Reference

Electrical Engineering & Electronics in Thuringia

Nanolithography, LTCC multilayer technology and silicon technology, as well as quantum sensors and ultrashort pulse laser technologies – these innovations are just a few examples of sophisticated electrical engineering "Made in Thuringia". Global players such as Bosch, Jenoptik and Melexis are researching the solutions of tomorrow here.

Central location in Europe

Successful companies

Location rooted in tradition

Skilled workers and training

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overview

Thuringia offers excellent growth opportunities for companies looking to launch new electrotechnical applications or cutting-edge electronics. Renowned market and technology leaders have relied on the Free State for many years. Attractive customers, suppliers, and research institutes are located in the immediate vicinity, particularly in the optics, medical technology, and automotive sectors. Thanks to its central location, Thuringia is also an ideal base for offering comprehensive on-site services.

Data and facts

230 Companies
approximately 25,000 Employees
5 billion euros Sales volume
14,500 students in engineering degree programs
highest percentage of graduates in engineering sciences nationwide

Product and technology focus areas

Actuators, drive and nanopositioning technology
Manufacturing and production
Firm and software technologies
Information and communication technology
microelectronics
Optoelectronics
Polytronic
Circuit technology and power electronics
Sensor and measurement technology

Semiconductor industry in Germany

Skilled workers, R&D and companies

skilled workers
Thuringia's strength in electrical engineering is based on the extensive range of courses offered by the state's universities, as well as on the excellently trained skilled workers, from mechatronics engineers to precision opticians.
Academic education
Thuringia's technically oriented universities are continuing the state's long engineering tradition with great success. They are among the best in Germany. All universities offer top-level teaching, including in the following subjects:
Electrical engineering, information technology, automation technology
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
- Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
- Ilmenau University of Technology
- Gera-Eisenach University of Cooperative Education
Laser and optotechnologies, photonics, optronics
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Ilmenau University of Technology
Micro- and nanotechnologies, mechatronics
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- Ilmenau University of Technology
- Building and energy technology, renewables
- Energy technology, Electrical
- Power and control engineering:
- Erfurt University of Applied Sciences
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
- Ilmenau University of Technology
Space electronics
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
In addition, degree programs in applied computer science, technical computer science, engineering informatics or other specializations are offered.
Initial and continuing education
Potential skilled workers in Thuringia receive a sound theoretical and practical training. Numerous apprenticeship programs cover the entire value chain of electrical engineering and electronics:
- Electronics technician
  Specializations: Energy and building technology, automation technology, machinery and drive technology, etc.
- Information electronics technician
- Mechatronics technician
- Microtechnologist
- Physics laboratory assistant
- Precision optician/precision mechanic
Furthermore, training networks contribute to the high quality of teaching: For example, the Jena Education Center Together with its shareholders Schott, Carl Zeiss and Jenoptik, it trains highly qualified specialists for many companies in the industry. Specialized advanced training courses can be completed at the TU Ilmenau, such as additional qualifications as a power grid engineer or the continuing education program in lighting applications.
Research and Development
Thuringia's research institutes are global pioneers in the development of intelligent electrotechnical applications. Thanks to the close collaboration between industry and academia, companies have rapid access to the institutes' latest research findings.
Selected research institutions:
- CiS Research Institute for Microsensors GmbH, Erfurt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), Jena
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), Hermsdorf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Systems Engineering (IOSB-AST) of the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Processing, Ilmenau
- Günter-Köhler-Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing GmbH (ifw), Jena
- Institute for Microelectronics and Mechatronics Systems gGmbH (IMMS), Ilmenau
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT), Jena
- Innovation Center for Quantum Optics and Sensor Technology (InQuoSens), Ilmenau
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZMN), Ilmenau
The Ilmenau University of Technology Ilmenau University of Technology (TU Ilmenau) is not only a popular place to study, but also an internationally recognized technology center for cutting-edge research in electrical and information engineering. In the university ranking by the evaluation portal "Study-Check," TU Ilmenau received the "TopUni2020" award. The university offers companies intensive knowledge, technology, and personnel transfer, consistently tailoring its scientific support to the specific needs of the client on-site. A dedicated technology scout and a transfer office ensure project management from initial idea to marketable product. Within the InQuoSens research center, the Institute for Micro- and Nanotechnologies MacroNano at TU Ilmenau and the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena collaborate on research in the fields of quantum optics, quantum computing, and industrial sensor technology. This collaboration enables the entire scientific process chain to be covered.
Growth through cooperation
The Industrial Cluster for Electronic Measurement and Device Technology Thuringia e. V. (ELMUG) The cluster brings together the technological expertise of research institutions, developers, suppliers, and service providers from approximately 60 companies and 10 research institutions in the field of measurement, control, and regulation technology in Thuringia. The cluster offers an ideal platform, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector. Thanks to the short distances within the Free State of Thuringia, attractive business partners can be found quickly – for example, for joint research projects, procurement, or..
the sales. The lively exchange of experience among the members enables them to discuss opportunities and risks in advance, which will determine their future actions, e.g., in foreign markets.
ELMUG specialist groups
- Micro-Nano Integration Working Group
- EMC and Device Safety Working Group
- Digitalization Working Group
Selected companies
X-FAB Semiconductor Foundries AG
The X-FAB Group is a globally operating semiconductor company headquartered in Erfurt, Germany, and manufactures silicon wafers to customer specifications as a foundry. Since 1992, the chip manufacturer has invested hundreds of millions of euros in new machinery and modern infrastructure at its Erfurt site, which now employs around 700 people.
SIOS Meßtechnik GmbH
Founded in 1991, SIOS Messtechnik GmbH is an innovative company specializing in the development and manufacture of high-quality laser interferometric precision measuring instruments. At its headquarters in Ilmenau, it produces, among other things, the laser interferometric nanopositioning and nanomeasuring machine.
GÖPEL electronic GmbH
GÖPEL electronic is a leading provider of electrical and optical test and inspection systems, headquartered in Jena, Germany. Founded in 1991, the company currently employs over 200 people, with approximately 300 additional specialists integrated into its global distribution and service network. GÖPEL was recognized as one of Germany's 100 best medium-sized companies through the TOP-JOB program. The company's products have won several prestigious awards in recent years.
Jena-Optonik GmbH
"From Jena to Mars" is the slogan of the Jena-based sensor manufacturer. Customers of the Thuringian aerospace company rely on its highly precise, robust attitude control sensors, rendezvous and docking sensors, and optical subsystems for space-based applications.
Other selected companies