CSU Confirms Ingolstadt as Research Hub Through 2030 and Beyond
Press Release
The CSU city council is determined to keep Ingolstadt at the forefront of science and innovation. With the motion "Science and Research Location Ingolstadt 2030+", they are pushing for the development of new universities and research facilities in the city.
Already home to prestigious institutions like AININ, INAS, and the Fraunhofer Center, analysis reveals that Ingolstadt needs to catch up on external research institutes. The Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI) and the Faculty of Economics of the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, specifically, are almost maxed out when it comes to creating labs, test fields, or new institutes, especially in emerging tech areas like AI, medical technology, and autonomous driving.
"Ingolstadt needs expansions in tomorrow's research hotspots," warns CSU city councilor Dr. Matthias Schickel. "The transformation from an industrial city to a high-tech city requires space for innovation, research, and new ideas."
Former mayor Dr. Christian Lösel echoes these sentiments, stressing the importance of securing research funds: "According to a study by Stifterverband, every public euro invested in research can attract 1.5 to 2 euros in private funds. Ingolstadt must take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen its position as a technology hub."
To make informed decisions about the locations for new research facilities, the CSU suggests a city-wide analysis involving the city administration, universities, and city council. This analysis aims to optimize Ingolstadt's position in the competition for future technologies.
A Glimpse into Ingolstadt's Existing Tech Initiatives
Though Ingolstadt is stepping up its game in AI, medical technology, and autonomous driving, let's take a look at some of its ongoing projects:
AI and Autonomous Driving
- THI is part of AImotion Bavaria, a hub focused on AI solutions for mobility and transport with around 100 scientists.
- The university also hosts CARISSMA, a center for vehicle safety with 110 scientists, working on safe electromobility and autonomous driving.
Medical Technology
While there's a lack of specific developments in medical technology at THI, its focus on applied sciences and research opens the door for potential collaborations and projects in this area.
Expansions and Collaborations
- THI has partnered with AVL, a mobility technology leader, to establish a modern test laboratory for sustainable and safe e-mobility solutions.
- THI's international focus allows for discussions and collaborations with numerous international partners, facilitating the exchange of ideas.
Upcoming Plans
The university is committed to expanding its international and interdisciplinary research capabilities, as shown by its ongoing projects such as the SHIFT project, designed to boost its international welcome center and support international students.
In conclusion, Ingolstadt is primed to capitalize on its research and educational institutions to move forward in AI, autonomous driving, and potentially other technology fields. The city's strategic partnerships and collaborative research efforts will be key to its success in the tech race.
Press Office/CSU Franz Wöhrl
- To strengthen its position as a technology hub, Ingolstadt needs to invest in new research facilities, particularly in emerging tech areas such as finance, technology, education-and-self-development, in addition to AI, medical technology, and autonomous driving.
- The Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI), through strategic partnerships and collaborative research efforts, is poised to expand its research capabilities beyond AI, autonomous driving, and medical technology, into other technology fields like finance and education-and-self-development.
