Partners and networks
One of the main goals of Thuringia's innovation strategy is the regular exchange between business, science, politics and other Thuringian stakeholders. This strong network creates interfaces for innovations in various sectors.
Network with us in Thuringia and find suitable partners for your projects!
Business
Companies
Initiating and expanding networks and collaborations between companies and research institutions is one of our tasks.
Our company and technology database offers a unique tool for obtaining information about Thuringian companies, research institutions, universities, and other organizations. Over 4,000 profile entries are available to interested parties, enabling them to expand their Contact , seek cooperation partners, or find suppliers of specific goods and services.
Cluster and network organizations
We support Thuringian cluster and network organizations through active involvement in the RIS process. This includes cross-clustering activities such as organizing events across specializations and participating in the Cross Cluster Initiative Thuringia (CCIT) We connect the stakeholders, strengthen collaboration, and manage the implementation process of RIS Thuringia. This includes organizing workshops for business model development and.. ESCA labeling are key aspects of professionalization.
Close cooperation between business and science is one of the keys to Thuringia's economic development. More and more companies, associations, and research institutions are forming networks with other relevant stakeholders to jointly advance the development of their respective sectors.
Science
Thuringia's research landscape thrives on the close collaboration between various stakeholders from academia and industry. Its high scientific standards are based on outstanding scientific and research institutions. These include the state's nine universities, non-university research institutions belonging to renowned German scientific organizations such as the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society, the Leibniz Association, and the Helmholtz Association, as well as state research institutions. Industry-oriented research institutes and development service providers complement the range of research institutions in the field of application-oriented research and development. They are specifically geared towards the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in Thuringia.
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Universities
Thuringia boasts a well-diversified and varied higher education landscape. This includes four universities, four universities of applied sciences, a music academy, and a dual university. In addition, there are privately run institutions of higher education. In the 2024/2025 winter semester, approximately 153,000 students (including those at locations outside Thuringia) were enrolled.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Ilmenau University of Technology
Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences (EAH) Jena
Erfurt University of Applied Sciences
Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
Franz Liszt University of Music Weimar
Gera-Eisenach University of Cooperative Education
HMU Health and Medical University GmbH
IU International University of Applied Sciences GmbH
SRH University of Applied Health Sciences
Thuringian University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration (VFHS)
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Non-university research
Non-university research forms a pillar of Thuringia's research landscape. Numerous institutions belonging to the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society, the Leibniz Association, and the Helmholtz Association have established themselves in Thuringia. These are complemented by non-university research institutes with state funding. In many cases, close collaborations exist with universities; for example, professorships and institutes are linked through joint appointments.
A total of 16 non-university institutions are involved. These institutions include:
Thuringian Institutes of the Fraunhofer Society
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), Hermsdorf branch
Battery Innovation and Technology Center BITC at Fraunhofer IKTS
Fraunhofer IOSB - Applied Systems Engineering Division (AST)
Fraunhofer Project Center for Microelectronic and Optical Systems for Biomedicine (MEOS)
Thuringian Institutes of the Max Planck Society
Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History
Thuringian Institutes of the Leibniz Association
Leibniz Institute for Age Research - Fritz Lipmann Institute eV (FLI)
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology / Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)
Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies eV (IPHT)
Senckenberg Society for Natural Research Research Station for Quaternary Paleontology
Thuringian Institutes of the Leibniz Association
German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute for Data Science
GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research GmbH Helmholtz Institute Jena
- State research institutes
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Innovation centers
In recent years, several innovation centers have been established in Thuringia. These centers are geared towards the current market needs of Thuringian companies and consolidate application-oriented research from universities and research institutions. In accordance with the needs of Thuringian businesses, the centers are equipped with the necessary technical equipment for contract research and services.
Thuringian Center for Mechanical Engineering (ThZM)
Thuringian Innovation Centre for Mobility (ThIMo)
Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena - CEEC Jena
Innovation Center for Quantum Optics and Sensor Technology (InQuoSens)
Thuringian Innovation Center for Medical Technology Solutions (ThIMEDOP)
Thuringian Innovation Centre for Recyclable Materials (ThIWert)
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Technology centers
Application centers
To facilitate the rapid implementation of research results in key technologies, the Free State of Bavaria offers specialized application centers for startups and innovative companies. These centers provide innovative businesses with the opportunity to utilize specialized facilities such as laboratories, cleanrooms, workshops, and other services cost-effectively and according to their specific needs. This shortens the path from product idea to market readiness, as the individual company does not have to bear the burden of expensive equipment for new developments alone.
There are currently 5 application centers in the Free State:
Application Center for Microtechnology Erfurt (AZM)
bauhaus FACTORY - Center for Creative Industries Weimar
Center for Intelligent Building Weimar (CIB Weimar)
Technology and startup centers
In Thuringia, young companies find the support they need for their economic development at seven technology and startup centers across nine locations. The centers offer a needs-based infrastructure with modern offices, access to high-speed internet, and comprehensive consulting and service offerings. All technology and startup centers are integrated into networks, and most are located in close proximity to Thuringian universities.
Thuringian technology and start-up centers:
BIC Nordthüringen GmbH (locations Nordhausen and Sondershausen)
Founders' and Innovation Center Stedtfeld GmbH (GIS)
Innovation and Start-up Center GmbH Rudolstadt (IGZ)
Technology and Start-up Center Gera GmbH
Technology and Start-up Center Ilmenau GmbH
Technology and Start-up Promotion Company Schmalkalden/Dermbach GmbH Southwest Thuringia
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Business-related research
In Thuringia, a broad, cross-sector network of industry-oriented research institutions and R&D service providers has developed. These institutes support companies as strong partners in research and development projects.
In addition, a number of companies offer special development services for companies and other institutions or related services (analytics, training and further education, technical testing) as part of their service profile, but are not explicitly research institutions.
Selected research institutions and development service providers:
CiS Research Institute for Microsensors GmbH
fzmb GmbH Research Center for Medical Technology and Biotechnology
GFE - Society for Manufacturing Technology and Development Schmalkalden e. V.
HySON - Institute for Applied Hydrogen Research Sonneberg gGmbH
IAB – Institute for Applied Building Research Weimar gGmbH
ifw Jena | Günter-Köhler-Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing GmbH
INNOVENT eV technology development Jena
Robert Boyle Institute for Biohydrogen and Environmental Research eV.
TITK Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research eV.
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Other partners
BUND State Association Thuringia eV.
Enterprise Europe Network Thuringia (EEN Thuringia)
Research and Technology Association Thuringia eV.
Office of the State Rectors' Conference
Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Chamber of Industry and Commerce of East Thuringia in Gera
Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Southern Thuringia
Thuringian State Development Corporation
Thuringian State Women's Council
Steinbeis Foundation for Economic Development
Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia
Thuringian Agency for the Creative Industries
Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Areas
Thuringian Center for Business Start-ups and Entrepreneurship
