iL-CURRENT
September 29, 2023
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut
visiting the iL
Research, development, innovation and industrial production - this is the framework within which our InnovationLab GmbH has been operating for around one and a half decades. During an information visit to Heidelberg, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, was able to gain her own impression of the range of topics and working methods at iL, especially as the state government is also involved in complex innovation topics.
Hoffmeister-Kraut: "A unique platform in Germany"
"The InnovationLab is a unique platform in Germany for knowledge transfer, research and development at the interface between science and industry in order to realize flexible and tailor-made printing innovations that are geared towards the specific requirements of new markets," says Hoffmeister-Kraut about her trip to Bahnstadt and Speyerer Straße 4, "with its excellent expertise, a powerful infrastructure and a great network of strong partners, the facility creates an outstanding framework for multilateral cooperation along the value chain from the initial idea to scaling up to industrial production."
Guided tour of the cleanroom: Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (right) in conversation with iL Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger and Achim Mergenthaler (left), Head of Operations, from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. Picture: InnovationLab
Lighthouse and flagship projects are needed
Together with high-ranking representatives of iL shareholders such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Freudenberg and the city of Heidelberg, the CDU politicians from Balingen (Zollernalb district) discussed ways in which Baden-Württemberg in particular can become even more of an innovation region and the economic and technological engine of Germany. This requires internationally visible lighthouse and flagship projects, technology leadership and a high level of vertical integration, which are created through partnerships between large companies, SMEs and start-ups. There is also the aspect of political support for the implementation of promising projects.
"Baden-Württemberg is one of the leading innovation regions in Europe. To keep it that way, we must make every effort to master the structural change in the economy with innovations 'made in Baden-Württemberg' and secure the prosperity of tomorrow," said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut.
The relevance of new ideas, technology transfer, infrastructures and new and independent value chains is clear to all protagonists at the iL meeting table.
Communicative and constructive: Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (4th from right) with high-ranking representatives on a walk around the Speyerer Strasse site. Picture: InnovationLab
"I am impressed by the strong commitment"
"I am very impressed by the strong commitment with which science and industry are working together here in the InnovationLab in Heidelberg to drive forward the research and development of new products and processes through to market maturity," added the Minister of Economic Affairs.
During a tour around the iL clean room, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut gained an in-depth impression of the unique infrastructure and the technological work between academic training and commercial use. iL has always been regarded as an open platform and talent factory. Scientists, students and doctoral candidates have found work here. Many alumni now hold positions of responsibility in science and, above all, in a wide range of industries at home and abroad.
Michael Kröger: "Innovation booster for the industry"
"We create opportunities for transformation and act as an innovation booster for the industry along the entire value chain. Together with our partners, we develop competitive advantages," said iL Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger on the occasion of the visit by the three-person delegation from Stuttgart.
Group photo in front of the hall: Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut is surrounded by iL authorized signatory Tanja Benedict (from left), Lead Emerging Technologies Carsten Huschle, Head of Operations Achim Mergenthaler (both HEIDELBERG), Head of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Prof. Joachim Knebel (KIT), iL Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger, Head of Technology Dr. Christoph Kaiser (iL), Head of Technology Innovation Communication Dr. Silke Wagener (Freudenberg), Referentin Joachim Knebel (KIT), iL Managing Director Dr. Michael Kröger, Head of Technology Dr. Christoph Kaiser (iL), Head of Technology Innovation Communication Dr. Silke Wagener (Freudenberg), Speaker of the Mayor Aline Moser (City of Heidelberg) and Sieer Angar (Managing Director Königsweg GmbH, among others). Picture: InnovationLab
The fact that iL has continued to develop as a traditionally experienced cluster manager and bridge builder is a result of its history and DNA. In addition to the field of printed electronics, other subject areas such as energy transformation and life science technologies have long been covered with human resources. The challenge, topic setting, format development and interdisciplinary exchange with partners from the university and business environment serve the overarching goal of using technology for people and their future.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, took this central aspect with her on her return trip to the state capital.
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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