent Czech www.frankenjura.com
Sumava national park, the Bavarian Forest forms the largest contiguous for- www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de
est area in Central Europe. The Lusen (1,373 m), Große Rachel (1,453 m) and www.oberstdorf.de
FAIRS & EVENTS
… BY AND WITH INVEST IN BAVARIA … IN MUNICH … IN NUREMBERG
INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE BAVARIAN- INVEST IN BAVARIA ON THE MAINTAIN IENA
TURKISH FORUM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY TRI-STATE INVESTORS SUMMIT 16 – 18 OCT. 2012 01 – 04 NOV. 2012
IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 22 OCT. 2012 NEW YORK, USA International Trade Fair for International Trade Fair on Ideas –
15 NOV. 2012 IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY Your contact: Industrial Maintenance Inventions – New Products
Veronika Gosling www.maintain-europe.com/en www.iena.de/en/home.html
INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE CONGRESS Tel.: +49 89 24210-7501
“BAVARIA - HOME TO THE AUTOMOTIVE veronika.gosling@invest-in-bavaria.com ECARTEC MUNICH 2012
INDUSTRY. DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE 23 – 25 OCT. 2012
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TURKISH AUTOMO- CONFERENCE “MARKET ENTRY International Fair for Electric-
TIVE SUPPLIERS“ OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES IN and Hybrid-Mobility
GERMANY“ 25 OCT. 2012 www.ecartec.de/index.php?id=3&L=5
Your contact for both events: IN YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA
Meike Jäckel Your contact:
Tel.: +49 89 24210-7512 Svetlana Huber | Tel.: +49 89 24210-7505
meike.jaeckel@invest-in-bavaria.com svetlana.huber@invest-in-bavaria.com
YOUR KEY TO OUR STATE PUBLISHER BUSINESS BAVARIA
Invest in Bavaria – The Business Promotion Agency of the Bavarian Ministry of DR. JOHANN NIGGL COORDINATION: ALEXANDRA SCHMIDHUBER
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W W W. I N V E S T- I N - B A V A R I A . C O M PA G E 4