Universities in focus: 550 million euros for innovation and knowledge!

Universities in focus: 550 million euros for innovation and knowledge!

On July 8, 2025, the AIBE (Artificial Intelligence in Business and Engineering) research center at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg was honored for its outstanding research environment. This honor was awarded as part of the “Innovative University” initiative, which aims to strengthen small and medium-sized universities in Germany and promote their role in the regional innovation system. AIBE impresses with its close collaboration with industry and offers a unique ecosystem that combines research, teaching and transfer into a dynamic network. According to the university, in recent years AIBE has established itself as a leading player in the field of applied research, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and automation technology applications.

The “Innovative University” initiative focuses on the third mission of universities, transfer and innovation. Supported by the federal and state governments, it aims to intensify the exchange between universities and various actors from business, culture and society. Funding of up to 550 million euros will be available until 2027, which will be distributed over two selection rounds. Universities that can demonstrate a viable transfer strategy and corresponding structures are eligible to apply. This includes both state and state-recognized universities as well as university associations.

Promotion and strategies

The initiative strengthens the strategic role of universities in the regional innovation system. The aim is for at least half of the funding to go to universities of applied sciences or associations coordinated by a university of applied sciences. Individual applications can receive up to two million euros and joint applications up to three million euros. In order to meet the funding requirements, universities must make knowledge available regionally through their teaching and research activities and develop innovative products and services.

In addition, companies, educational and research institutions and non-profit organizations will be eligible for funding in joint applications, with universities having to receive at least 70 percent of the funding. An independent selection committee decides on the allocation of funding and ensures that only the most convincing applications are supported.

AIBE becomes the center of innovation

In September 2024, FAU will host the “World Market Leader Innovation Day” in Erlangen. This event will further strengthen the close connection between the university and industry and showcase AIBE as a hub for innovation and research. The combination of excellent research, a strong focus on applied science, and the provision of a first-class research environment is essential for the future development of Erlangen as a science and business location.

Overall, AIBE's award shows how important research-based innovations are for social and economic development. The Federal Government thus aims to encourage universities to exploit their potential in promoting technological progress and regional development. This is also done through the support of the “Innovative University” initiative, which is intended to provide groundbreaking impulses in the university system in the coming years. FAU reports that... as well as AIBE offers further information. Provides detailed insights into the funding initiative Innovative university.