Information and Communication Technologies (IT) in Thuringia

Academic education

Thuringia is strongly committed to developing young IT talent. Nine universities offer degree programs with a focus on information and communication technology. Almost 20 percent of all students in Thuringia receive academic training in this field (Bachelor's/Master's).

Further Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Information and Communication Technologies are offered by the University of Erfurt, the Bauhaus University Weimar as well as the Gera-Eisenach University of Cooperative Education to.

Initial and continuing education

Nearly 5,000 school leavers receive a sound theoretical and practical dual training in the ICT sector each year in the following professions:

Thuringian universities, together with industry-related research institutions, ensure an excellent research infrastructure.

Research priorities of the Thuringian ICT sector:

• (Big) Data Science
• Analysis, management and simulation of complex systems
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Artificial intelligence
• Digital Engineering
• Natural Language Processing
• Sensor technology
• Biosignal processing
• Cryptography and Media Security
• Intelligent assistance systems
• Web technologies
• Mobile communications
• Digital media technology
   

Research institutes and application centers

The media campus of STUDIO PARK Children's Media Center It offers a media-focused, well-connected, and communicative environment for companies in the creative and media industries. Its direct proximity to KiKA, ARD, ZDF, and MDR enables excellent multiplier effects that boost business and fosters opportunities for collaboration.

The Digital Bauhaus Lab is an interdisciplinary research center where computer scientists, civil engineers, and artists address the challenges of the information society. It features highly advanced large-scale equipment such as interactive
Displays, a computer cluster, and an interface development lab.

On Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT the Technical University of Ilmenau
is being developed using AI-based recognition and classification methods for audio and video data for improved industrial quality control and for applications in broadcasting and television
and worked in online media.

With the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence At the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena (ZAKI@EAH), a platform is being created that connects stakeholders from science, business and society
in order to further advance the topic of artificial intelligence in Thuringia and, above all, to bring it into application.
 

Networks:

• ITnet Thüringen eV., Network of Thuringian companies with the aim of strengthening the industry as a whole through cooperation and networking.
• Jena Digital e. V., Innovation network for digital economy & science in Jena.
• MENT - Thuringia Media Network, Network for Thuringian media actors.

diva-e Digital Value Excellence GmbH
Diva-e is an IT service provider specializing in eCommerce, SAP, and eSecurity. It focuses on implementing international B2B and B2C (omni-channel) business models. Diva-e offers consulting, implementation, and operation of eBusiness solutions across the entire value chain. With over 100 employees at seven locations, Diva-e is ideally positioned to support the digital strategies of large corporations and upper mid-sized companies in the B2B2C online business sector.

dotSource SE
Based in Jena, this company supports businesses in shaping digital customer relationships. Specializing in e-commerce, digital platforms, and CRM, the company develops and implements scalable digital products for its clients.

KIDS interactive GmbH
The company sees itself as an agency for young media, developing and producing interactive learning and gaming applications at its Erfurt location since 2007. Its expertise ranges from complex edutainment and eLearning projects for schools to sophisticated children's websites for organizations, companies, and products. In June 2017, the business magazine BRAND EINS and STATISTA, based on a survey of 20,000 executives, recognized the company as one of the top 20 most innovative companies in Germany in the field of "Internet, Media & Communication.".

Funkwerk AG
is a leading technology provider of innovative communication, information, and security systems. Tailor-made solutions for railway operators, vehicle manufacturers, industrial companies, and institutions worldwide manage and streamline operational processes in transportation, logistics, buildings, and public and private facilities of all kinds.

IBM Germany CSS GmbH
is one of the leading vendor-independent IT service providers in Europe. From its Erfurt location, it has been providing help desk services to large international clients worldwide since 1996, 365 days a year and in up to 25 languages.

IBYKUS AG
IBYKUS has been operating in Erfurt since 1990 and specializes in comprehensive IT services. Its business units – Systems, Software, and Services – offer customers a complete range of services from a single source. IBYKUS's strong expertise in software development makes it a reliable partner for complex and customized IT projects.

retarus GmbH
As a leading information logistics provider, we manage communication for renowned corporations worldwide. This IT service provider comes into play wherever large volumes of data need to be transmitted securely and reliably – regardless of the communication channel. This is based on a global delivery network with data centers in Europe, the USA, and Asia. Global customer support has been provided centrally from Erfurt since 2018.

NT AG
NT.AG has been a solid and innovative IT company for over 20 years. Its particular expertise lies in the digitization of business processes and the redesign of value chains through digital transformation. Its portfolio ranges from software development to managed IT and hosting services.