BUSINESS BAVARIA

WHAT‘S INSIDE

ISSUE 10 | 2012

BUSINESS BAVARIA

W W W. I N V E S T- I N - B A V A R I A . C O M

5 MINUTES WITH ...Harald Rueß, Managing Director of fortiss, the innovative centre for software-intensive systems at the TU Munich

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IN FOCUS: HAUS DER FORSCHUNG Tap into the Funds

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BAVARIA IN YOUR BRIEFCASEThe Mountains are Calling – Hiking Season in Bavaria

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Bavaria’s role within renewable energies continues to expand. The govern-ment is promoting the “DEGREEN” project of the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), based in Würzburg, to the tune of € 8 million. The research project entails using innovative materials to develop new genera-tors to generate electricity from wind and hydro power. Mechanical energy

IMPROVED GENERATORS:

BAVARIA INVESTS IN NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

The newly created BayINVENT energy research programme means Bavarian companies can now request funding for innovative projects in the energy sector. The state government also provides substantial support to companies doing research in this area.

GREEN BAVARIA

NEW FUNDING PROGRAMME IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

The energy revolution is one of the greatest challenges society will be fac-ing in the coming years. Bavarian companies are already pioneers when it comes to developing new technologies to successfully tackle this mammoth project. In order to retain this advantage, Bavaria’s Ministry of Economic Affairs launched BayINVENT this year in August. This new energy research and technology programme now allows local companies to apply directly for funding for innovative projects in the energy sector.

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

value. In 2012 alone, a total of € 15 million is available from the Ministry. In the two year budget for 2013/14, the Free State is providing € 180 million for energy research and new energy technologies.

One focus of funding is on energy-effi cient production processes. Interested companies can expect rapid approval when fi ling an application. However, the Free State has already substantially supported innovative companies within the energy technologies sector. One example is Wackersdorfer Suntec BHKW GmbH – the Upper Palatinate company is currently developing a new graphite heat exchanger which increases the effi ciency of biomass plants while reducing particulate emissions.

www.stmwivt.bayern.de/energie-und-rohstoffe/foerderprogramme/energietechnologien

will be converted into electrical energy using so-called dielectric elasto-mers (DEs). The research project is a component of the “Bayerische Allianz für Energieforschung und -technologie“ framework. The decentralised and more effective method of generating electricity will protect the landscape and rivers in particular.

The Business Promotion Agency of the State of Bavaria

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Over the next fi ve years, the Bavarian government will invest one billion euros in climate and energy projects. The local LfA Förderbank Bayern recently launched a new support programme for SMEs: Bavarian en-terprises have been able to borrow up to a million euros at favourable interest rates to reduce their energy consumption effectively. Companies can appropriate the money to buy effi cient machines, systems for heat recovery or energy-saving lighting systems. The loan can be used to fi -

nance up to 80% of the investment. “Entrepreneurs can simply document the minimum saving by producing written confi rmation from a third party expert, for example the equipment manufacturer“ explains Dr. Otto Bei-erl, chairman of the LfA board. Entrepreneurs can call the LfA for advice on the freephone number 0800 21 24 24 0.

https://experten.lfa.de

fortiss, the innovative centre for software-intensive systems at the Technical University of Munich was founded in 2008. The institute willpresent current projects under the motto “Schaufenster Forschung“ on 16 October. We talked to Managing Director, Harald Rueß.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES A RESEARCH ANDTRANSFER INSTITUTE FOR SOFTWARE-IN-TENSIVE SYSTEMS DO?fortiss is a spin-off of the Technical University of Munich with the goal of transferring basic re-search results and software prototypes into indus-trial practice as fast as possible. fortiss thereby serves in particular as a link between basic aca-demic research on software-based systems and their implementation with local technology lead-ers – thus fi lling a much lamented gap.

WHO HAD THE IDEA TO FOUND AN INSTI-TUTE LIKE FORTISSS? AND WHY? Good ideas often have a long incubation period. Professor Broy of the Technical University of

Munich recognised the need for such an insti-tute many years ago and promoted it along with his colleagues, Professors Knoll and Krcmar. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs sup-ports fortisss as part of the BayernFIT initiative with the clear goal of accelerating the speed of innovation of information and communication technology in Bavaria.

WHICH AREAS OF RESEARCH DO YOU CUR-RENTLY SPECIALISE IN?The most interesting topic for all of us is software in all its facets and its application in all areas of work and life – both in key industries such as automo-tive, medicine, logistics and automation technology as well as in people’s daily lives. How does one develop and operate high-quality, reliable and se-cure software? What new functions, services, value chains and business models can be implemented using state-of-the-art software technology?Currently, about 40% of the productivity increases in Europe are directly attributed to software systems, whereas 80% of innovations in the key automotive, medicine, logistics and automation industries are software-based.

WHAT ROLE DOES BAVARIA AS THE LOCATION PLAY? The Munich region is one the most important high-tech locations worldwide and we intend to keep it that way. Just as key industries like aerospace

or the automotive industry were set up and de-veloped here in the 60’s and 70’s, it now seems to be time to make yet another leap of faith. I’m think-ing in particular of the possibilities of autonomous service robots and software-controlled, decentral-ised energy. But I also envisage entirely new forms of cooperation and markets, as they are only made possible through modern software technology. The proverbial ‘Laptops on the Lederhosen’ alone will not suffi ce on the way towards a digital society.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE INTERACTION BE-TWEEN MAN AND MACHINE TO YOU? Is this a serious question? Can you imagine a world with just machines? Or man without ma-chines for that matter? Here is an example of interaction: as part of a European research pro-gramme we create jobs where men and robots work together with the robot in a supporting role designed to make production more effi cient and fl exible without long downtimes. There is no need to write mysterious programme code, the robots are simply programmed via gestures.

“Blick in die Zukunft“ – fortissOpen House Day, 16 October 2012, 11 am – 6 pm

www.fortiss.org/en

NUMBEROF THE MONTH € 1,000,000,000

HARALD RUESS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FORTISS,

THE INNOVATIVE CENTRE FOR SOFTWARE-INTENSIVE SYSTEMS AT THE TU MUNICH

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5 MINUTES WITH ...

The European Union, Federal and Local Government provide billions of euros worth of support for research companies and universities. But at European level especially, the application procedure is rather challenging. In 2010, the state government has thus set up the ‘Haus der Forschung’ (House of Research) to help Bavarian companies ac-cess the funds available in Brussels and Berlin. Since then, large amounts of funding have fl owed from Brussels to Bavaria.

Germany has much more than your average number of different funding pro-grammes for research companies. With such variety and complexity, it is no surprise that experts are in great demand able to guide you through this maze. However, a solution is also offered by the Bavarian Minister of Economics, Martin Zeil and Science Minister, Wolfgang Heubisch, who brought the ‘Haus der Forschung’ to life in 2010. Since then, consultants in Nuremberg and Mu-nich have supported companies as well as colleges and universities with ap-plications for research grants. As the contact points for science and business, the organisation also helps to strengthen the technology transfer.

The ‘Haus der Forschung’ is a cooperation of four partners under one roof – the Bavarian research alliance (BayFOR), the Bavarian research foundation, Bayern Innovativ and the Innovations- und Technologiezentrum Bayern (ITZB) collabo-rate at the Gewerbemuseumsplatz in Nuremberg and in Munich’s Prinzregent-enstraße. They provide CEOs and scientists with simple yet comprehensive advice on funding options and help them navigate EU funding applications. There are 100+ and 40+ highly skilled staff based at the Nuremberg and Mu-nich offi ces respectively.

By 2015, the Free State will have invested €20 million in the project. “When it comes to accessing EU funds, we want to be number one in Germany,” an-nounced Katja Hessel, Secretary of State at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, during the institute’s fi rst anniversary celebration in October 2011. Markus Lötzsch, Managing Director of the IHK Nuremberg sang the praises of the organisation as “a step towards joining forces and making access to consulting and funding programmes as simple as possible for Bavarian enter-prises.“

‘Haus der Forschung’ is a component of the ‘Aufbruch Bayern’ future pro-gramme initiated by the state government. At the inauguration of the institute in 2010, Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer called it “a strong signal for Bavaria as a research location and Nuremberg as an economic and science metropolis”. The organisation provides important stimuli for the Bavarian inno-vation and technological policy. “With the ‘Haus der Forschung’ we will be able to acquire targeted research funding from the federal government and the EU for our companies and universities and this will make us even more successful in the future”, promised Seehofer.

In fact, thanks to the organisation, many Bavarian companies and universities have already successfully applied to Brussels and Berlin for funding. Along with the Bavarian research foundation and the ITZB as agencies for a number of support programmes, the organisation is one of the most important Bavarian institutes for the allocation of state resources in science and technology.Support for entrepreneurs is streamlined and timely. “We check applications at the draft stage and can thus contribute to their success at an early stage“, comments a project manager at the ITZB.

The organisation has advised more than 1000 companies since it was set up, most of whom have been able to successfully access funding. Bavarian econo-mists are therefore highly appreciative of the institute, not least because ap-plying for EU funding is often quite a challenge. The organisation simplifi es and accelerates the process. An employee commented that they manage a quick turnaround with funds being paid within a few weeks of the application.

Analysis shows that universities apply primarily for EU funds, while companies are more interested in federal and local funding programmes. The organisa-tion’s reach extends from start-ups to successful SMEs. So far, projects in medical technology, information technology and automotive engineering have been supported. Innovations in the electrical mobility sector have particularly good chances of attracting funding. Another focus of support is the upcoming energy revolution (see page 1).

www.hausderforschung.bayern.de/en

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IN FOCUS: HAUS DER FORSCHUNG

THE BEST WAY TO ACCESS PUBLIC FUNDING

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FAIRS & EVENTS

IMAGE SOURCES: P. 1: © www.thinkstockphotos.de | P. 3: © lio / photocase.com P. 4: © Nationalparkverwaltung Bayerischer Wald

YOUR KEY TO OUR STATEInvest in Bavaria – The Business Promotion Agency of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology and Bayern International.

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THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING – HIKING SEASON IN BAVARIA COMMENCES

World-wide, Bavaria is known as hikers paradise with a unique ap-peal. The low mountain ranges in Upper, Middle and Lower Fran-conia; the huge Bavarian Forest covering the Upper Palatinate and Lower Bavaria; the charming Allgäu in Swabia or the Alps and the Zugspitze in Upper Bavaria, all make for incredibly versatile hiking.

… BY AND WITH INVEST IN BAVARIA

BAVARIA IN YOUR BRIEFCASE

n the mountains, people enjoy the fresh air and the peace, comfort and good food in rustic alpine huts. Hiking is not just a sport, but an integral part of Bavarian culture. There‘s the nature paradise of the Franconian Jura between Nuremberg, Bamberg, Bayreuth and Amberg. With their bizarre rock towers rising out of dense forests Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbrucker Alb are very popular among climbers worldwide, but equally valued by hikers.

Towards the east lies Germany’s fi rst national park (founded in 1970) with a total size of 24,250 hectares. Together with the immediately adjacent Czech Sumava national park, the Bavarian Forest forms the largest contiguous for-est area in Central Europe. The Lusen (1,373 m), Große Rachel (1,453 m) and

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, 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 length of 3027 meters it is the oldest and most well-known walking trail of the Northern Limestone Alps, but you should have mountain experience and be sure footed as well as comfortable with heights.

There are many options around Oberstdorf for complete beginners. Not for nothing will Germany’s highest municipality be the German Hiking Capital in 2013. A walkway network of over 200 kilometres, three climbing routes and the unique 400 summit panorama at the Nebelhorn will quicken the pulse of beginners and experienced hikers alike.So Bavaria offers not only urban delights, but idyllic experiences in a hiking format as well – past peaks, lakes and lush meadows. Whether in Franconia, the Upper Palatinate, Swabia, or Lower and Upper Bavaria – the Bavarian mountains are calling!

www.frankenjura.com

www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de

www.oberstdorf.de

Bindalm - Klausbach Valley

INVEST IN BAVARIA ON THE TRI-STATE INVESTORS SUMMIT22 OCT. 2012 NEW YORK, USA

INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE CONGRESS “BAVARIA - HOME TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR TURKISH AUTOMO-TIVE SUPPLIERS“

INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE CONFERENCE “MARKET ENTRY OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES IN GERMANY“ 25 OCT. 2012IN YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA

INVEST IN BAVARIA AT THE BAVARIAN-TURKISH FORUM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY15 NOV. 2012 IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY Your contact:

Veronika GoslingTel.: +49 89 24210-7501veronika.gosling@invest-in-bavaria.com

Your contact for both events: Meike Jäckel Tel.: +49 89 24210-7512meike.jaeckel@invest-in-bavaria.com

Your contact: Svetlana Huber | Tel.:  +49 89 24210-7505svetlana.huber@invest-in-bavaria.com

… IN MUNICH

MAINTAIN16 – 18 OCT. 2012International Trade Fair for Industrial Maintenance

www.maintain-europe.com/en

ECARTEC MUNICH 201223 – 25 OCT. 2012International Fair for Electric- and Hybrid-Mobility

www.ecartec.de/index.php?id=3&L=5

… IN NUREMBERG

IENA01 – 04 NOV. 2012International Trade Fair on Ideas – Inventions – New Products

www.iena.de/en/home.html