At the beginning of December 2022, the "Wissens- und Technologie-Transfer GmbH der HFT Stuttgart" (WiTech GmbH) was jointly founded by the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences and Steinbeis GmbH & Co. KG für Technologietransfer.

The aim of WiTech GmbH is to support the knowledge and technology transfer of the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT Stuttgart) in order to strengthen the interaction between science and industry, especially in the Stuttgart region. For many years, HFT Stuttgart has been working trustfully with Steinbeis in various forms of cooperation. The foundation of WiTech GmbH will enable an even closer cooperation as before.

In the newly founded WiTech GmbH, independently operating units, so-called Steinbeis Enterprises (SU), can be established. They offer tailor-made solutions to problems, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The development, consulting and service activities are offered by professors, students and employees who contribute their professional expertise and innovative ideas to the newly founded companies. This benefits both the university and the business community: The practical relevance ensures the topicality of teaching and training, and the university's scientific progress promotes the market advantage of the companies.

Innovative start-ups at HFT Stuttgart

There is a lively, innovative start-up culture at HFT Stuttgart. This is promoted by the Metropolregion 4.0 transfer project (M4_LAB) and Plan G, a start-up center located at HFT Stuttgart. The cooperation will make it much more attractive for interested parties at HFT Stuttgart to found companies in the future. But WiTech GmbH also has advantages for the university: it will be easier to acquire budgets for transfer projects, research results can be incorporated more strongly into the start-up culture and presented more uniformly to the outside world. The university also expects WiTech GmbH to give it a competitive edge in attracting students who are interested in starting their own businesses.

Steinbeis: A strong partner at the university's side

Steinbeis GmbH & Co KG für Technologietransfer is a recognized and successful partner in the university landscape in Baden-Württemberg. With its structures and experience, Steinbeis promises company founders at HFT Stuttgart stability in a competitive environment. Together, we will succeed in promoting the idea of transfer to the outside world and strengthening the culture of transfer. In short: WiTech GmbH will strengthen and further develop the transfer culture that already exists at the university.

Contact person at WiTech GmbH: Managing Director: Thomas Scherer thomas.scherer(at)steinbeis.de

Contactat HFT Stuttgart: Prof. Dr. Volker Coors volker.coors(at)hft-stuttgart.de

Picture above: Chancellor Doreen Kirmse from Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences with Edwin Jettinger (left) and Thomas Scherer from Steinbeis GmbH & Co. KG für Technologietransfer at the notary appointment on December 6, 2022 for the foundation of WiTech GmbH.

Publish date: 14. December 2022
By Michaela Leipersberger-Linder (michaela.leipersberger-linder@hft-stuttgart.de)